ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON WAYS AND MEANS

MINUTES OF THE meeting

of the

ASSEMBLY Committee on Ways and Means

Seventy-First Session

March 31, 2001

The Committee on Ways and Meanswas called to order at 8:36 a.m. on Saturday, March 31, 2001. Chairman Morse Arberry Jr. presided in Room 4401 of the Grant Sawyer State Office Building, 555 East Washington Avenue, Las Vegas, Nevada. Exhibit A is the Agenda. Exhibit B is the Guest List. All exhibits are available and on file at the Research Library of the Legislative Counsel Bureau.

COMMITTEE MEMBERS PRESENT:

Mr. Morse Arberry Jr., Chairman

Ms. Chris Giunchigliani, Vice Chairwoman

Mr. Bob Beers

Mrs. Barbara Cegavske

Mrs. Vonne Chowning

Mr. David Goldwater

Ms. Sheila Leslie

Mr. David Parks

Mr. Richard D. Perkins

Ms. Sandra Tiffany

COMMITTEE MEMBERS ABSENT:

Mrs. Marcia de Braga (Excused)

Mr. Joseph Dini, Jr. (Excused)

Mr. Lynn Hettrick (Excused)

Mr. John Marvel (Excused)

STAFF MEMBERS PRESENT:

Mark Stevens, Fiscal Analyst

Reba Coombs, Committee Secretary

Chairman Arberry indicated he would take the scheduled bills out of order and began the hearing with A.B. 66.

Assembly Bill 66: Makes appropriation to City of North Las Vegas for support of Nevada Partners. (BDR S-753)

The Chairman recognized Mujahid Ramadan, Executive Director of Nevada Partners. Mr. Ramadan explained Nevada Partners had been in existence since 1992 and had expanded its programming after 1999. The program provided not only pre-employment and post-employment preparations, but had moved in a more focused manner with a project entitled “Mothers in Transition” or MIT. Mr. Ramadan stated that through the MIT project, women who had been previously locked out of the employment stream were able, through help from state government and Nevada Partners, to obtain employment. Nevada Partners had provided assistance to some 45 women from low-income backgrounds by training them in various aspects of office management, including computer hardware and software, and other areas dealing with the office environment. Initially, there were some 45 women in the program, and of those, 35 successfully completed the program and the larger portion of them, approximately 68 percent, were able to transition into the work force.

In terms of the investment made by state government, Mr. Ramadan pointed out Nevada Partners expended approximately $5,000 per client to successfully move these women into the work force. Women with children had been the focus of the program, and it was very rewarding to see those women break out of the cycle of poverty. Mr. Ramadan felt it was important the committee hear not only from himself and the board members of Nevada Partners, but also from some of the clients and program participants from previous years.

Chairman Arberry recognized Michele Fletcher Richardson, Assistant City Manager for the City of North Las Vegas. Ms. Richardson offered her support of the proposed appropriation and stated that Nevada Partners had been a significant part of the community and served a portion of the population that was typically underserved and under-represented by other programs. Ms. Richardson said the city applauded the efforts of Nevada Partners within the community of North Las Vegas and the community-at-large. She said the city was pleased to serve as the fiduciary agent on this appropriation.

Ms. Giunchigliani inquired if the City of North Las Vegas hired out of the program and if they had a system established to focus on hiring from Nevada Partners. She indicated the state as well as other local governments were being urged to hire from the program. Without competing with unions, it would make sense to have individuals from the program work for the city. Ms. Richardson deferred to Mr. Ramadan for response.

Mr. Ramadan testified the network between North Las Vegas and the Chamber of Commerce, where the business community had a great deal of interaction with Nevada Partners, had been a very successful relationship. The city had supported Nevada Partners in kind as well as through small community block grants. The city had been supportive in job development programs and as the city grew, Mr. Ramadan said they would continue to be a resource for Nevada Partners.

Ms. Tiffany inquired if the women participating in Nevada Partners lived in North Las Vegas and if they were employed there as well. If that was the case, she asked how the referrals were made to Nevada Partners. Mr. Ramadan replied a significant portion of the referrals came from welfare, women who migrated to southern Nevada, the Shade Tree Shelter, and many areas dealing with homelessness and domestic violence. There was a successful collaboration with the culinary union, which allowed these women to make a transition to the work force through the culinary union. Nevada Partners’ relationship with the Southern Nevada Chamber of Commerce allowed access to a big portion of the business community to which referrals could be made. Therefore, Mr. Ramadan explained, there was a collaborative base where referrals could be made which also included the gaming and tourism industries.

If the women did not necessarily come from the City of North Las Vegas, Ms. Tiffany inquired, why was the city asking for an appropriation. Mr. Ramadan pointed out Nevada Partners was located in North Las Vegas. A significant portion of the population lived in North Las Vegas. Additionally, there was a larger base of employees outside North Las Vegas, so both areas were accessed. Ms. Richardson explained that because the agency was located within the city limits of North Las Vegas, the appropriation was being made in a similar fashion to a community development block grant. This grant would come to an agency within a community to be distributed to a community-based organization. With reference to the money coming to North Las Vegas, it was specifically to go to Nevada Partners because the agency was in the city. Nevada Partners was responsible for tracking statistics to determine where the women who participated in the program actually lived and where they became employed. The city did not keep statistics, but it was responsible for ensuring the funding got to the agency for support of their programs.

Chairman Arberry added that over the years, there had been a tendency to take the funding and run it through a city or organization such as North Las Vegas or the county. The legislative bill drafters, according to precedent, understood this was the mechanism used to operate the program. If the bill passed this session, the City of North Las Vegas would be removed from the bill and the funding would go straight to the organization in need. An attempt was being made to change the way the money was routed because there was too much controversy surrounding this existing procedure.

Mr. Ramadan introduced several members of Nevada Partners and asked them to describe their interaction with the program.

Claudia Collazo explained she had entered the Nevada Partners’ program after she had been through a tragedy in her life. She had been married to a drug addict, lost her house, her job, and nearly lost her family. She felt that everything was going downhill for her. Ms. Collazo said she entered the program, regained her self-esteem, and obtained a new job, which she kept for six months. At the present time, she was a private provider. Ms. Collazo testified the program had changed her life.

