Senate Joint Resolution No. 7–Committee on
Legislative Affairs and Operations

 

March 7, 2001

____________

 

Referred to Committee on Government Affairs

 

SUMMARY—Urges United States Department of State to approve establishment of Mexican Consulate in Las Vegas. (BDR R‑1148)

 

FISCAL NOTE:            Effect on Local Government: No.

                     Effect on the State: No.

 

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EXPLANATION – Matter in bolded italics is new; matter between brackets [omitted material] is material to be omitted.

 

Senate Joint RESOLUTION—Urging the United States Department of State to approve the establishment of a Mexican Consulate in Las Vegas.

 

1-1    Whereas, Hispanic settlers from Mexico were the first ethnic group to

1-2  arrive in the territory that now encompasses the State of Nevada, predating

1-3  all except the Native Americans; and

1-4    Whereas, The Hispanic cultural influence is strong in this state, dating

1-5  back to 1829 when Mexican scout Rafael Rivera discovered an area that

1-6  was officially named Las Vegas which is Spanish for “The Meadows”; and

1-7    Whereas, Since their first arrival to the region, Hispanics have forged

1-8  a rich legacy in this state and contributed greatly to its growth and

1-9  development; and

1-10    Whereas, In the past 10 years, not only was Nevada the fastest

1-11  growing state in the nation, but Southern Nevada’s Hispanic population,

1-12  most of which is of Mexican descent, has grown to account for more than

1-13  14 percent of the population in Southern Nevada, thus making the Las

1-14  Vegas Valley one of the top five areas of Hispanic population in the

1-15  country; and

1-16    Whereas, It is estimated that by the year 2010 this state can expect to

1-17  have a Hispanic population of 20 percent, mainly concentrated in the Las

1-18  Vegas Valley; and

1-19    Whereas, Since the Las Vegas Valley is today experiencing expansive

1-20  and diversified growth in our demographic makeup and economic pursuits,

1-21  and Mexico is our neighboring country and partner in business, trade and

1-22  tourism, it is essential we provide for the best means of ongoing

1-23  communication, safeguards and service to our residents and visitors from

1-24  Nevada and the country of Mexico; and

2-1    Whereas, The Mexican Ministry of Foreign Affairs is considering Las

2-2  Vegas, Nevada, as a potential location for a consulate; now, therefore, be it

2-3    Resolved by the Senate and Assembly of the State of Nevada,

2-4  Jointly, That the members of the 71st session of the Nevada Legislature

2-5  do hereby urge the United States Department of State to approve the

2-6  establishment of a Mexican Consulate in Las Vegas to provide the best

2-7  means for assisting both the residents of Southern Nevada and visitors with

2-8  a variety of services; and be it further

2-9    Resolved, That the Secretary of the Senate prepare and transmit a copy

2-10  of this resolution to the Secretary of State of the United States Department

2-11  of State, the Chief of Protocol of the United States Department of State; the

2-12  Chief of the Bureau of Consular Affairs of the United States Department of

2-13  State and each member of the Nevada Congressional Delegation; and be it

2-14  further

2-15    Resolved, That this resolution becomes effective upon passage.

 

2-16  H