Nevada Assembly leaders have urged Governor Joe Lombardo to consider recruiting laid-off federal employees for vacant state positions. The request, outlined in a letter from key Democratic Assembly members, is in response to federal worker layoffs and Nevada’s high unemployment rate of 5.7% as of December 2024. The letter emphasizes leveraging the skills of former federal employees to strengthen the state’s public sector and reduce unemployment.
The letter cites similar initiatives in other states, such as Hawaii’s expedited hiring process for former federal employees, and argues that this approach is crucial for economic stability and effective governance. Despite the call for action, some state officials, including Senate Minority Leader Robin Titus, have criticized the letter as political posturing, suggesting that current recruitment efforts are sufficient.
Governor Lombardo’s office responded by highlighting efforts to modernize the state’s hiring process and reduce vacancy rates, while encouraging transitioning federal employees to apply for state jobs. The administration has also hosted hiring fairs to fill roles across various sectors.
The Assembly leadership has requested the governor’s administration to provide a detailed plan by March 18, aiming to integrate qualified federal employees into state roles and address the state’s unemployment challenges.