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Day 1: Carson, Douglas and Lyon Counties
On the first day of my virtual Nevada Tour, I connected with hardworking local farmers who are working overtime to deliver fresh food to Americans during the coronavirus pandemic, brave veterans advocating for resources for their communities, and the staff of the Stewart Indian School Cultural Center and Museum, who are shining a light on the difficult history of systemic harm that Nevada’s Native tribes suffered at the hands of our government. I’ll keep listening to the voices of all Nevadans and advocating for the support and resources our rural areas need to recover from during this pandemic.
Day 2: Storey and Pershing Counties
I attended a virtual tour of the Virginia City Boardwalk and had productive conversations with officials in Pershing County and the City of Lovelock about how they’re using Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Brownfields funding to help revitalize the community. It was a pleasure speaking to Nevadans in Storey and Pershing Counties who are transforming the state’s past by creatively reinventing it. I also enjoyed thinking back to my visit to Lover’s Lock in Lovelock, where I tried to find the lock Paul and I placed there. If you’re in Lovelock, you too can add your own “lock of love” to the plaza—while social distancing!
Day 3: Washoe, Humboldt and Elko Counties
On day 3, I participated in a virtual tour of the Eddy House’s 24-hour overnight shelter for youth, met with health experts from Humboldt General Hospital about the benefits of telemedicine to rural Nevadans and seniors, and spoke with members of the Northern Nevada Central Labor Council on the challenges workers and their families face because of COVID-19. It’s great to see Nevada’s communities banding together to take care of one another during this challenging time.
Day 4: White Pine, Lander, and Eureka Counties
Despite its nickname, “The Loneliest Road,” U.S. Highway 50–especially the long stretch through White Pine, Lander and Eureka counties–is full of vibrant communities with fascinating stories. I was thrilled to make virtual stops in these historic areas to speak with community leaders, county commissioners and local officials about how their communities are responding to the coronavirus pandemic. I’m doing all I can in the Senate to make sure communities across the state have the resources they need to protect the health and safety of their residents and visitors and keep their doors open. And take a look at this throwback to one of my visits to the Great Basin National Park Site, located in White Pine County. If you haven’t been, you’ve got to check it out (while practicing social distancing and wearing your mask)!
Day 5: Churchill and Mineral Counties
Nevada’s lands, lakes, and waters are resources that require our stewardship so they can support agricultural, tourism, and other industries as well as wildlife and vegetation. That’s why I was glad to tour the family-owned Hillside Dairy Farm in Fallon and host a roundtable with conservation groups in Nevada to discuss issues related to the Walker Basin. It’s a priority of mine in the Senate to get our rural communities the resources they need to thrive during this pandemic and beyond.
Day 6: Esmeralda and Nye Counties
On day 6, I began my day by attending a virtual briefing to learn more about the Gemfield Resources Project, a new gold mining operation in Goldfield, Nevada. This was followed by a virtual roundtable discussion with veterans from Pahrump on their telehealth experience with the VA during the pandemic and the challenges presented in delivering optimal care in rural communities. I’m thankful for my meetings with Nye and Esmeralda county officials as I work in the Senate to bring much needed federal resources to our communities.
Day 7: Clark and Lincoln Counties
Last but certainly not least, I hosted a few virtual events in my home county—Clark County—that were centered on the wellbeing of Nevadans from child welfare to mental health. During the events, I had an opportunity to discuss my Virtual Peer Support Act and the Child Welfare Emergency Assistance Act, bills that aim to address these issues. I also had a great conversation with Lincoln County officials about how they’re supporting their outdoor recreation economy during the pandemic.
Check out this throwback to my tour of Grover Dils Medical Center in Caliente in 2018. I’m so thankful for their around the clock work to deliver top-notch health care to Nevadans in Lincoln County.
It’s a priority of mine to visit every county, each year to hear from Nevadans across the state. This year, I wanted to make sure that tradition continued even with the challenges the coronavirus pandemic presented. Though it was a bit different from my state tours in the past, it was such a pleasure to connect with so many Nevadans virtually. Know that I hear your frustrations and am working around the clock to make sure every Nevadan has the federal resources they need as we continue to respond to the pandemic. I look forward to seeing you all face-to-face in the future, but in the meantime—I’m committed to advocating for you in Congress every day.
Sincerely,
Catherine Cortez Masto
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