Clark County's Incomplete SB231 Application Stirs Controversy

Issue #009 - December 16, 2023

Author

John Wu
16 Dec

 ❤️ Inside this issue of SummerSouth Insider..

🔍Spotlight Feature: The Las Vegas Rescue Mission 🔍

📆 Local Events in December 2023

🌞Today’s Weather

📝Clark County's Incomplete SB231 Application Stirs Controversy

📮Postal Service Increases Capacity with New Sorting Machines for Busy Season

🎟Las Vegas Emerges as Epicenter of Live Entertainment, Says StubHub Report

💱Congressional Budget Office Predicts Inflation, Unemployment, and GDP Changes in 2024-2025

🏠Breaking: Mortgage Rates Hit Below 7% Mark, Potential for Additional Decline Explained.

❄Winter Wonders: Unveiling the Advantages of Buying a House During the Off-Season

🏈Super Bowl Week in Las Vegas: Tickets Now Available for Fan-Focused Events

👮‍♂️Holiday Crime Prevention Tips

✅ We Want To Spotlight Your Business!

A Beacon of Hope in the Heart of Las Vegas

In the bustling city of Las Vegas, known for its glittering lights and endless entertainment, lies a haven of compassion and support - the Las Vegas Rescue Mission. This December, the mission shines even brighter as it embarks on a heartwarming initiative to gather donations for those in need, proving that the spirit of giving is alive and well in the city of neon lights.

A Mission of Giving

The Las Vegas Rescue Mission is not just a charity; it is a lifeline for many. This December, the mission is accepting donations at the Gardens, Trails, Vistas, and Willows Community Centers, inviting the community to share in the joy of giving. The items sought include blankets, winter coats, bath towels, underwear, and essential hygiene products, along with child and baby items like diapers and pajamas. These donations are more than just goods; they are gestures of hope and care for those facing challenging times.

More Than Just a Hand-Out

What sets the Las Vegas Rescue Mission apart is its philosophy of offering a 'hand-up, not just a hand-out.' This approach goes beyond mere charity; it's about empowering individuals. The mission provides meals, clothing, household items, and crucial life-skills counseling, all designed to help people regain their footing in life. It's a testament to the mission's belief in the potential of every individual to overcome adversity with the right support.

A Community United

The Las Vegas Rescue Mission's initiative is a reflection of the community's spirit. It's a reminder that amidst the hustle and bustle of daily life, there's a community ready to support its most vulnerable members. The mission's efforts in December are not just about collecting items; they're about bringing people together, fostering a sense of unity and shared purpose.

Join the Mission

As the holiday season approaches, the Las Vegas Rescue Mission invites everyone to be part of this noble cause. Whether it's through donating goods or volunteering time, every contribution makes a difference. It's an opportunity for the residents of Las Vegas to show that their city is not just about bright lights and entertainment, but also about warmth, generosity, and community spirit. Learn More.

December 2023

Saturday, December 16, 2023

 Holiday Parade: 6 PM - 6:50 PM

Sunday, December 17, 2023

Monday, December 18, 2023

Tuesday, December 19, 2023

Wednesday, December 20, 2023

Thursday, December 21, 2023

Friday, December 22, 2023

Saturday, December 23, 2023

Sunday, December 24, 2023 - Christmas Eve

Monday, December 25, 2023 - Christmas Day

Tuesday, December 26, 2023

Wednesday, December 27, 2023

Thursday, December 28, 2023

 Ice Skating at the Rock Rink: 10 AM - 10 PM 

Friday, December 29, 2023

Saturday, December 30, 2023

 Ice Skating at the Rock Rink: 10 AM - 10 PM 

Sunday, December 31, 2023 - New Year’s Eve

Clark County's Incomplete SB231 Application Stirs Controversy

The Nevada Legislature's Interim Finance Committee (IFC) recently faced confusion over funding requests from two school districts, including Clark County, from a $250 million matching fund (SB231) designated for additional pay increases for teachers and support staff. The fund was established during the 2023 legislative session.

