Democratic leader opens Nevada Legislature with clear statement of progressive agenda [View all]

Republicans in the state Senate were taken aback Monday when Senate Majority Leader Aaron Ford, D-Las Vegas, cut short the niceties and laid out a decidedly progressive agenda for the 120-day session that started Monday.

Opening day is usually reserved for swearing in the oath of office, taking photos and introducing family to fellow lawmakers.

But with Democrats now in control of both the Senate and Assembly after being in the minority in the 2015 session, Ford wasted no time in articulating that he was going to take advantage of what he called the Democrats' mandate.

Ford listed the issues he intends to pass through both chambers, including criminal justice reform, equal pay, continuing to support public education -- with "public" emphasized in his prepared remarks -- and increasing the minimum wage.

Read more: http://www.rgj.com/story/news/politics/2017/02/06/democratic-leader-opens-nevada-legislature-clear-statement-progressive-agenda/97575324/