Republican Assemblywoman Heidi Gansert is a business person is who highly concerned about accountability in government. During the 2007 and 2005 Sessions, Heidi was on the Assembly Ways and Means Committee, Commerce and Labor Committee, and Election and Procedures Committee. Heidi used her business sense and common sense to help sift through legislation and budget matters. As a freshman, she earned the respect of her peers as demonstrated by her being named “Freshman Legislator of the Year” (tie) by the Las Vegas Review Journal as well as numerous other awards. Heidi believes that government should be accountable for every dollar it spends and will continue to work hard at making sure Nevadans have the checks and balances they need to protect their tax dollars.

As the Assembly Republican Leader, Heidi participated in high-level budget discussions regarding Nevada’s $1.2 billion shortfall and led the Assembly Republicans during the recent Legislative Special Session. Heidi believes reducing on-going expenses while not raising taxes are the keys to managing this crisis.

“It is clear that we cannot raise taxes during this economic slowdown. Rather, we need to take this opportunity to reevaluate the role of government and reduce our ongoing expenditures. It is our fiscal responsibility to better manage the budget.”

During the 2007 session, Heidi successfully sponsored Assembly Bill 72 to enable law enforcement to identify and prosecute online sexual predators beforethey victimize Nevada’s children. “Assembly Bill 72 allows Nevada’s law enforcement agencies to prosecute offenders using proactive investigations. It is critical that we let our officers do their job to help prevent the assault and exploitation of our children. Protecting our children is of utmost importance to all of us.”

During the 2005 session, Heidi successfully co-sponsored Senate Bill 341 to make Nevada’s laws tougher on sexual offenders.

Nevada needs to use its tax dollars wisely to target areas where the state isn’t making the grade. Heidi supported numerous pieces of legislation last session that helped target areas where Nevada’s educational system can improve including funding for career and technical education, empowerment schools, and innovative programs. She will continue to support that type of legislation during the 2009 session.

“Every child deserves the best education possible. We need to provide our children a solid foundation. Our children are our future and it is critical we support them and our education system.”

To learn more about Nevada’s Heidi Gansert, log on to www.votegansert.com.