Clark County School District sought $58 million from SB231, intending to support a 4% raise for support staff, as agreed with the Education Support Employees Association (ESEA) and Teamsters Local 14. However, their application, which lacked a plan for teacher raises due to ongoing negotiations with the Clark County Education Association, was deemed incomplete by the committee chair, Assemblywoman Daniele Monroe-Moreno.

Lander County School District requested approximately $591,000 for its certified staff, with negotiations still underway for its support staff. Despite previous guidance allowing for multiple funding requests, the IFC, with the ultimate authority on SB231 approvals, deferred decisions on these applications. This led to frustration among district employees and unions, particularly as the IFC also postponed its decision on a $6.2 million request from Lyon County School District for further clarity.

Meanwhile, the IFC approved $15 million for five other districts, including Carson City and Eureka County. The committee's actions highlighted the ongoing debate between Democratic lawmakers and CCSD Superintendent Jesus Jara, with the latter's absence from the meeting drawing attention. This decision means that additional raises for CCSD support staff may be delayed until March at the earliest.

Postal Service Increases Capacity with New Sorting Machines for Busy Season

During the busiest mailing and delivery week of the year, the U.S. Postal Service has increased operations at its facilities, including the Las Vegas plant. Terry Mullins, the Las Vegas plant manager, highlighted the peak week leading up to December 16 and outlined crucial shipping deadlines: December 16 for first-class greeting cards, letters, and ground advantage packages, December 18 for priority mail, and December 20 for priority mail express.

The Postal Service has enhanced its sorting capacity, installing over 300 new machines nationwide since 2021, allowing the handling of more than 700 million packages a day. Despite this technological upgrade, the Las Vegas post offices have not experienced hiring challenges, as confirmed by Mullins.

Las Vegas Emerges as Epicenter of Live Entertainment, Says StubHub Report

In 2023, Las Vegas has witnessed a significant influx of out-of-market buyers for event tickets, with about 90% of StubHub sales coming from non-local attendees. This surge is attributed to a packed calendar of high-profile events and attractions including Taylor Swift's performance, Adele’s residency, music festivals, the Formula One Las Vegas Grand Prix, the opening of Sphere Vegas, Raiders games at Allegiant Stadium, the Golden Knights' Stanley Cup victory, and the Aces winning their second consecutive WNBA championship.

Described by StubHub as the "poster child for the year’s momentum in live entertainment," Las Vegas's thriving event scene has notably contributed to the city's success. Clark County Commissioner Michael Naft, also a member of the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority Board, emphasized the importance of these events in attracting visitors. He highlighted that attendees not only purchase tickets but also contribute to the local economy through hotel stays, dining, and other activities, further driving job creation and economic impact.

Additionally, StubHub released a list of the top 5 live events in Las Vegas for 2023, determined by cumulative ticket sales on their platform.

Congressional Budget Office Predicts Inflation, Unemployment, and GDP Changes in 2024-2025

The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) recently released its updated economic projections for the next two years in their Current View of the Economy from 2023 to 2025 report. The report forecasts that inflation will approach the Federal Reserve's 2% target rate in 2024, while overall growth is expected to slow and unemployment is expected to rise during this period.

According to the report, the unemployment rate is projected to reach 4.4% in the fourth quarter of 2024 and remain at that level through 2025. This is a notable increase from the current unemployment rate of 3.7%, as reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Gross domestic product (GDP), a key indicator of the overall health of the economy, is estimated to decline from 2.5% in 2023 to 1.5% in 2024, before rebounding to 2.2% in 2025. These projections are lower than the previous February 2023 forecasts, which anticipated stronger growth, lower unemployment, and higher interest rates in 2024 and 2025.

The report also highlights the unpredictability of the U.S. economy, as recent trends in employment have differed from the projected pace of hiring. The unemployment rate has remained below 4% for nearly two years, marking the longest such streak since the late 1960s.

In terms of inflation, most economists expect a slowdown in growth and a continued decline in inflation. This week, the Federal Reserve kept its key interest rate unchanged for a third consecutive time and indicated that rate cuts could be on the horizon as early as next summer.

