Conclusion of the 83rd Session of the Nevada State Legislature

June 5, 2025

Dear Wolf Pack Family,

With the conclusion of the 83rd Session of the Nevada State Legislature, the University has secured critical funding to advance several of our top institutional priorities. We are grateful to Governor Joe Lombardo and the members of the Legislature for their strong support and for recognizing the importance of sustained investment in higher education. Their actions reflect a shared vision for strengthening Nevada’s future through academic excellence, research innovation, and community impact.

We are pleased to report that this was one of the most successful legislative sessions in recent memory. Increased engagement from our campus community throughout the 120-day session contributed to notable outcomes, including sustained base budget funding and $31.47 million in one-time allocations. Among these investments are two of our top priorities: funding to support the 2024 and 2025 Cost of Living Adjustments (COLAs) and planning dollars for a new Life Sciences building. 

Legislative Funding Highlights

Operational and Institutional Support

A major focus of our legislative strategy was emphasizing fiscal responsibility and long-term financial stewardship. This approach resonated with lawmakers, as demonstrated by the following retroactive COLA funding allocations under Assembly Bill 568:

• University of Nevada, Reno – $22,441,996
• Agricultural Experiment Station – $113,154
• Cooperative Extension Service – $227,476

Capital Improvements 

The Legislature approved $6.2 million in planning funds for a new Life Sciences building, to be located in the Mathewson University Gateway District. This facility will support teaching and research for both the College of Science and the College of Agriculture, Biotechnology & Natural Resources.

In addition, NSHE received $15 million in Higher Education Capital Construction (HECC)/Special Higher Education Capital Construction (SHECC) funds. Distribution of these funds will be determined by NSHE in the coming weeks.

Health and Behavioral Health Services, Nursing, and Graduate Medical Education

The Legislature invested in several key public health and medical education initiatives, including:

• $1.07 million to the School of Social Work for micro-credential programs
• $750,000 to the School of Public Health and the Application of Substance Abuse Technologies (CASAT) for program development
• $440,000 for a Youth Behavioral Risk Survey through the School of Public Health

Furthermore, the Legislature approved $20 million for NSHE-wide nursing program expansion. The portion allocated to our Orvis School of Nursing will be determined soon. Similarly, the University’s share of an $11 million allocation to NSHE for campus safety will be announced in the near future.

Important Note on COLAs

Please note that a COLA will not be applied to the majority of University employees during the upcoming biennium. Only classified staff who are members of a bargaining units A, F, C, G, or L will receive a COLA adjustment.

Acknowledging Our Shared Success

These outcomes reflect a strong partnership between our University and state leadership. The Legislature’s support reinforces the value of the work we do each day, research that solves real-world problems, instruction that prepares Nevada’s future leaders, and service that uplifts communities across the state.

A dedicated team of advocates from NSHE and our University worked tirelessly to represent our priorities throughout the session. We are also incredibly thankful to our entire campus community; your engagement, support, and commitment helped shape this success. 

Thank you for making the University of Nevada, Reno a vital contributor to the state’s future.

Go Pack!

Sincere regards,

Brian Sandoval
President 

Michael Flores
Vice President of Government and Community Engagement

NOTE: State law gives the Governor 10 days to either sign or veto legislation passed at the end of the session; otherwise, it automatically becomes law.