Vice Chairwoman Giunchigliani recognized Leticia Hawkins, who stated she had joined Nevada Partners in 1996. She participated in the MIT class, computer classes, and was now successful. Ms. Hawkins added she was a single parent with four children. Vice Chairwoman Giunchigliani inquired if Nevada Partners helped with child care while Ms. Hawkins was going through the program. Ms. Hawkins responded affirmatively. Vice Chairwoman Giunchigliani was pleased to hear that and added that child care and transportation were two of the biggest needs. She thanked both witnesses for their testimony.

Mr. Ramadan introduced two other members of the program who wished to speak, Deborah Hamilton and Nester Trimble. Ms. Trimble told the committee that she had come to Nevada Partners in 1994 and was unemployed at the time. When she joined the program, she went through the job skills class, which helped her with resume writing and job interview skills. Ms. Trimble said she attended a job fair and was able to secure employment with U.S. Bank. At the present time, she was director of education with Consumer Credit Counseling Services of Southern Nevada. She understood that Nevada Partners had grown considerably and now offered many more job-training skills. Ms. Trimble hoped the program would be able to continue and help others.

Vice Chairwoman Giunchigliani commented it was nice to hear how well the program was doing. So often in the past, the welfare-to-work programs placed people in minimum wage positions, so it was very difficult for those employees to get ahead. It was encouraging to hear the focus of Nevada Partners was on career and long-term employment.

Deborah Hamilton arrived in Nevada a couple of years ago, and at that time, she said she assumed she would be able to walk right into a job. She explained she had a master’s degree in clinical and counseling psychology and made a lot of assumptions when she arrived in Nevada. After ten months of unemployment, her confidence level had fallen. When Ms. Hamilton discovered Nevada Partners, she said the program had helped her identify her strengths and weaknesses. She received guidance and was taught life skills. Ms. Hamilton said she was able to use and develop the skills she had learned with Nevada Partners and was currently working at the community college as a counselor. She assured the committee Nevada Partners had been very helpful.

Mr. Ramadan pointed out Nevada Partners worked in collaboration with the culinary unions, Clark County, the Community College of Southern Nevada, the Imperial Palace, the Greater Chamber of Commerce, the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, and others. Mr. Ramadan referred to Exhibit C, a packet of information, which contained letters from people such as Claudia Adame and Darrell Hankins. Mr. Ramadan explained Darrell Hankins had been incarcerated and after training through Nevada Partners, went on to work at the Mirage.

In conclusion, while the focus point of Nevada Partners was job preparation and getting people into the work force, another program was the Sugar Ray Leonard Boxing Gym. This month, Mr. Ramadan said, they would be hosting the United Kingdom in the fourth boxing tournament, where the “Grey Cup” had been successfully defended by the United States. Mr. Ramadan called attention to a young man, Jervon Slack, who boxed out of the Nevada Partners’ boxing gym. This availability of the boxing gym allowed young children to participate in a program and kept them away from an environment that produced negative activity such as gang violence, drug and alcohol use, and other temptations, to which they might fall victim.

Jervon Slack told the committee he had been boxing for approximately six months at the Nevada Partners’ boxing gym. In the area where he resided, Mr. Slack explained, there was a lot of gang activity and drugs. There had been many people killed recently in the neighborhood. Mr. Slack stated the boxing gym kept him off the streets and helped him keep his “head on straight.” In previous years, his school grades had not been very good, Bs, Cs and Ds. Now that he had been boxing at the gym, Nevada Partners had been helping him a lot and he now had four As and two Bs on his report card. The committee expressed its pleasure at Mr. Slack’s success.

“West” replied Mr. Slack when asked by Vice Chairwoman Giunchigliani what school he attended. He was currently enrolled in the eighth grade. She was very pleased with his progress and asked him to keep up the good work.

Mr. Ramadan summarized that Nevada Partners was an overall project that touched various ages and ranges. Jervon Slack would be attending the summertime program for computer and employment training, so that he could begin to develop those job skills. The result would be that Mr. Slack would not need Nevada Partners’ help as an adult.

Mr. Ramadan introduced Pat Shalmy, a member of the Board of Trustees of Nevada Partners. Mr. Shalmy emphasized that Mr. Ramadan and his staff had done a fantastic job with the program and evidence of its success had been presented to the committee this morning. It was very pleasing to be part of a board where successes could be measured. Mr. Shalmy said, as president of the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce, he could testify how the chamber had collaborated with Mr. Ramadan and helped to find employment for people who had been trained through the program. It was very important to the business community to be a part of Nevada Partners. The program was helpful to the economy, to the individuals involved, and Mr. Shalmy wholeheartedly supported the program as a member of the chamber as well as a Nevada Partners’ board member. He urged the committee’s support.

Vice Chairwoman Giunchigliani thanked Mr. Shalmy and said she felt the key to the program was the issue of transition, where there were no dead ends.

Mrs. Chowning noted her awareness of all the wonderful programs and the outcomes presented to the community. She felt the program deserved a lot of credit. Mrs. Chowning asked if Nevada Partners owned the building in which they were situated. Mr. Ramadan responded affirmatively, the building was owned by Nevada Partners, a Nevada Nonprofit Corporation. She inquired if Mr. Ramadan would object if there was a reporting mechanism back to the legislature as to the accounting of funds. This would reassure the legislators that funding went into programs. Mr. Ramadan indicated that would not be a problem. A report had been provided after the initial funding and a comprehensive follow-up report would be provided in the event the program received funding from this bill. The report would show a person’s efforts from the beginning to successful placement in the work force. This appropriation would allow the program to go even further, Mr. Ramadan explained, and provide more supportive services than had been possible during the initial stages of the program. He reiterated that a comprehensive reporting would be provided to the legislature if the program received this funding. Mrs. Chowning stated she knew she could count on Mr. Ramadan, and thanked him.