CBO director Phillip Swagel emphasized that the report makes no policy recommendations, in keeping with the agency's mandate to provide objective and impartial analysis.

Breaking: Mortgage Rates Hit Below 7% Mark, Potential for Additional Decline Explained.

Mortgage rates have dipped below 7% for the first time since August, averaging 6.95% for 30-year fixed-rate loans as of December 14, 2023, according to Freddie Mac. This decline, alongside expected further decreases next year due to slowing inflation and Federal Reserve policies, signals potential relief for homebuyers. Additionally, the recent economic reports, including a drop in inflation and an increase in new jobs, bolster this positive outlook.

Home prices, while still high, are showing signs of seasonal decline, with the median listing price falling 6.8% from its peak this year. The easing of the mortgage "lock-in" effect is also contributing to an increase in new listings, up 6.8% for the week ending December 9 compared to last year. Although active inventory is above last year's levels, a winter shortage is expected. Despite this, homes are selling faster than in the previous year, indicating a competitive market for buyers.

Winter Wonders: Unveiling the Advantages of Buying a House During the Off-Season

As summer fades away and winter approaches, the real estate market takes a different turn, presenting unique opportunities for aspiring homeowners. Winter may not be the prime time for property hunting, but it certainly offers benefits for those looking to make a move.

  1. Tax Savings: Closing a deal by December 31st can lead to substantial tax deductions such as mortgage interest, property taxes, points on your loan, and interest costs. These deductions can significantly impact your finances, especially during the early years of your mortgage when interest payments are higher.

  2. Motivated Sellers: Many sellers are eager to benefit from tax savings on their next home purchase. This eagerness can lead to accepting lower bids to meet year-end deadlines. However, in a strong seller's market, it's wise to be cautious and heed the advice of your real estate professional.

  3. Builder Incentives: If you're considering a new construction home, builders might be keen on closing the books on their year and meeting their quotas. As a result, they might offer upgrades or additional features to sell houses before the year ends.

  4. Availability of Movers: During the winter months, it's generally easier to secure moving services or equipment rentals on short notice, as opposed to the busy summer months when they are often booked six weeks or more in advance.

  5. Investing in Your Future: When you purchase a home, your monthly mortgage payments contribute to an investment that you own. In contrast, rent payments provide temporary accommodation without any long-term benefits.

  6. Consistent Payments: With a fixed-rate mortgage, you can rely on consistent payments, unlike rent, which can increase over time.

  7. Building Equity: As you pay off your mortgage, your equity in the home increases, providing a safety net for the future. Additionally, appreciation in home values can further boost your equity.

In conclusion, the winter months can be a great time to buy a house, especially for those looking to transition from renting to owning. With various benefits and opportunities, it's worth considering making a move during this off-season.

Super Bowl Week in Las Vegas: Tickets Now Available for Fan-Focused Events

Super Bowl week in Las Vegas is gearing up with two major fan events: Super Bowl Opening Night and the Super Bowl Experience. Tickets for these events are available through Ticketmaster. Peter O’Reilly, NFL's Executive Vice President, expressed excitement about bringing these events to Las Vegas for the first time, highlighting their family-friendly nature and ability to immerse fans in the Super Bowl atmosphere.

Super Bowl Opening Night is scheduled for February 5 at Allegiant Stadium, marking the first time the event is held in the game's host stadium. It will feature media interactions with AFC and NFC team players and coaches, live entertainment, autograph sessions with NFL legends, mascot appearances, and photo opportunities for fans. Tickets are priced at $30, inclusive of all fees and taxes, and the event will be broadcasted live on NFL Network and CBS Sports Network.

The NFL Experience, set for February 7-10 at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center, offers fans interactive games, autograph opportunities with current and former NFL players, official merchandise shopping, and displays of NFL memorabilia, including the Lombardi Trophy and all 57 Super Bowl rings. Ticket prices vary, with special rates for local nights, first responders, military, and children.

The NFL OnePass app is recommended for attendees of both events to enhance their experience and stay updated on the schedule. Registration on the app also provides a chance to win two tickets to the Super Bowl game.

Courtesy of @LVMPD_Summerlin

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