Joe Hogan

Issues

  • Water Conservation Issues



    One of the most critical issues facing our community and state today is the availability of water. We can save massive quantities of water if we adjust water prices so that excessive users are motivated to start conserving. Other western desert cities use much less water per person than Las Vegas, and we can too. Conservation pricing is both effective and cost free.

    Assembly Bill 331, which I sponsored last legislative session and which passed and was signed into law by the Governor, requires water agencies to report how much water is being saved by their conservation pricing efforts.
    This Spring, when the Las Vegas Valley Water District (LVVWD) proposed raising rates and service charges, I testified against raising rates and service charges for those who are already conserving. Unfortunately, that policy was not implemented. I will continue to fight for lower rates for those who conserve.

    In July, I will be meeting with legislators from other states to discuss water issues. This conference will give me an opportunity to work on water conservation issues with other state legislators. I am hopeful that the interaction with other state representatives may lead to some additional ways to better conserve.

    In a Letter to the Editor (Las Vegas Review Journal) UNLV Professor Dr. Jim Deacon wrote: “Thank heavens for Assemblyman Joe Hogan’s advocacy of conservation pricing of water.”

    As a result of these and other efforts to protect our environment, the 2007 Conservation Scorecard just released by the Nevada Conservation League awarded me a rating of 100 %.

  • Tax Rebate

    Important Economic Information for You and Your Family

    Federal Tax Rebates

    To be eligible for the tax rebates recently enacted by Congress as part of an economic stimulus package, most people simply need to file their 2007 tax returns, and if you qualify for the rebate, it will be sent to you. If you change your address, be sure to file a change of address with the US Postal Service.

    For more complete information on who qualifies for the rebates and what they need to do, visit the IRS website at www.irs.gov or call 1-800-829-1040. 

    The IRS is warning consumers to be aware of tax rebate scams. The IRS will not call or email taxpayers about the rebates. Scam emails and details of scam telephone calls should be forwarded to phishing@irs.gov.

    Three Programs Available For Senior Citizens

    Information about the Senior Citizens Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program
    Provided by M. W. Schofield, Assessor

    Each year, from February 1st through April 30th, the Clark County Assessor’s Office administers the Senior Citizen Tax Assistance/Rent Rebate Program. This statewide program refunds a portion of property taxes or rent paid to eligible senior citizens. This applies to any person meeting the requirements below regardless of whether they own a home, rent an apartment or house, or live in a manufactured home. Please review the requirements below to see if you may qualify, or if you may know of someone that may qualify.

    To be eligible for the program:

    · An applicant must be 62 years of age or older by June 30th of the year he/she applies.

    · Applicants must have been a resident of Clark County for at least six months of the previous year.

    · Total household income must be $27,863 or less (plus or minus an adjustment based on the Consumer Price Index) for the calendar year of 2007. This includes Social Security income.

    · Applicants cannot have "liquid assets" that exceed $150,000. "Liquid assets" can be savings accounts, IRA's, C-D's, stocks & bonds, annuities, etc.

    · Homeowners assessed value may not exceed $200,000 ($571,000 taxable value).

    · An applicant cannot own property (other than their residence) with an assessed value in excess of $30,000 ($85,700 taxable value in Nevada).

    The State Division of Aging Services requires that first time applicants provide proof of age (birth certificate, Nevada I.D. or some other legal document).

    If you think you may qualify, or if you know of someone that may qualify for this program, we encourage you to contact our office at 455-3882 for assistance.

    Completed applications are sent to the Assessor’s Office to start the process, and from our Office the application gets forwarded to Carson City. The Division of Aging Services calculates an applicant’s rebate amount based on their taxes or rent paid and their annual household income. Renters receive a refund based on the rent they pay that is attributable to property taxes and their annual income. A homeowner’s refund is calculated based on the taxes they pay on the residence that the claimant occupies. The Division of Aging Services mails the rebate checks to qualified applicants in August and September of each year.

    After filing the first application, the process gets easier. The Division of Aging Services will automatically mail out new applications each year to everyone who applied the previous year.