Vice Chairwoman Giunchigliani inquired if the intent of the bill was a one-shot appropriation, as the bill seemed to indicate the funding was ongoing. Mr. Ramadan responded the appropriation was one-shot; half the funding for the first year and half for the second year.

As there was no one else to speak either for or against A.B. 66, Chairman Arberry closed the hearing and opened the hearing on A.B. 190.

Assembly Bill 190: Makes appropriation to Clark County Public Education Foundation for support and enhancement of public education in Clark County. (BDR S-902)

Chairman Arberry recognized Judi Steele, Executive Director of the Clark County Public Education Foundation. Ms. Steele commented she had been an educator the last 30 years. She distributed Exhibit D, a one-page fact sheet from the Public Education Foundation as well as a binder of information (Exhibit E), which, she explained, contained information on programs offered by the Public Education Foundation, the financial audits, budgets, and a description of programs funded over the past nine years.

The foundation had been established by business and community leaders as an independent, nonprofit 501 C3 Nevada corporation in July 1991. Ms. Steele pointed out the foundation offered solutions to the challenges facing the dynamic and diverse southern Nevada education community. The foundation supported education through reform and a broad range of entrepreneurial classroom and community-based initiatives. Ms. Steele further explained the foundation worked in corroboration with the Clark County School District, and over the past nine years, the foundation had demonstrated leadership in rethinking, recreating, and revitalizing public education. The mission of the foundation was to mobilize community resources to support and enhance public education through projects and initiatives designed to improve student performance and to better prepare students for the 21^st century. Ms. Steele stated the foundation worked together with the school district to focus community interest in public education, create the climate and will for local school improvement, generate a supplemental funding source to support local initiatives, and build collaborations and alliances.

Ms. Steele indicated the foundation provided educators with venture capital to pilot and field test new ideas and develop winning strategies. The foundation also underwrote the franchising and best practices of all students and teachers in the school district. Projects included accountability and focus on student learning and results. Guided by the knowledge that funds directed to classrooms and schools have the maximum impact on student achievement, the foundation had developed a comprehensive grant program. Ms. Steele indicated the foundation had awarded over 211 impact equity and leaders choice initiative grants since 1992, for approximately $740,000. In addition, stated Ms. Steele, the foundation had an extensive grant program and over $1.3 million had also been awarded to teachers in the school district.

An example of an impact grant recently made available at Rex Bell Elementary School was called the “Peace Patrol” grant. Ms. Steele explained students were taught how to deal with conflict in a positive and constructive way. Student mediators resolved conflicts among their peers on school grounds. At the end of the school year, 80 percent of the students demonstrated more peaceful conflict resolution techniques. Teachers and parents reported they had observed noticeable positive changes in students. At Cambeiro Elementary School, teachers created a “second cup of coffee” grant as a means of involving parents in the school process. Ms. Steele relayed parents were invited to school and provided information about school programs and ideas about how to help their children at home. In addition to the impact and equity and leaders choice initiatives, there were 637 other grants, which had been awarded over the last nine years.

In the high needs schools, Ms. Steele remarked the students did not have the opportunity to experience field trips and to have parents and the PTA assist them in the same manner as other schools were able to do. Therefore, the foundation had provided over $80,000 for field trips for some of these at-risk schools. The foundation also focused its attention on the underserved children and their families. Ms. Steele said that in addition to grants which targeted this population, the foundation created partnerships with other agencies to help schools at-risk. Funded by a grant, the foundation targeted at-risk students who were on track break and not in school during the summer. The foundation funded the first virtual on-line elementary school so that students could be on-line with recycled computers loaned to them. This would allow students to contact the school during track break and during the summers.

In corroboration with the Nevada Ballet Theater, the foundation established “Future Dance.” This program reached out into the community and allowed young people to become involved in dance lessons and dance experiences. Ms. Steele commented without this program, many students would not have the opportunity to participate in this type of activity.

Working in partnership with the West Las Vegas Art Center, the Nevada Humanities Committee, and the West Las Vegas Library, Ms. Steele commented the foundation supported and funded public library and literacy programs which reached back out into the schools. The foundation had also invested in excess of $2 million to help educators learn to use technology effectively, and through “e-learning,” increased time in school. With a general grant from the Lindsey Foundation, the Public Education Foundation created, together with teachers, the interactive on-line learning community. This allowed more than 17,000 educators and 6,000 students to be on-line 24 hours a day, working with professional development, corroborating, and getting additional assignments in a 24-hour day, seven days a week, classroom.

Recognizing the importance of a safe, on-line environment for children, Ms. Steele explained the foundation was working in corroboration with the Las Vegas Regional Internet Crime Against Children Task Force and with the Clark County School District police in developing programs to raise awareness and help children and their parents operate in a less dangerous Internet environment.

Ms. Steele continued, there was an on-line program which provided students with high quality technology projects where they could have class work, tutoring, and work with other students in an on-line environment in after school centers. In partnership with the Venetian Hotel and Casino, the Best Coalition of Drug-free Schools, the school district and Valley High School students, the foundation facilitated the creation of Help Zone, a Web site designed to be an information clearinghouse to focus on helping students prevent drug abuse, and assisting them if they were involved in drug and alcohol abuse. This site was created with the input of high school students to ensure it would be inviting to students and parents. Students could remain anonymous and receive help for their families.

The foundation, in partnership with the school district, had provided a recycled, refurbished computer program for the last five years. Ms. Steele explained computers were recycled from the business community through the use of high school students. The computers were then provided to schools and families.

Ms. Steele noted that research indicated there was a direct link between student learning and teacher knowledge. Teachers with the right tools could make the difference. The knowledge was enriched through professional development seminars, workshops, and conferences. The foundation worked to bring all those tools to teachers. The foundation provided direct support to teachers through specific teacher grants.

In summary, Ms. Steele stated the Clark County Public Education Foundation continued to promote bold and innovative steps leading to school reform and ensuring a quality education for all students. Ms. Steele introduced Dr. Kay Hawkins, who would be presenting testimony.

