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Dem leaders won't budge on some of Lombardo's priorities

Nevada Assembly Speaker Steve Yeager talks with lawmakers during the opening of the 82nd Session of the Nevada Legislature from the Assembly Chambers of the Nevada Legislature in Carson City, Nev., Monday, Feb. 6, 2023. (AP Photo/Tom R. Smedes)
Tom R. Smedes/AP
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FR171463 AP
Nevada Assembly Speaker Steve Yeager talks with lawmakers during the opening of the 82nd Session of the Nevada Legislature from the Assembly Chambers of the Nevada Legislature in Carson City, Nev., Monday, Feb. 6, 2023. (AP Photo/Tom R. Smedes)

Democratic leaders say they won't budge on some of Republican Governor Joe Lombardo's top priorities.

Legislative leaders pushed their agenda from the steps of the Capitol on Wednesday.

The state's top Democrats say they will continue focusing on their priorities, such as social safety nets and improving public schools.

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On the other hand, Lombardo is calling for a dramatic increase in school choice funding and the rollback of criminal justice and election reforms.

Speaker of the Assembly Steve Yeager said much of that agenda, including voter ID, is a non-starter.

"We are here at the legislature to solve problems. This isn't a problem that exists in the state of Nevada. It's simply a solution in search of a problem. What we need is for elected officials in this state to stand up and speak the truth, and that is that our elections are safe and secure."

Administration officials, however, remain optimistic and stressed the importance of end-of-session negotiations.

That's because Democrats are one vote shy of a veto-proof supermajority, and they have to pass a budget that meets the governor's approval by June 5th, or risk a special session.

Paul serves as KNPR's producer and reporter in Northern Nevada. Based in Reno, Paul specializes in covering state government and the legislature.