[ad_1]
State lawmakers on Thursday called the governor’s office’s Office for New Americans “really slow” in implementing a bill passed last year to help state agencies update documents and services in languages other than English. He questioned the development.
Lawmakers on the Joint Interim Standing Committee on Governmental Affairs are pushing ahead with legislation passed last year, including a bill that expands the mission of the Office of New Americans and a bill that allocates $25 million for state agencies to develop “language access plans.” I heard the latest information on the proposed legislation.
Assembly Bill 266, introduced by Del. Selena Torres, a Las Vegas Democrat who is also the interim committee chair, would create a coordinator to work with counties on implementing individual language access plans and to receive and investigate complaints related to language access plans. Expanded the mission of the Office of New Americans to include employment. Language access.
“We’ve talked to local governments and they’re starting to start working and figuring out what they need to do, but the rollout has been very slow,” Torres said. “The funding for the Language Access Coordinator became available on October 1st, but it looks like it will be February before the Language Access Coordinator starts their work.”
Iris Ramos Jones, who was appointed to head the department by Republican Gov. Joe Lombardo in September, confirmed that the language access coordinator position would not start until Feb. 5.
Ramos-Jones said the hiring process was much slower than expected, saying “things take longer in the public sector than they do in the private sector.”
“What I can guarantee you is that we will get results,” she said.
The office was established in 2019 to provide resources to immigrants and refugees.
Under the new law, the office would also train state agencies and counties on recruiting and retaining interpreters, create a public directory of interpreters, and prepare a report with recommendations to Congress by September. There is a need.
The law also requires Clark and Washoe counties and cities within those counties to issue public notices with additional language.
AB266 is not the only bill whose implementation has been delayed.
Assembly Bill 480 allocates $25 million to help state agencies find language accessibility options.
“We have consistently emphasized the need for language access funding,” Torres said. “Part of the pushback from state agencies is consistently underfunding.”
The bill limited funding to state agencies and excluded applications from local governments. If the funds are not spent by June 2025, they will be returned to the general fund.
Jared McDonald, chief policy analyst for the Legislative Council Service, said as of Dec. 13, no state agencies had requested funding.
He added that the Nevada Department of Wildlife plans to request approximately $200,000 at an interim financial meeting on Feb. 8 to fund the language access plan.
“What is ONA doing to provide the most information to state agencies and the most support to let agencies know how to apply for these grants?” Torres asked. asked Ramos. “Otherwise it’s a waste of $25 million.”
Ramos-Jones said the office sent a summary of program funding to agencies in October.
“There is nothing that will prevent the office from achieving the goals of AB 480 and ensuring that the agency is currently conducting advocacy efforts,” Torres said. “There is funding available and I would like to emphasize the importance of these institutions applying for this significant amount of funding.”
Lawmakers also questioned the department’s efforts to reach out to illegal immigrants.
Democratic Rep. Max Carter of Las Vegas referred to Lombardo’s previous comments about immigration, saying he had “bragged about deporting 10,000 immigrants” when he was sheriff of the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department. He boasted that he had found a loophole. ”
“My biggest question is, do you have the authority and autonomy to do the job properly,” Carter said. “Are you given the freedom to truly carry out your intentions and communicate well with immigrant communities?”
Ramos-Jones said she was able to fulfill the office’s mission, adding that she will work to ensure that diverse communities are aware of the office’s resources and programs.
“For our governor, please contact him directly,” she added.
[ad_2]
Source link