Chairman Arberry recognized Mr. Goldwater, who commented the work performed by the foundation was unbelievable and great. He pointed out the foundation was private and noted the state was struggling to fund the public education budget. He inquired why it would be appropriate to take money out of the Distributive School Account and provide it to a private foundation. Ms. Steele responded she hoped that money would not be taken out of the Distributive School Account. She hoped the committee would view the foundation as an important vehicle to help teachers and educators find a place to fund new ideas. The school district was now struggling to provide for all the students and there was not a lot of space in the district to try new ideas. The foundation was the vehicle for teachers and educators to get funds to try new strategies. Once those strategies which worked had been identified, the foundation then paid the school district to franchise those strategies. As such, the foundation was similar to a research and development group.

Mr. Goldwater reiterated the foundation did great work, but everyone was drawing out of the same pot of money.

Ms. Tiffany mentioned the five regional professional development centers which had the curriculum to train teachers. She inquired if the foundation was responsible for research and development for those centers. Ms. Steele responded the foundation did not do research and development for the centers, but offered teachers and educators grant opportunities. Those grant opportunities could be research based in the field. The foundation worked in corroboration with the centers, but would not do research for them. If teachers were successful in a new idea, the foundation would attempt to franchise and underwrite the teachers in other places. Ms. Tiffany asked if one of the centers could apply to the foundation for a grant. Ms. Steele indicated that was correct.

Chairman Arberry recognized Dr. Kay Hawkins, Principal of Sunset High School. Dr. Hawkins explained 36 students would be attending school this Saturday morning for math tutoring for the math proficiency test. The class would last from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. For those members who were not familiar with Sunset High School, Dr. Hawkins pointed out this was the night high school which served the poorest of the poor. The majority of students serviced were minorities and classes started at 1 p.m. in the afternoon and went until 8:05 p.m. Many of the students came from work to school or left school to go to work on graveyard shifts. The school had a day nursery for the students who were mothers and fathers and needed the day nursery. The kids lacked skills but were focused on graduation.

When Dr. Hawkins became principal of Sunset High School three years ago, there were virtually no computers. What computers were available were 286s and 386s that were not capable of being used for Internet programs. Through the Public Education Foundation, the school had been able to create new programs which otherwise could not have been accomplished because there was no other source of funding. The school had a budgeted allotment of $17,500 twice per year. This was the entire sum available for janitorial supplies, paper, pencils, books, computers, software, everything. Dr. Hawkins said Sunset was a very small school with 196 full-time students and an equal number who came for contract studies. The budget was so small the school could not afford to modernize had it not been for the Public Education Foundation.

The students lacked transportation, Dr. Hawkins relayed. This was common with people from less affluent neighborhoods. The Public Education Foundation allowed the school to explore the use of bus tokens to school in an effort to prevent dropouts. Now 106 students rode CAT busses to and from school which prevented dropouts. The first year, the program was funded entirely by the Public Education Foundation. At the present time, there were two complete computer labs at the school and kids were able to do things that had been unavailable just three years ago, thanks to the foundation. The labs were actually competing against each other in a stock market game. Those very poor kids who didn’t have two nickels to rub together were now learning about the stock market and one class was challenging the other class as to who had the best portfolio.

Referring again to the math tutoring class this morning, Dr. Hawkins explained that only 17 percent of the students passed the math proficiency exam the first time. When the exam was held the second time, only 17 percent passed. However, she estimated that with the same success achieved last year, by the end of June, 90 percent of the kids should pass the proficiency exam. One reason was the use of a software program which the kids loved. If it were not for the Public Education Foundation, the school would not have the computers, teachers, software, or the successes.

Vice Chairwoman Giunchigliani stated she agreed with Mr. Goldwater’s comment about the wonderful programs offered by the foundation. She asked Dr. Hawkins if they had received any computers through the one-shot appropriation of $29 million approved by the 1997 legislature. Dr. Hawkins responded one computer lab was furnished using some of those dollars. Ms. Giunchigliani was pleased that the appropriation was being fairly distributed around the school district.

Chairman Arberry recognized Dorothy Eisenberg, who thanked the members for coming to Las Vegas for the hearing. She very much appreciated their time and effort to come. Ms. Eisenberg stated she was an original board member of the foundation because she thought it was so important that private enterprise be a part of the school district. Many innovations and good ideas had come from the foundation. Best of all were the grants provided by the foundation. Ms. Eisenberg declared the teachers worked very hard to obtain the grants; they spent a lot of their own time applying for the grants. It was amazing the work done by teachers when they had a chance to go out on their own with great ideas. Teachers did not get enough recognition.

Ms. Eisenberg introduced two teachers, Sharon Pearson and Candace Yamagata, and stated they had won national prizes from the federal government for their teaching in math and science. Ms. Eisenberg explained Sharon Pearson taught at the Tarr Elementary School and Candace taught at the Hyde Park Middle School. These two teachers were given money from a grant through the foundation and started their own grant foundation. Ms. Eisenberg felt that was a great accomplishment and asked them to say a few words.

Candace Yamagata stated she was a teacher at Hyde Park Middle School. She explained that she and Ms. Pearson decided to fund a grant entitled “Teacher-to-Teacher” grant because Clark County School District did not fund professional development outside the school district. Ms. Yamagata apprised the committee they had used the grant to help teachers attend workshops and conferences outside the district. They felt one teacher learning innovative, creative ways to present math and science ideas in a class would impact hundreds of students. Although she wanted teachers to go to conferences, Ms. Yamagata said she and Ms. Pearson did not want to administer the grant. Therefore, Ms. Pearson suggested that the Public Education Foundation be explored and let them do the work of administering the grant and allow the teachers to do what they do best.

Ms. Yamagata said the Public Education Foundation had been chosen because she knew they would be working within very strict guidelines. She knew that however they chose to develop the grant, the foundation would work with Ms. Pearson and Ms. Yamagata, and the foundation had done that.

Sharon Pearson reiterated what had been previously stated by Ms. Eisenberg and Ms. Yamagata, that the grant was formulated for teachers. The foundation had helped dramatically and without them, this grant would not be available to teachers. The grant allowed teachers to go to conferences which the district could not fund. The Public Education Foundation was needed to help teachers broaden their own knowledge base to help students. Every drop of money spent went back to the students.