    The Assessor’s Office visits many of the senior living complexes during the months of February, March and April to talk about the program and assist those applying with their applications.

    If you are interested in having our Office come visit your group and discuss the program, please contact our Office at 455-4982 to schedule an appointment.

    The Assessor’s Office processed over 10,000 applications last year. We believe that there are substantially more seniors that could qualify for this program and take advantage of the rebate.

    Project Reach (Relief through Energy Assistance to Prevent Customer Hardships)
    A program funded by Nevada Power


    Project REACH (Relief through Energy Assistance to Prevent Customer Hardships) is a Nevada Power funded program designed to help vulnerable adults over the age of 62 years, medically fragile or Reserve and National Guard members who meet the income guidelines below. Please call one of the following United Way partner agencies to apply. Project REACH is administered through United Way of Southern Nevada and is available year round until funds are exhausted. Call 367-5555

    Household Size  Maximum Annual Gross Income 
    1-2 $ 29,300 
    3 $ 34,400
    4 $ 41,500 
    5 $ 48,600 
    6 $ 55,700 
    Each Additional  $ 7,100


    2-1-1 Telephone Service

    In 2005, the Nevada Legislature established a 2-1-1 telephone line that Nevadans can call for information about available services and resources.

  • Issues

    IMMIGRATION - See note at the end regarding enforceability problems

    A.B. 383 (Chapter 316) 2007 - VOTED FOR THIS BILL WHICH WAS SIGNED INTO LAW BY THE GOVERNOR


    Assembly Bill 383 prohibits a person from knowingly transporting, procuring transportation for, or assisting in the transportation of another person into Nevada who does not have the legal right to enter or remain in the United States.

    The bill creates the crime of “trafficking in persons,” which is a category B felony. Violators may be charged as habitual felons with their personal property subject to forfeiture.

    The measure also addresses the unlawful hiring or employment of unauthorized aliens by those holding Nevada business licenses. It directs the Nevada Tax Commission to hold a hearing to determine whether to take action against a person who unlawfully hires or employs an unauthorized alien. If the Commission determines that the holder of a State business license willfully, flagrantly, or egregiously violated the applicable federal law and failed to verify the Social Security number of an employee, the Commission may impose a fine.

    Finally, A.B. 383 requires the Director of the Department of Business and Industry to include a link on the Department’s Internet website that allows an employer to verify with the Social Security Administration the Social Security number of an employee.

    An Assistant State's Attorney has ruled that enforcing imigration laws should be left to federal immigration officials.  Further ruled that the letter of the law (regarding fines to employers) cannot be enforced. 

  • FREE HELP FOR PEOPLE IN FORECLOSURE?

    E-MAIL SENT 10/20/08 TO PATTY KELLEY, PRESIDENT OF THE GREATER LAS VEGAS ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS:

    Dear Ms. Kelley:

        I am receiving lots of interesting suggestions from my constituents as I go door-to-door.  Many are directed to saving money to reduce the next state budget, and these are very welcome.  Other ideas and information are also intriguing.
        Last week a constituent told me a very sobering story about an influx of exploitive persons from out of state, intending to rip off victims of the foreclosure crisis.  The scheme is to extract a $3,000 to $5,000 payment up front for easing the terms of mortgage loans.  As you know, many of your helpful agents are generously helping such victims with the terms of their mortgages without charge.
        It would be a wonderful GLVAR contribution to solving part of the foreclosure crisis if your association chose to recruit members willing and qualified to help guide people through these procedures.  In one nearly cost-free gesture, you could demonstrate the professional responsibility of your members by providing much needed help and saving hundreds, perhaps thousands of our neighbors from the threat of foreclosure and loss of their homes.
        I envision a public service (free) ad in the Review Journal telling people there is no need to pay money to fly-by-night, unlicensed “fixers” because skilled, licensed, public spirited professional realtors are ready to help them at no cost.
        An immediate start on this project could be providing relief before the holidays to numerous families.  I would (as a long-ago licensed realtor) be pleased to discuss this suggestion further and help in any way I can.

    Joe Hogan
    Assemblyman, District 10



Paid for and authorized by Hogan for Assembly