Marsy's Law for Nevada Urges Nevada Leaders to Remember Crime Victims and Domestic Violence Shelters

Nevada, July 7, 2020

The Honorable Steve Sisolak

Office of the Governor

101 N. Carson St., Ste 1

Carson City, NV, 89701

Dear Governor Sisolak,

The COVID-19 pandemic is forcing cities, counties, and states across America to make difficult choices due to steep declines in revenue from the “stay at home” precautions, closures, and business slows down.

Marsy’s Law for Nevada understands the challenges facing our state, our communities, and our residents. The diminished revenue stream is forcing Nevada leaders to consider financial actions that will impact virtually every neighbor in our state. Unfortunately, COVID-19 is also creating emotional, strained, and sometimes dangerous scenarios behind closed doors. Many Nevada domestic violence shelters are reporting spikes in calls for assistance. These shelters provide guidance, assistance, and safe housing for survivors. At the same time shelters are now facing a loss of funding due to the closure and slow-down of county Marriage License Bureaus due to COVID-19. A portion of each license is allocated for Nevada domestic violence shelters.

Governor Sisolak, Marsy’s Law for Nevada asks you to help protect domestic violence victims. The Nevada Interim Finance Committee last month voted to revert the 10 million dollars set aside in AB 516 for unanticipated costs for the implementation of Marsy’s Law for Nevada. Marsy’s Law for Nevada today asks that you dedicate a portion of that funding allocation to shelters so they can continue providing life-saving and informational programs for adults and children in danger.

Respectfully,

Marsy’s Law for Nevada