Chairman Arberry thanked the teachers for their testimony. As there was no further testimony, the chairman closed the hearing on A.B. 190 and opened the hearing on A.B. 65.

Assembly Bill 65: Makes appropriation to Clark County for support of adult day care centers of Economic Opportunity Board of Clark County.

(BDR S-144)

Marcia Rose Walker explained she was the Executive Director of the Economic Opportunity Board of Clark County. She thanked the committee for the opportunity to testify in front of the committee and distributed Exhibit F. Ms. Walker introduced Mary Jo Greenlee, the administrator of Adult and Senior Services, and Patti Been, a caregiver.

Ms. Walker said the Economic Opportunity Board (EOB) was a community action agency in Clark County. This morning, she would like to testify on adult day care services. Adult day care was a choice in the continuum of long-term care and the goal of the EOB was to delay or prevent premature institutionalization. The EOB was able to accomplish this goal by providing health care, personal care, good nutrition and hydration, and a wide range of activities to keep participants at their highest level of functioning.

Two centers served over 120 participants a day, commented Ms. Walker. The Hollyhock Center was located at 380 North Maryland Parkway and the Lied Center was located at 901 North Jones. Each center was opened six days per week, making day care available to caregivers full time.

There were more than 25,000 persons in the state of Nevada with dementia, which included Alzheimer’s disease and other cognitive impairments. Ms. Walker contended that 17,000 of those folks lived at home and were cared for by family members, which took an economic and emotional toll on the family.

In addition to the actual cost of caring for an impaired loved one, there was a cost to employers’ time which exceeded $10 billion in the United States. There was no doubt that the cost of caring for a loved one was very expensive and often, the services one needed were not available or in many instances, just too costly. A relatively small investment in adult day care had given a significant return. The caregivers needed help, contended Ms. Walker, and with the support of the legislature, that assistance could continue to be provided.

The Chairman recognized Patti Been, a caregiver with the EOB. Ms. Been explained she had been asked to testify before the committee by Ms. Greenlee because her mother had been afflicted with Alzheimer’s disease. She said they had been fortunate to discover the EOB Lied Center. Ms. Been disclosed she had been a long distance caregiver when her mother was first diagnosed and traveled a great deal with her job. She was able to hire a caregiver in Las Vegas, but she was required to turn her mother’s care over to a stranger. Ms. Been testified that her mother felt that she was a captive in her own home and was very depressed. She tried to escape several times from the caregiver. Ms. Been said she paid $240 per day for this situation, but it became unbearable. She had thoughts of a drug overdose for her mother and herself. However, after discussing the situation with a friend who worked for Senator Harry Reid, it was suggested that Ms. Been contact Mary Jo Greenlee.

Ms. Been explained that she took her mother to visit the EOB centers and asked her mother if she would like to volunteer to help. Her mother was a registered nurse and was very happy with the situation. Her social life resumed and she was able to make many friends at the center over the five years she was there. Ms. Been exclaimed her mother was very happy, she started singing, and was very stimulated at the center. The centers had a variety of activities which allowed much interaction between the staff, the caregivers, and the patients. Ms. Been said her mother’s skills as a nurse were utilized and her mother felt as if she was working at the center.

Most importantly, Ms. Been explained, using the EOB center was a check and balance with regard to her mother’s health. Previously, Ms. Been was trying to maintain a home in California, so she would be gone for a couple of weeks at a time. When she returned home, she was told her mother was not being bathed and that her hair was filthy. Ms. Been was very upset because she was paying $240 per day for a caregiver who was not doing her job. At that point, Ms. Been fired the caregiver – incidentally, the third caregiver – she quit her job and moved back to Las Vegas to be with her mother.

When Ms. Been introduced her mother to the EOB centers, her mother started getting regular medical checkups, she was exercising, eating great meals, and coming home each day a much happier person. Ms. Been explained that taking care of her mother was one of the most important things she had done and felt the EOB center had extended her mother’s life. Ms. Been stated she could not say enough good things about the senior day care received by her mother through the EOB.

Mrs. Cegavske noted that her mother had just been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease and early dementia. As a long distance provider, her family was now facing some of the same decisions as Ms. Been. She asked if Ms. Been was involved with the EOB centers now. Ms. Been responded that her mother had passed away just last year and she was still healing. Ms. Cegavske explained that she had recently read an article in the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) magazine about how to deal with long distance care giving. She asked to meet with Ms. Been after the meeting to discuss what options were available.

Chairman Arberry recognized Mary Jo Greenlee. Ms. Greenlee advised the committee the EOB had been in existence in Las Vegas for over 20 years. The cost of in-home care was approximately $240 per day; the cost of nursing home placement was about $150 per day; the EOB was providing adult day care for $40 per day. Ms. Greenlee disclosed they kept their rates low in order to attract as many people as possible into that type of care. It was a myth that individuals were equipped to place their family members in nursing homes. People were adverse to placing family in homes; the reason it happened was that services were not available or the services available did not meet the needs of the family. If an individual was placed in a nursing home in the state of Nevada today, the cost would be between $4,000 to $5,000 per month. As most of the committee members were aware, Ms. Greenlee noted bank accounts could be depleted within a year or a little longer. The spouse was left practically destitute and would be forced to state welfare, the Medicaid reimbursement program. That situation cost the state $40,000 per year for every individual. If that figure was multiplied by the 120 participants in adult day care, for instance, Ms. Been’s mother who was attended to for five years, that more than covered the amount of the bill proposed to enhance the program.

Ms. Greenlee stated she felt a deep responsibility to represent the seniors who were cared for in the EOB centers. She contended the money requested from the legislature was for those seniors, for therapy which the program could not afford, the studies on music therapy, tai chi, and some of the new alternatives which had proven useful. The art program had been very successful, especially for those seniors who had lost the ability to speak. The funding requested in this bill would enhance the program.

