Progressive hopes see small advances in Carson City | Sheila Leslie
Sheila Leslie
This opinion column was submitted by RGJ columnist Sheila Leslie, who served in the Nevada Legislature from 1998 to 2012.
Progressives see opportunity for significant change during this year’s legislative session, with Democrats in charge of both legislative bodies and the governor’s office. They expect criminal justice reform, including the repeal of Nevada’s death penalty. They want something done to rein in gun violence. They want to strengthen the ability of Nevadans to vote. They want increased efforts to protect the environment and public health. They want the mining industry to be taxed appropriately. And they’re looking for improvements in our state’s education and mental health care systems, more affordable housing, and ways of shifting the burden of taxation from the backs of the poor to the shoulders of wealthy corporations that continue to siphon off our taxes for their shareholders’ profits.