Meet Melissa

I am proud to be a fourth generation Nevadan from the Stewart pioneer family that helped settle the Las Vegas valley in the early 1900’s. I was inspired from a young age by the strong sense of service my family impressed upon me. This rich heritage instilled in me the importance of giving back, and a desire to pursue public service.

Melissa Is Fighting For

 
  • Government is the system we use to maintain a civil society. While playing an important role in our community, the best government is the one that we notice the least.

    • Nevada’s Constitution outlines a series of “checks and balances” that are to be used to restrain the power of individually elected officials. These balances have been circumvented by Governor Sisolak’s abuse of Emergency Measures. I will fight to stop the abuse and create legislation that will prevent this from ever happening again.

    • Government should provide equal opportunities; its responsibility is not to provide equal outcomes.

    • As taxpayers, we deserve to know that our money is being spent effectively. I will continue advocating for clear, strong standards when it comes to government accountability and fight the creation of more red tape and nonsensical mandates.

  • We are all tired of being ranked 50th in the nation in education, and we know that our children deserve better. My two girls went through the Clark County School District and our family shuffled around quite a bit to ensure our zip code corresponded with zoning for a better school than the last. I understand the great lengths that we as parents and families will go to for our children’s education. Zip codes in Clark County dictate the quality of education that students receive and that is preventing our children from reaching their greatest potential.

    As your Assemblywoman-

    • I will continue to fight for school choice options so parents can find schools that serve their children’s best interest.

    • I will work to break up CCSD into smaller, more manageable districts that are able to focus on the needs of our communities.

    • I will continue to fight to ensure that your education dollars reach the classroom and go towards programs that improve student achievement with accountability measures in place.

  • We all deserve to go about our daily activities without concern for our safety. Our children need to be able to play outside, women should feel secure going for a walk or run, alone. As your representative I will advocate for-

    • Laws that dissuade “porch pirates” through severe penalties, regardless of the value of the package stolen.

    • Directed funding for programs that combat human trafficking and support the transitioning of its victims. In 2021, I sponsored and passed Assembly Bill 113, which extended the statute of limitations for sex trafficking from four years to six. I have been, and will continue to be, an advocate for victims so that they can feel their voices are truly being heard.

    • Increasing mental health resources to our community. This will decrease law enforcements’ need to be engaged and will provide help for those that, too often, are not able to help themselves.

    • Budgets and laws that make the necessary tools and resources available to law enforcement so that they may continue to do their jobs, ensuring that our neighborhoods and communities are safe.

  • I have been a small business owner for 20 years and have employed many Nevadans over that time. I understand what it means to make payroll, balance a budget, and be loyal to employees. I have seen our economy go through highs and lows and understand the sacrifices and choices that are made in order to keep the doors open. We need to take steps that will diversify our economy while making it easier for our existing businesses to operate and grow profitably. This can be done by-

    • Decreasing the number of burdensome regulations companies must deal with.

    • Lower taxes and fees.

    • Create an agile regulatory system that allows new industries and companies to begin operations quickly.

  • Healthcare is an issue that affects us all, regardless of race, gender, or age. Nevada’s healthcare system consistently ranks near the bottom of the nation and that must change. In 2015 the Republican led legislature passed legislation and allocated the budget for UNLV’s Medical School. There is still more we can do to maximize its benefits for our community.

    • We need to continue growing the Medical School and add residency programs.

    • There needs to be an even greater focus on admitting Nevada College graduates into our medical schools, as they are more likely stay in Nevada and serve our communities once they become physicians.

    • Prescription medications are too expensive, which is why I worked to pass Assembly Bill 141 that resulted in some relief for Nevadans at the pharmacy counter.

    • We must look for more private sector solutions that lower costs, create transparency, and drive competition in the healthcare industry.