Another critical issue to be considered was the lack of training for people who gave care to seniors. Ms. Greenlee disclosed this was true in nursing homes and it was also true in the EOB day care centers. The vision of the EOB would be to initiate a training program. There was a national training program which could be followed that cost $1,000 for each program aid. This program would provide adequate training to care for a senior in an appropriate way. The special features with day care included all the services such as health care, nutrition, and hydration, but most of all, the program was a lot of fun and people really wanted to come to the centers. Unlike walking into a nursing home, Ms. Greenlee explained, where there were patients and families who really did not want to be there, when family members came into day care, it was obvious they wanted to be there. A care plan was developed to meet the needs of the individual. Ms. Greenlee said she had been involved in the program for 20 years, it was a good program, it worked well. Referring to Exhibit F, Ms. Greenlee pointed out she had listed how the appropriation would be spent if it was provided to the EOB.

Ms. Giunchigliani inquired how many centers were operated by the EOB. Ms. Greenlee responded the EOB operated two adult day care centers. The Salvation Army operated one in Henderson, and there were two for-profit programs, Willow Creek and Life Care. Ms. Giunchigliani asked if the centers were listed in the Aging Services Division’s directory. Ms. Greenlee responded affirmatively, the new directory was still in draft form and was being updated.

Ms. Giunchigliani asked what funding was received from the federal government for this program and if the county contributed to the program. Ms. Greenlee replied the EOB program was basically a fee for service; therefore, reimbursement was received from Medicaid. That level was $8 below the actual cost of providing care. The EOB received a small block grant from Clark County of $28,000 and block grant funds had been applied for through the city; however, Ms. Greenlee did not believe the funds had been approved.

Ms. Giunchigliani noted that she would review the distribution of dollars which were identified in Exhibit F, but asked if the number of clients which could be served had been broken out. Ms. Greenlee responded the goal was to enhance the program with the music therapist. The EOB had not been planning to add another site, although that would be a future need.

Ms. Walker thanked the chairman and the committee for allowing the EOB an opportunity to speak to them. She reminded the committee to be mindful that one day someone will be having this discussion about their own care.

There being no further testimony on A.B. 65, the Chairman closed the hearing.

Assembly Bill 255: Makes appropriation to Alzheimer’s Association - Southern Nevada Chapter for implementation of Safe Return Program.

(BDR S-1141)

Chairman Arberry recognized Assemblywoman Ellen Koivisto, District 14. Ms. Koivisto stated that A.B. 255 had been requested by the northern and southern Alzheimer’s Associations in Nevada. The original bill requested $171,000 in each year of the biennium; however, the number had been revised downward to $60,000 in the first year and $35,000 in the second year because the association had received a grant.

This money would be used for training of public safety organizations in the Safe Return Program. Law enforcement personnel would be trained to deal with wandering Alzheimer’s patients. Many stories have been heard about wandering Alzheimer’s patients, some who were found and some who were not. Ms. Koivisto explained the $60,000 request in the first year was to set up the program and the training standards for public safety and police officers so they could train other police officers in agencies around the state in ways to deal with Alzheimer’s patients.

Ms. Koivisto had spoken with a police officer with the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (METRO) who had been working for a number of years on his own time with Alzheimer’s patients. By training police officers, they had been able to identify people who were suffering from Alzheimer’s and dementia and learned how to treat them appropriately. Sometimes these patients ended up in jail which was not the way these people should be treated. The program provided for identification bracelets and was part of a national network which included a 24-hour 800 hotline number to report people who were registered in a national database. Ms. Koivisto offered to answer questions; however, the people who were going to testify and had more information had not arrived at the hearing.

Mr. Perkins commented that approximately once per month, a person walked away from their family or a care facility. Given the climate swings in southern Nevada, including very cold in the winter or very hot in the summer, it oftentimes became a matter of hours to find a missing person before the temperature would take them away. Mr. Perkins recollected that in approximately 1990 he searched for a lady who was in her 80s and had walked away from a home in Henderson. She was not found until the fourth day and by then it was too late. This was just one story, but he could provide many more if there was sufficient time. Mr. Perkins was very much in support of the bill.

There being no further testimony on A.B. 255, Chairman Arberry closed the hearing.

Assembly Bill 269: Makes appropriation to Division of State Parks of State Department of Conservation and Natural Resources for use by Tule Springs Preservation, Inc. to restore “Old Adobe” building at Floyd R. Lamb State Park. (BDR S-881)

Assemblywoman Kathy Von Tobel, representing District 20, stated that Floyd Lamb State Park was in her district as well as the Valley of Fire and Spring Mountain Ranch. She felt fortunate to be joined by representatives of the Tule Springs Preservation Committee. Citizens in the community had decided they would like to adopt Floyd R. Lamb State Park and address projects which needed refurbishing. Many hours of time and effort had been put into the park, which was sorely in need of many improvements. Ms. Von Tobel said several members of the committee were present to address this appropriation.

Ms. Von Tobel introduced Terri Robertson and said that Ms. Robertson had been a strong supporter of the park for many, many years.

Ms. Robertson thanked the chairman and committee for holding this hearing in Las Vegas. Part of the reason this committee was together was that two sessions ago, Ms. Giunchigliani had told Ms. Robertson that a group should be put together to help refurbish the park. Thereafter, this committee had been organized.

Ms. Robertson had joined forces with Assemblyman Tom Collins and many things had been learned about the park, much more than they ever imagined. She introduced Mildred Nay Turner, who was the daughter of Rebecca and Bert Nay, and whose family were the first non-Indian settlers at the park. Ms. Robertson also introduced Bill Gilcrease, who wanted to submit a letter in support of the park. Additionally, Don White would be presenting testimony for the committee.

Don White distributed Exhibit G, information relating to the Floyd R. Lamb State Park. Mr. White indicated his appreciation for the opportunity to speak to the committee in Las Vegas. He read from prepared testimony, Exhibit H. It was the love of the park which persuaded Mr. White to become a member of the Tule Springs Preservation Committee and he was very honored to represent the committee.

