A Changing Nevada
Nevada is a dynamic place, thanks to demographic trends and consumer preferences, among other factors. This focus area describes and analyzes the changing demographics in Nevada and assesses the potential impacts, particularly as they relate to long term impacts on the state budget, fiscal policies, and programs.
Among the areas of research are:
- Age (seniors and youth)
- Race and ethnicity
- Public attitudes
- Health
Policy Reports
Nevada's Medicaid Population
Medicaid is a health coverage program for eligible low-income individuals that is administered by the states under federal requirements and jointly funded by the federal government and states. Nevada’s Medicaid Program provides medical assistance to more than half a million low-income adults and children in the state. This policy brief presents some selected characteristics of Nevada’s Medicaid beneficiaries.
Nevada's Uninsured Population
This report examines Nevada’s uninsured population. Its objective is to furnish a composite of Nevada’s uninsured population so that stakeholders have the requisite data to develop a set of policy prescriptions and enhance administrative capacity in service of health insurance coverage expansion, given the consequences of uninsurance. These consequences include: limited access to health care, adverse health outcomes, medical debt, economic losses, and burdens on governmental financial resources.
The link above will direct the viewer to a zipped file. For an abridged version that does not include the appendix, please see here:
Guinn Center NV Uninsured Population abridged
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Benefits in Nevada
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), a federal program, provides nutrition benefits to supplement the food budget of low-income families and individuals. The Federal government funds the program but shares the costs of operating the program with each state. Recently, the U.S. Department of Agriculture proposed to change existing federal rules to tighten eligibility requirements for receipt of SNAP benefits, thereby either delaying or discontinuing the ability of low-income Nevadans to receive these benefits. Here we provide a brief summary of Nevadans who depend on SNAP benefits.
Mental Health Governance: A Review of State Models and Guide for Nevada Decision Makers
Nevada is considering moving from a centrally controlled mental health system to one that is more responsive to local community needs. This report provides guiding principles for a quality governance system, presents a comparative analysis of models in seven states, and outlines decision points that will need to be considered by the Nevada Behavioral Health and Wellness Council and State Legislature. (December 2014)
Testimony During 2015 Legislative Session
AB 289: Interim Study of Mental Health Governance-Assembly Legislative Operations
Nevada's Mental Health Workforce: Shortages and Opportunities
Increasing Nevada’s mental health workforce is critical to improving behavioral health outcomes. This policy brief focuses on what Nevada can do to remove licensing barriers for mental health professionals who want to move to the Silver State. It also examines competitiveness of State mental health employee salaries compared to other states. It concludes by exploring long-term solutions for creating a sustainable mental health workforce. (October 2014)
State of Latinos in the Intermountain West
Latinos are the fastest growing population in the Intermountain West but were hit harder by the Great Recession than non-Latinos. In addition, Nevada’s Latinos often fare worse than Latinos in other states in the region. States need to build an infrastructure of opportunity to improve economic resiliency, which includes access to quality education, effective training and job development, health care, and capital. (June 2014)
Part I: The Demographic Landscape
Part II: The Infrastructure of Opportunity: An Assessment
Testimony During 2015 Legislative Session
AB 318: Military Lending Act Extension- Assembly Commerce
SB 227: Need Based Scholarship- Senate Education
SB 323: Small Business Loan Program- Background Information
SB 381: Task Force on Financial Security-Senate Revenue
SB 496: Workforce Development Rapid Response Fund- Senate Finance