(Annie Black) – Since announcing my decision last week that I’ve chosen not to join the Republican Assembly Caucus, a number of people have written expressing concern that I’ll be all alone without colleagues reviewing legislation with me.
Others have suggested I start a separate caucus for conservatives – much like the Freedom Caucus in Congress. One supporter joked that we should call it the “Black Conservative Caucus” (Annie Black, get it?).
But somehow, I’m guessing that wouldn’t go over too well in today’s racially-charged PC culture. So here’s what we’re doing instead…
Welcome to the Legislative Study Committee!
Actually, this isn’t a new idea. The LSC was originally established over ten years ago by former conservative Assemblyman Ed Goedhart. But after his retirement from politics, it kinda fell by the wayside.
Well, I’m resurrecting it. And Mr. Goedhart has agreed to serve as a Senior Adviser.
The difference and beauty of the LSC, as opposed to a separate Assembly caucus, is that it can include conservative members of both the Assembly AND the Senate, as well as conservative leaders representing a wide variety of interests and issues.
It’s a way to more actively involve CITIZENS in the legislative process rather than just legislators.
The LSC will meet as a group in Carson City weekly and focus on developing and evaluating legislation and policy positions on key issues including the budget, appropriations, taxes, education, health care, public safety, transportation and general government reform.
The overall mission of the Legislative Study Committee will be…
- To advance the principles of free markets, limited government, federalism and individual liberty in the Nevada Legislature.
- To promote these principles by developing legislation in cooperation with state legislators from all political parties.
- To review and evaluate legislation proposed by others as it relates to these principles.
- To bring together members of the public and private sectors to formulate public policies and legislation which are consistent with these principles.
In drafting, reviewing and evaluating legislation, the LSC will bear in mind the following guiding principles:
- Does the bill reduce government regulations, reduce the size of government, eliminate entitlements, or eliminate unnecessary programs?
- Does the bill reduce taxes or fees?
- Does the bill encourage responsible behavior by individuals and families and encourage them to provide for their own health, safety, education or general welfare?
- Does the bill increase opportunities for individuals or families to decide, without hindrance or coercion from government, how to conduct their own lives and make personal choices?
- Does the bill enhance the power of parents and guardians to rear their own children without excessive interference from the government?
Which brings me to another announcement. In addition to resurrecting the LSC, I want to introduce you to two individuals who will be joining me in Carson City…
Dan Burdish – an experienced, highly-regarded veteran of the legislative process who served as the LSC’s Executive Director in the past – has agreed to serve as my Policy Analyst for the 2021 session, and Tanner Durfee has agreed to serve as my Attaché.
So fear not, my friends. I won’t be alone in Carson City even though I’ve not joined the Republican Assembly Caucus. Not by a long shot. And certainly not as long as I have you by my side.
Happy Thanksgiving!
QUOTES OF THE DAY
“As Southern Nevadan governments announced adjustments Monday to adhere to stricter statewide rules amid a surging spread of the coronavirus, Las Vegas Mayor Carolyn Goodman called Gov. Steve Sisolak ‘a dictator.’ Goodman has been perhaps the state’s most visible critic of sharp restrictions meant to slow the outbreak.” – Las Vegas Review-Journal, 10/24/20
“I mean this with all sincerity, @GovSisolak: Up. Yours. I will do what I want and invite who I want within my own HOME on Thanksgiving or on any other day of the year for that matter.” – Courtney Holland
“If you see me talking to myself, do not disturb. I’m having a staff meeting.” – Meme sent by a supporter of my decision not to join the Republican Assembly Caucus
Annie Black is the Nevada State Assemblywoman representing District 19. You can get more information by visiting www.electannieblack.com