Mr. White stated the committee was a nonprofit advisory group to Floyd R. Lamb State Park. Some of the dreams for the park included the restoration of some of the historical buildings and the visitor’s center, obtaining grants for archaeological and paleontology studies, and carrying out historical research on the families who lived on or near the park. They would also like to do bird studies and complete research for information and educational materials to become available to the public.

All the ranch buildings at the park were listed on the National Register of Historical Places, noted Mr. White. The Old Adobe hut was listed as structure 13 and was the reason for the presentation before the committee this morning. The preservation committee wished to thank Assemblywoman Von Tobel and other assembly members who sponsored A.B. 269. The picture, which was included in Exhibit G, showed the building was in great need of repair. Although the park area was an important water source for southern Nevada since the occupation of man, a complete history of the area had not been compiled. It became apparent while researching the projects at the park that this restoration was an important goal.

Mr. White continued that in 1906, the adobe was described as abandoned. It was unknown who built the first section of the adobe, but it was known that Bert Nay added on to the structure after the family moved there in approximately 1910. Mr. Nay and his family were the first non-Indian settlers to permanently settle at Tule Springs. All the private landowners since the early settlers knew the importance of preserving this building. P. J. Goumond built all the white ranch buildings at the park and preserved the Old Adobe while he created his oasis in the desert. In a community where building implosions were becoming the norm, Mr. White pointed out the state was lucky these families saw fit to allow this historic building to stand.

The Nevada Division of State Parks had not been eligible for any grant money from the Nevada State Historic Office to restore the historical buildings on the ranch. As an agency, they had been committed to doing what was best for all parks within their financial capabilities. Therefore, Mr. White said it was his request that A. B. 269 not have any effect on the budget presented to the legislature by the Nevada Division of State Parks. The preservation committee did not want to cause a State Parks’ project to be set aside in preference to this project.

Mr. White mentioned the restoration process would include an archaeological study which would help determine the building’s exact perimeter, and it would be an opportunity to look for remnants of the past. Copies of the projected work proposal were included in Exhibit G. The preservation committee would support whoever was determined to receive the contract.

Mr. White implored the committee to look at the state’s historical base. All the great cities of our country prided themselves on their heritage and the embodiment of that heritage was the preservation of historical places and buildings.

Chairman Arberry thanked Mr. White for his testimony and asked if there was anyone else who wished to speak for or against A. B. 269.

Mildred Nay Turner stated she was pleased to be in front of the committee and honored that her parents were the first settlers in Tule Springs which was now known as the Floyd R. Lamb State Park. Mrs. Turner said that she and her siblings were born at Tule Springs and she was thrilled that the Old Adobe may be restored. She said that her father and an Indian named Queho built the Old Adobe. Mrs. Turner said she was one of the youngest children, and learned the history of the area from what was handed down through her family. She offered to provide any further testimony if requested by the committee.

Chairman Arberry recognized Nancy Gentis, who was the secretary for the Tule Springs Preservation Committee. She read from prepared testimony, Exhibit I, and said that Bill Gilcrease and his family lived on property in close proximity to the Floyd R. Lamb State Park. Mr. Gilcrease had a long interest in the park area and recently he and his brother had completed oral histories with the University of Nevada at Las Vegas. Ms. Gentis read a letter from Mr. Gilcrease (Exhibit I) indicating his strong support for the restoration of the Old Adobe.

The Nevada Division of State Parks submitted Exhibit J, which was a statement in opposition to A. B. 269.

There being no further testimony on A. B. 269, Chairman Arberry closed the hearing and opened the hearing on A. B. 191.

Assembly Bill 191: Makes appropriation to Nevada Partners, Inc., for support of Youth/Adolescent Re-Entry Recidivism Diversion Program at Summit View Youth Correctional Center. (BDR S-1008)

Chairman Arberry recognized Mujahid Ramadan, Executive Director of Nevada Partners. Mr. Ramadan contended this bill was in support of a reentry program between Nevada Partners and the Summit View state facility. The appropriation was in reference to the Nevada Partners’ boxing program and would allow services to be provided for high-risk youth who were involved in the Summit View counseling program and a follow-up boxing program. The appropriation would also provide supportive services after release from Summit View. The idea, Mr. Ramadan explained, was to reduce recidivism in areas of Las Vegas. The youth placed at Summit View were done so because of violent behavior in society. It was felt that boxing would be a good avenue to help reenter those youth into society and reduce their recidivism by providing outlets to direct some of their anger.

Chairman Arberry asked if there was anyone else to speak for or against A. B. 191. There being no further testimony, the Chairman closed the hearing on A. B. 191 and opened the hearing on A. B. 360.

Assembly Bill 360: Makes appropriation to Department of Administration for support of amateur athletics and recreational programs in City of Las Vegas. (BDR S-1488)

The Chairman recognized Henry Thorns of the Dog Catchers Youth Foundation. Mr. Thorns observed the committee should not be dissuaded by the name of his foundation. He handed out Exhibit K and during Mr. Thorns’ presentation, young members of the foundation walked around the committee room showing photographs on large boards of some of the activities performed by the foundation. Mr. Thorns explained the foundation was an organization which worked with children ages 5-17, and many of the activities revolved around sports. Many youths went to school just so they could play football, basketball, and other sports. Mr. Thorns told a bit about his childhood and how he had been too small to play basketball as he got older, so he and a couple of friends made up their own team. In 1982, they were holding car washes and neighborhood barbeques to raise money. Now, in 2001, the Dog Catchers were going strong. Just yesterday, the foundation sent four basketball teams to Twenty-Nine Palms, California, to play in a tournament which had been ongoing for 29 years. Mr. Thorns disclosed there were also six girls’ basketball teams.

Members of the Dog Catchers were participating from every high school, junior high school and elementary school in Las Vegas. The youth were involved in the Drug Abuse Resistance Education (D.A.R.E.) program and other after school programs. The point Mr. Thorns was trying to make was that his foundation had been able to help younger brothers and sisters of troubled youth, which had allowed them to turn around older siblings, mothers and fathers.

