Juneteenth advocates in Nevada are voicing frustration after Gov. Joe Lombardo vetoed a bill that would have established a state commission to support and promote the holiday. Assembly Bill 328, backed by local leaders and cultural organizers, aimed to create a Juneteenth Educational and Economic Commission under the Department of Tourism and Cultural Affairs.
Deborah Evans, founder of Juneteenth Nevada, has led grassroots efforts for over two decades to raise awareness about the holiday’s significance. “We are still probably the stepchild of holidays,” she said, noting much of the work continues without state support.
The proposed commission would have helped preserve Juneteenth history, coordinated celebrations, and allowed local governments to voluntarily contribute funds. In his veto, Lombardo claimed the bill might pressure municipalities into spending. But lawmakers, including bill sponsors Sen. Dina Neal and Assemblymember Reuben D’Silva, called that concern unfounded.
D’Silva criticized the governor’s pattern of rejecting inclusion-focused bills, including those recognizing Asian, Muslim, and Latino heritage. Despite the setback, Evans remains optimistic: “It’s a marathon, not a sprint.”
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