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

 

FILE NUMBER..........

 

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

 

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

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

 all except the Native Americans; and

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

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

 was officially named Las Vegas which is Spanish for “The Meadows”;

 and

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

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

 development; and

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

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

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

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

 Vegas Valley one of the top five areas of Hispanic population in the

 country; and

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

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

 Vegas Valley; and

   Whereas, Since the Las Vegas Valley is today experiencing expansive

 and diversified growth in our demographic makeup and economic

 pursuits, and Mexico is our neighboring country and partner in business,

 trade and tourism, it is essential we provide for the best means of ongoing

 communication, safeguards and service to our residents and visitors from

 Nevada and the country of Mexico; and

   Whereas, The Mexican Ministry of Foreign Affairs is considering Las

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

 it

   Resolved by the Senate and Assembly of the State of Nevada,

 Jointly, That the members of the 71st session of the Nevada Legislature

 do hereby urge the United States Department of State to approve the

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

 means for assisting both the residents of Southern Nevada and visitors

 with a variety of services; and be it further

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

 of this resolution to the Secretary of State of the United States Department

 of State, the Chief of Protocol of the United States Department of State;

 the Chief of the Bureau of Consular Affairs of the United States

 Department of State and each member of the Nevada Congressional

 Delegation; and be it further

   Resolved, That this resolution becomes effective upon passage.

 

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