Mr. Thorns emphasized this was a great program, and one dedicated to more than sports. Last year, 75 children graduated from the Dog Catchers Youth Foundation. Even the Governor had agreed that if a student could maintain a 3.0 grade point average, he would see that four of those children could go to college. Mr. Thorns explained that he had received many awards from the successes of the program and he currently had 500 youths involved in the foundation. This was such a positive program, Mr. Thorns exclaimed, and asked for the support of the committee.

Chairman Arberry indicated his support for “HenHen” and his Dog Catchers. They had grown up together, went to the same high school, and they had played sports together. One summer, the Chairman said, he had run into Mr. Thorns who was very depressed because he could not get the support he really needed. The Chairman told Mr. Thorns if he could get his kids to work hard and try to raise some of the funds they needed, then the Chairman promised he would take a proposal to the legislature to see what could be done. Mr. Thorns made that commitment; the kids were washing cars, having fund-raisers at the Doolittle Community Center, and everything they could do to raise money. Chairman Arberry emphasized that Mr. Thorns had been very committed to the community and the kids.

Chairman Arberry stated the last time the legislature was able to provide some funding, Mr. Thorns had done some wonderful things with the kids. He asserted that Mr. Thorns should not get discouraged because the state had very limited funding this session. If the state could not provide any appropriation this session, he did not want the program to die as the community was very dependent on the Dog Catchers, in light of the gang problems in Las Vegas. In fact, whenever there was a shooting in the Las Vegas area, Chairman Arberry stated he would first call Mr. Thorns for information and help. This was not to see the youth was arrested, but to stem further violence in other areas of the community.

Mrs. Chowning offered her support of those community-minded people who were able to reach out and touch our young people. She declared her thanks to Mr. Thorns. She asked for a breakdown as to how the funding would be expended. She understood the appropriation would go directly to the City of Las Vegas and would then be reallocated. Mrs. Chowning asked about other similar basketball programs. Mr. Thorns responded he was not bragging, but all the other programs were copycats of the Dog Catchers Youth Foundation.

Mrs. Chowning asked if the Dog Catchers paid for the children to get into some of the programs because they could not afford to do so on their own. Mr. Thorns responded affirmatively; all the programs were run by the City of Las Vegas. They must pay the city for use of their facilities, the school district was paid for the use of their gyms, referees were paid $17 to $25 per game. Mr. Thorns explained they had just finished with 16 boys basketball teams. The schools charged $90 per hour to rent the gym and many times when the schools were asked if the gym could be rented, they were often told no, so the youths were forced to use the outside courts. There were only two courts in Mr. Thorns’ neighborhood, and with numerous basketball teams, it became very hectic. Sometimes they were forced to go to other neighborhoods to practice.

When asked by Mrs. Chowning if the Dog Catchers was a separate program from the Boys and Girls Club and other similar programs, Mr. Thorn replied it was. Mr. Thorn invited the committee members to attend any of the events sponsored by the program.

Chairman Arberry recognized Charles Day, who said he had been with the Dog Catchers Youth Foundation for seven years. He said if it had not been for Mr. Thorns, he would most probably be involved with gangs. The foundation had kept his life positive.

Tracey Lewis offered her support to Mr. Thorns and all that he had told the committee. She was employed at Booker Elementary School and in the month of March, there were approximately eight shootings. Ms. Lewis said she knew each one of the individuals and was still going through the grieving process. She submitted Exhibit L, a political cartoon from the Las Vegas Review Journal, which she felt illustrated the opinion of some members of the community. The drawing was of a car driving down Martin Luther King Boulevard past a road sign which stated “Watch Out for Falling Bodies.” Ms. Lewis became very upset and said the community needed a great deal of help. Many programs had been cut to almost nothing and very little was being done. There was a need for parks, facilities, and so many other things. Programs such as Mr. Thorns’ and Nevada Partners needed funding, but they also had to be accountable.

Ms. Lewis apologized for crying, however, going to three funerals in one day was very difficult and she felt things were going to get worse before they got better. She pleaded for money for the North Las Vegas community and stated the Doolittle Center would need $8 million to rebuild it from the ground up. It was very necessary and more problems would occur in the future without some help. She reiterated the schools and other programs should be made accountable.

There being no further testimony, Chairman Arberry closed the hearing on A. B. 360.

Upon request from Donald Hauth of the Alzheimer’s Association, Chairman Arberry reopened the hearing on A. B. 255 for a brief comment.

Assembly Bill 255: Makes appropriation to Alzheimer’s Association - Southern Nevada Chapter for implementation of Safe Return Program.

(BDR S-1141)

Donald Hauth, Vice President of the Alzheimer’s Association of Southern Nevada, presented the committee with Exhibit M. He explained his mother-in-law had died of Alzheimer’s disease and he had been around the issue for some time. Las Vegas had one of the fastest growing senior populations and 10 percent of people over 65 years of age would develop Alzheimer’s disease and 50 percent over 85 years of age would develop the disease. In the senior communities in Las Vegas, one in ten would have Alzheimer’s disease.

Mr. Hauth contended that it had been shown in the past there was a definite need for a statewide program addressing the rural communities, the ethnic communities, and the urban communities where people wander. The Safe Return program was a definite cost savings program for law enforcement agencies and was a benefit to taxpayers and families who had their family members returned very quickly. The program was also of benefit to the individual who was returned home very quickly.

Mr. Hauth indicated that Lieutenant Stan Olsen, of the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, was to have presented a letter of support. In northern Nevada, letters of support would be submitted from the Reno Police Department, Washoe County, the Sparks Police Department, and others. This was a win-win situation for everyone and there was a need for a statewide program. This would be a comprehensive statewide program to address the growing senior population The program could be established in two years, and once up and running, Mr. Hauth stated there would be little need for additional funding.

There being no further testimony on A. B. 255, the Chairman closed the hearing.

Chairman Arberry thanked the committee for coming to this hearing in Las Vegas and announced Ways and Means would meet in Carson City again next Monday morning at 7:30 a.m.

As there was no further business before the committee, Chairman Arberry adjourned the meeting at 10:19 a.m.

RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED:

Reba Coombs

Committee Secretary

APPROVED BY:

Assemblyman Morse Arberry Jr., Chairman

DATE: