LAS VEGAS (KSNV) — Senate Bill 3 (SB3), aimed at establishing the Silver State General Assistance Program, has been unanimously passed by the Nevada Assembly Floor.
This measure, which previously cleared the Nevada Senate, is designed to establish a backup fund for SNAP in the event of future government shutdowns.
Andrew Clarke, Revenue Coalition Manager for New Day Nevada, praised the Assembly’s decision, stating, “Thank you to the Nevada Assembly for choosing to invest in the best return on investment there is: feeding families.” Clarke emphasized the program as a response to federal cuts, noting, “Every dollar spent on food assistance for children returns $62 over the course of their lives.”
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Shelbie Swartz, Executive Director of Battle Born Progress, also expressed gratitude, saying, “Thank you to the Nevada Assembly for passing Senate Bill 3, and thank you to Senate Majority Leader Cannizzaro for bringing this critical measure forward.” Swartz highlighted the importance of the program in addressing food insecurity and criticized the federal government’s approach, stating, “We find ourselves living under a federal government that seeks to punish the most marginalized in our state.”
Nalani Page, a member of AFSCME Local 4041, remarked on the bipartisan nature of the bill, saying, “SB3 is what special legislative sessions should be about: creating bipartisan solutions to address the needs of Nevadans.” Page emphasized the program’s potential to offer hope to vulnerable communities.
André Wade of Silver State Equality commended the Assembly’s actions, stating, “Extraordinary times call for extraordinary measures.” Wade noted the importance of prioritizing the well-being of Nevadans over politics, asserting that SB3 achieves this by creating a general assistance program.
The bill now awaits the governor’s approval to become law.