Crash course convenes for new lawmakers in Carson City

CARSON CITY — Freshman state lawmakers are getting a crash course in their new jobs this week, from learning how to submit bill draft requests to rest-room locations in the Legislative Building.

The three-day orientation in the capital is the first of three sessions that will be held between now and January for the 17 newly elected state senators and assemblymen as they gear up for the start of the 2015 session Feb 2.

From where to park cars to advice on how to work with constituents, lobbyists and the media, the orientation is touching a range of issues through today.

Demonstrating the “red wave” that saw Republicans dominate the Nov. 4 election, all but two of the new lawmakers are Republicans. The Senate has two new GOP members from Las Vegas, and the Assembly has 15 new members from across the state, 13 Republicans and two Democrats.

Both chambers are under Republican control.

Training is viewed as more important than ever given the limited time lawmakers will have to accomplish their goals. With term limits and sessions that are limited to 120 days, lawmakers are under pressure to start performing from the get-go. The days of learning as you go are over.

That is especially true for the two new senators, Patricia Farley and Becky Harris. Farley will head legislative operations and elections, and Harris will head the Education Committee.

Interviews with several freshman reflect lawmakers eager to begin work.

Assemblyman Nelson Araujo, D-Las Vegas, who has succeeded the late Assemblywoman Peggy Pierce, said everyone is eager to learn. He praised the legislative staff as a valuable resource.

“There’s a lot to take in, but I think we’re all going to be ready and prepared to take on the 2015 session,” he said.

Assemblyman Chris Edwards, R-Las Vegas, said the orientation has been invaluable.

“This is a great opportunity to find out about all the duties and responsibilities, as well as the resources that we’re going to have available,” he said. “This is time well spent for everyone.”

Edwards is replacing fellow Republican Cresent Hardy, who won the 4th Congressional District race against incumbent Steven Horsford in the election.

“You’ve got a lot of very eager freshmen who are enthusiastic about getting this done,” he said.

Assemblyman John Moore, R-Las Vegas, who unseated incumbent Democrat Jason Frierson, said he’s ready to get started on Day One.

“We have a great opportunity here to do some great things for the folks of our great state,” he said. “I’m just looking forward to it.”

Assemblyman Stephen Silberkraus, R-Henderson, said the orientation is giving him the tools he needs to make a difference in the 2015 session.

“We’ve got a rare opportunity to really push forward a platform of change for our community and I think we’re going to do that,” he said.

Silberkraus, who defeated incumbent Democrat Lesley Cohen, said he visited the Legislature a few years ago.

“It’s a very surreal feeling to walk through the doors another time, the last time coming as a citizen and this time coming in as a citizen legislator, and knowing that weight of responsibility is on your shoulders,” he said.

Silberkraus said he hesitated before walking into the Assembly chambers.

“I kind of took a pause at the door and looked in,” he said. “I have this responsibility to the people who sent me here and hopefully I can do them proud.”

Contact Sean Whaley at swhaley@reviewjournal.com or 775-687-3900. Find him on Twitter: @seanw801.