Senate District 1

Legislative Race	Candidates
Senate District 1	Democrat	Republican
	Shelly Cruz-Crawford	Patricia Brinkley
	shellyfornevada.com	electpatriciabrinkley.co
State funding for Nevada's public institutions of higher education (two comprehensive universities, a four-year university, and four community colleges) was cut during both the financial crisis and the pandemic and has yet to be fully restored. As a legislator, how would you prioritize funding for higher education versus other state programs?	With my regent and K-12 background, I would be able to speak specifically about how higher education is an investment in our state and has a large output of increasing state revenue. Education K through higher education will be my number one priority.	No Response
The recruitment and retention of Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE) faculty and staff has become a crisis. Reasons include lagging compensation and cuts to healthcare benefits. What solutions do you support to address these issues?	Higher wages and better working environments monitored through retention data.	No Response
NSHE professional employees are the largest group of state employees without collective bargaining rights defined in statute. Do you support the rights of NSHE professionals to engage in collective bargaining like other state employee groups, including NSHE classified staff?	Yes. I would be willing to sponsor or co-sponsor a CB bill.	No Response
Should classroom instruction or campus discussion about topics such as critical race theory or gender identity be regulated? If yes, how and by whom?	No	No Response
If approved by voters in November, Question 1 would remove the duties and elections of the Board of Regents from the Nevada Constitution and would task the Legislature with providing for the governance of higher education. If Question 1 passes, what changes would you recommend to the Nevada System of Higher Education and its governance?	That there be greater oversight on how money is spent and input from students, staff, and professors.	No Response
Thank you for your responses. What else, if anything, would you like to communicate to NFA members?	My race was a primary race and I am likely to come out successful in the general. I would love to partner with NFA to support higher education.	No Response

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Senate District 3

Legislative Race	Candidates
Senate District 3	Democrat	Republican	Other
	Rochelle Nguyen (i)	Brent Howard	Keya Jones (No Political Party)
	rochellefornevada.com		keya4nevada.com
State funding for Nevada's public institutions of higher education (two comprehensive universities, a four-year university, and four community colleges) was cut during both the financial crisis and the pandemic and has yet to be fully restored. As a legislator, how would you prioritize funding for higher education versus other state programs?	As a legislator, I am fully committed to prioritizing funding for higher education in Nevada's state budget. I am aware of the negative impact of state funding cuts on our public institutions during the financial crisis and ongoing pandemic. It is essential to restore and maintain adequate funding levels for these vital institutions. By providing accessible and affordable education, we empower individuals to pursue their aspirations while cultivating a skilled workforce that contributes to Nevada's economic growth and competitiveness. To achieve this, I will advocate for increased funding for comprehensive universities, four-year universities, and community colleges. This will improve education quality, enhance facilities and infrastructure, attract talented faculty and staff, and expand research opportunities, ensuring a well-rounded educational experience for students. Despite competing demands for state funding, investing in higher education is a prudent and strategic decision that benefits both individuals and the state in the long run. I am committed to ensuring fair allocation and administration of these funds, actively engaging with the NFA, as I have in the past on a weekly basis. I understand the challenges faced by our public institutions of higher education due to recent budget cuts, and I am determined to persevere in my support for their restoration and further funding. Through active collaboration with stakeholders, diligent advocacy for investment in higher education, and championing fair funding policies, I will continue to be a staunch advocate for the importance of funding our higher education institutions.	I would work with the other State Senators to come up with a good plan to fund Public Institutions.	Funding for higher education is very important. Nevada needs to be competitive with other states pertaining to workforce talent; a talented workforce will certainly attract new business to the Silver State. A possibility to filling those funding gaps could be proposing a small tax on sundries or personal care items provided by hotels and resorts. Certainly, if we spend billions on stadiums and entertainment through public funds, higher education should be funded to benefit the many, and not just a few.
The recruitment and retention of Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE) faculty and staff has become a crisis. Reasons include lagging compensation and cuts to healthcare benefits. What solutions do you support to address these issues?	I wholeheartedly acknowledge the gravity of the situation and firmly believe that action is necessary to rectify these concerns. In order to address this issue, I actively engaged with the Nevada Faculty Alliance (NFA) during the previous session. We met on a regular basis to discuss the challenges faced by NSHE faculty and staff, with a specific focus on recruitment and retention. I am committed to sustaining this partnership and ensuring close collaboration with the NFA moving forward. Furthermore, as a member of the finance committee, I possess knowledge of the impacts that cuts to healthcare benefits have had on our faculty and staff. Restoring previously cut benefits will be a priority for me, and I will diligently work towards achieving this objective. In addition to restoring benefits, I strongly believe in exploring innovative strategies to enhance the overall compensation package for NSHE faculty and staff. I intend to rely on the expertise and input of the NFA to identify creative solutions, including more affordable housing options and additional healthcare benefits. These could potentially include both short-term and long-term benefits, to effectively address the diverse needs of our employees.	We should become more of an online college to cut costs.	Collective bargaining and labor protections would be a good idea and move. When labor is protected, whether it is blue collar or white collar, retention is consistent.
NSHE professional employees are the largest group of state employees without collective bargaining rights defined in statute. Do you support the rights of NSHE professionals to engage in collective bargaining like other state employee groups, including NSHE classified staff?	Yes	No	Yes. I am a supporter of labor rights. Having protections and collective bargaining for NSHE employees could solve healthcare benefits and salary cuts.
Should classroom instruction or campus discussion about topics such as critical race theory or gender identity be regulated? If yes, how and by whom?	No, we should not regulate classroom instruction or campus discussion on topics such as a critical race theory or gender identity.	I do not believe that these topics should be part of college studies unless students what to take a specific class in critical race theory or Gender Identity.	Conversations in a classroom is the foundation to learning. With race and gender issues being part of our current society, censorship has no place in the classroom. Conversation sparks teaching moments.
If approved by voters in November, Question 1 would remove the duties and elections of the Board of Regents from the Nevada Constitution and would task the Legislature with providing for the governance of higher education. If Question 1 passes, what changes would you recommend to the Nevada System of Higher Education and its governance?	Any changes made to the Nevada System of Higher Education must be made with all stakeholders involved. This means students, educators, support staff, and administration coming together to make decisions that improve outcomes	I would have to learn more about these issues.	I would recommend that the Board of Reagents would remain in place, as a recommending body to the Legislature. The Legislature would need education professionals to guide higher education in Nevada.
Thank you for your responses. What else, if anything, would you like to communicate to NFA members?			As an Independent candidate and a NV., State Senator, I will work with both sides of the aisle for solutions to our problems. My purpose is to keep both parties honest, and to find solutions in an uncensored productive manner. We need solutions for all Nevadans ~ not just for those with money and power.

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Senate District 4

Legislative Race	Candidates
Senate District 4	Democrat	Republican
	Dina Neal (i)	Unopposed
	dinaneal.com
State funding for Nevada's public institutions of higher education (two comprehensive universities, a four-year university, and four community colleges) was cut during both the financial crisis and the pandemic and has yet to be fully restored. As a legislator, how would you prioritize funding for higher education versus other state programs?	I know we restored some cuts we made in Covid. I think Higher education has equal priority not greater priority than other issues.
The recruitment and retention of Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE) faculty and staff has become a crisis. Reasons include lagging compensation and cuts to healthcare benefits. What solutions do you support to address these issues?	I suggest stabilizing health care benefits and in a fiscally responsible way, the state can attempt to raise compensation.
NSHE professional employees are the largest group of state employees without collective bargaining rights defined in statute. Do you support the rights of NSHE professionals to engage in collective bargaining like other state employee groups, including NSHE classified staff?	Yes
Should classroom instruction or campus discussion about topics such as critical race theory or gender identity be regulated? If yes, how and by whom?	No, I think academic freedom to educate on historical systems, racism and bias is important.
If approved by voters in November, Question 1 would remove the duties and elections of the Board of Regents from the Nevada Constitution and would task the Legislature with providing for the governance of higher education. If Question 1 passes, what changes would you recommend to the Nevada System of Higher Education and its governance?	I would change what is considered a walking quorum.
Thank you for your responses. What else, if anything, would you like to communicate to NFA members?	No Response

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Senate District 5

Legislative Race	Candidates
Senate District 5	Democrat	Republican
	Jennifer Atlas	Carrie Buck (i)
	atlasfornevada.com	votecarriebuck.com
State funding for Nevada's public institutions of higher education (two comprehensive universities, a four-year university, and four community colleges) was cut during both the financial crisis and the pandemic and has yet to be fully restored. As a legislator, how would you prioritize funding for higher education versus other state programs?	I recognize that funding is an issue, and I hope that the NSHE Committee on Higher Education Funding identifies ways to bring higher-ed funding into parity with K-12 funding.	No Response
The recruitment and retention of Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE) faculty and staff has become a crisis. Reasons include lagging compensation and cuts to healthcare benefits. What solutions do you support to address these issues?	Funding is at the core of this crisis. We need to find real solutions on how to formulate revenue that increases year over year so that we can attract and retain quality personnel. If they are able to form a union and collectively bargain, this would help.	No Response
NSHE professional employees are the largest group of state employees without collective bargaining rights defined in statute. Do you support the rights of NSHE professionals to engage in collective bargaining like other state employee groups, including NSHE classified staff?	Yes. Last session Governor Lombardo vetoed AB224, I would have been supportive of this and would vote for it if it came back in 2025.	No Response
Should classroom instruction or campus discussion about topics such as critical race theory or gender identity be regulated? If yes, how and by whom?	Part of higher education is being exposed to ideas outside of your thinking, I trust the professionals at these institutions to teach in a way that best serves the students.	No Response
If approved by voters in November, Question 1 would remove the duties and elections of the Board of Regents from the Nevada Constitution and would task the Legislature with providing for the governance of higher education. If Question 1 passes, what changes would you recommend to the Nevada System of Higher Education and its governance?	I am not an expert on higher ed policy, so I would look to NSHE faculty and staff, as well as students if we were going to make any changes to make sure that we strengthen the institution.	No Response
Thank you for your responses. What else, if anything, would you like to communicate to NFA members?	I have a son in CCSD, and have a strong interest in making sure that when he is ready for college, Nevada schools are among the best.	No Response

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Senate District 6

Legislative Race	Candidates
Senate District 6	Democrat	Republican	Other
	Nicole Cannizzaro (i)	Jill Douglass	Brad Barnhill (Independent American Party)
	nicolecannizzaro.com	jilldouglass.com	electbarnhill.rf.gd
State funding for Nevada's public institutions of higher education (two comprehensive universities, a four-year university, and four community colleges) was cut during both the financial crisis and the pandemic and has yet to be fully restored. As a legislator, how would you prioritize funding for higher education versus other state programs?	I support higher education and would be happy to discuss funding in the next session, understanding we have many things we have to fund.	No Response	Each term there should be zero based budgeting. A budget is not measured by how much it increases or decreases each year, it is based upon what the actual needs are.
The recruitment and retention of Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE) faculty and staff has become a crisis. Reasons include lagging compensation and cuts to healthcare benefits. What solutions do you support to address these issues?	I have historically supported ways to help faculty, including helping with PERS rates and funding, and would be happy to continue these conversations.	No Response	Salaries should be offered that are competitive with similar markets in the United States. Health Insurance should be tailored to the applicant, not a one-size-fits-all. I personally participate in Liberty Health Share and my contribution is only $359/mo. If the state is buying a plan that is more expensive than that, it should take another look.
NSHE professional employees are the largest group of state employees without collective bargaining rights defined in statute. Do you support the rights of NSHE professionals to engage in collective bargaining like other state employee groups, including NSHE classified staff?	Yes	No Response	No. It is a conflict of interest for state government employees to participate in union negotiations. The current arbitration paradigm is sufficient for this purpose.
Should classroom instruction or campus discussion about topics such as critical race theory or gender identity be regulated? If yes, how and by whom?	I do not believe regulating the content of university courses is something the Legislature should be involved with.	No Response	Critical race theory where children are taught to look the color of each other's skin should not be taught in Nevada public schools. Minors do not have the legal capacity to decide their sex. Gender identity is mental illness and should be treated as such. School choice programs in Nevada will allow parents to remove their children from these toxic environments and place them where they have have the best education.
If approved by voters in November, Question 1 would remove the duties and elections of the Board of Regents from the Nevada Constitution and would task the Legislature with providing for the governance of higher education. If Question 1 passes, what changes would you recommend to the Nevada System of Higher Education and its governance?	I would be happy to discuss proposed changes that may come with the passage of Question 1.	No Response	Question 1 should not be advanced. It removes the governance of education from the elected independent Board of Regents and places it into an unelected bureaucracy, subject to political whim.
Thank you for your responses. What else, if anything, would you like to communicate to NFA members?	Thank you for all your members do	No Response	A mind is like a parachute. It is best employed openly.

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Senate District 7

Legislative Race	Candidates
Senate District 7	Democrat	Republican
	Roberta Lange (i)	Leo Henderson
	www.robertalange.com	leo4nevada.com
State funding for Nevada's public institutions of higher education (two comprehensive universities, a four-year university, and four community colleges) was cut during both the financial crisis and the pandemic and has yet to be fully restored. As a legislator, how would you prioritize funding for higher education versus other state programs?	It is important to restore funding but it will be necessary to prioritize needs of NSHE so the Legislature can address them. Higher education is an important part of Nevada’s well-being and growth so I anticipate that we will be able to respond to requests that will get us closer to restoration of funding.	No Response
The recruitment and retention of Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE) faculty and staff has become a crisis. Reasons include lagging compensation and cuts to healthcare benefits. What solutions do you support to address these issues?	Recruitment and retention are complex issues that suggests an overview of working conditions, respect for faculty and staff, and compensation comparable to similar institutions. As faculty leave for what they feel as larger and more prestigious posts, we need to be energetic in creating an environment that reflects the quality we’ve been working to build so that longevity is appreciated and rewarded.	No Response
NSHE professional employees are the largest group of state employees without collective bargaining rights defined in statute. Do you support the rights of NSHE professionals to engage in collective bargaining like other state employee groups, including NSHE classified staff?	Yes	No Response
Should classroom instruction or campus discussion about topics such as critical race theory or gender identity be regulated? If yes, how and by whom?	The CRT and gender study contoversy has been created whole cloth by the far right. Both are legitimate areas of study and should be included in the curriculum without regulation or censorship.	No Response
If approved by voters in November, Question 1 would remove the duties and elections of the Board of Regents from the Nevada Constitution and would task the Legislature with providing for the governance of higher education. If Question 1 passes, what changes would you recommend to the Nevada System of Higher Education and its governance?	The vote for Question 1 in the Legislature was produced by a perceived failure of the Board of Regents to effectively carry out their responsibilities to make our system responsive to the needs of students, the community, and the state. Contrary to some, I see the amendment as a full opportunity to create a governance structure that acknowledges the good work that has been done and opens the door to structure(s) that provide the legislature with the input so it can make decisions on funding and broad policy. At the same time, we need governance bodies that can act to build program, policy, and manage the finances of the individual institutions. I will be looking for a vigorous dialogue about the mechanics of higher education governance that constrains legislative micromanagement, energizes each institution to build quality and prestige, and invites students to programs that lead them to a high quality of work and life. I invite the NFA to a full partner in this dialogue and to identify successful governance structures for our consideration.	No Response
Thank you for your responses. What else, if anything, would you like to communicate to NFA members?	Despite overwhelming challenges, NSHE faculty and staff have continued to maintain a strong commitment to excellence and the success of our students. We often focus on the governance and controversy to the exclusion of this good work. So let me say thank you and let's continue to move forward.	No Response

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Senate District 11

Legislative Race	Candidates
Senate District 11	Democrat	Republican
	Dallas Harris (i)	Lori Rogich
	dallasharrisfornevada.com	lorirogichforsenate.com
State funding for Nevada's public institutions of higher education (two comprehensive universities, a four-year university, and four community colleges) was cut during both the financial crisis and the pandemic and has yet to be fully restored. As a legislator, how would you prioritize funding for higher education versus other state programs?	As a legislator, I recognize the critical role higher education plays in Nevada's economic development and workforce readiness. Prioritizing funding for our public institutions is essential to ensure they can provide quality education and support to our students. I would advocate for a balanced approach that restores funding to higher education while also addressing the needs of other vital state programs. By investing in education, we can drive long-term economic growth and improve overall quality of life for our residents.	No Response
The recruitment and retention of Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE) faculty and staff has become a crisis. Reasons include lagging compensation and cuts to healthcare benefits. What solutions do you support to address these issues?	To address the crisis in recruitment and retention of NSHE faculty and staff, I support increasing compensation to competitive levels to attract and retain top talent. Restoring and enhancing healthcare benefits is also crucial to ensure our educators feel valued and supported. Additionally, I would advocate for the creation of professional development programs and career advancement opportunities to further incentivize faculty and staff. Collaborating with stakeholders to secure stable, long-term funding sources is essential for sustaining these improvements.	No Response
NSHE professional employees are the largest group of state employees without collective bargaining rights defined in statute. Do you support the rights of NSHE professionals to engage in collective bargaining like other state employee groups, including NSHE classified staff?	Yes	No Response
Should classroom instruction or campus discussion about topics such as critical race theory or gender identity be regulated? If yes, how and by whom?	No.	No Response
If approved by voters in November, Question 1 would remove the duties and elections of the Board of Regents from the Nevada Constitution and would task the Legislature with providing for the governance of higher education. If Question 1 passes, what changes would you recommend to the Nevada System of Higher Education and its governance?	If Question 1 passes, I would recommend several key changes to the governance of the Nevada System of Higher Education. Firstly, establishing a more transparent and accountable governance structure that includes diverse representation from various stakeholders such as faculty, students, and industry leaders. Secondly, implementing performance-based metrics to ensure institutions are meeting educational and financial goals. Additionally, I would advocate for stronger oversight mechanisms to enhance financial transparency and resource allocation. These changes aim to create a more responsive and effective higher education system in Nevada.	No Response
Thank you for your responses. What else, if anything, would you like to communicate to NFA members?	N/A	No Response

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Senate District 15

Legislative Race	Candidates
Senate District 15	Democrat	Republican
	Angie Taylor	Michael Ginsburg
	voteangietaylor.com	ginsburg4nv.com
State funding for Nevada's public institutions of higher education (two comprehensive universities, a four-year university, and four community colleges) was cut during both the financial crisis and the pandemic and has yet to be fully restored. As a legislator, how would you prioritize funding for higher education versus other state programs?	The approach I would take as a state senator is to advocate for fairness and making NSHE whole is a question of fairness. It would also be valuable to know if NSHE is the only budget that has not been fully restored. This can be used to prioritize NSHE. Of course, there are the politics, but at the end of the day, the focus should be on the importance of higher education to the economic future of our state.	No Response
The recruitment and retention of Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE) faculty and staff has become a crisis. Reasons include lagging compensation and cuts to healthcare benefits. What solutions do you support to address these issues?	Assembly bill 224 would be a good first step. The ability to collectively bargain has the potential to be a game changer for both retention and recruitment and could potentially impact healthcare benefits as well.	No Response
NSHE professional employees are the largest group of state employees without collective bargaining rights defined in statute. Do you support the rights of NSHE professionals to engage in collective bargaining like other state employee groups, including NSHE classified staff?	Yes	No Response
Should classroom instruction or campus discussion about topics such as critical race theory or gender identity be regulated? If yes, how and by whom?	Any attempt to regulate classroom instruction in higher ed would infringe upon the academic freedom that is essential to higher education. As long as there is the expectation that all state and federal laws are followed, there should not be further regulation.	No Response
If approved by voters in November, Question 1 would remove the duties and elections of the Board of Regents from the Nevada Constitution and would task the Legislature with providing for the governance of higher education. If Question 1 passes, what changes would you recommend to the Nevada System of Higher Education and its governance?	It would be important to include the voices of the faculty and staff in the development of any new governance structure and on the structure itself.	No Response
Thank you for your responses. What else, if anything, would you like to communicate to NFA members?	As a 20+ year former member of thee administrative faculty, NFA is important to me. I will continue to be a voice for higher education and those who do the work to deliver it in our state. It would be an honor to have your support. Thank you!	No Response

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Senate District 18

Legislative Race	Candidates
Senate District 18	Democrat	Republican
	Ronald Bilodeau	John Steinbeck
	bilodeauforyou.com	steinbeckfornevada.com
State funding for Nevada's public institutions of higher education (two comprehensive universities, a four-year university, and four community colleges) was cut during both the financial crisis and the pandemic and has yet to be fully restored. As a legislator, how would you prioritize funding for higher education versus other state programs?	I believe a thriving economy in Nevada depends on providing our students with educational opportunities and appropriate curriculum for the current and future economy of Nevada and would prioritize measures including necessary funding as appropriate to make sure that the colleges and universities of Nevada are competitive with other states and countries.	No Response
The recruitment and retention of Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE) faculty and staff has become a crisis. Reasons include lagging compensation and cuts to healthcare benefits. What solutions do you support to address these issues?	There are many reasons that educators choose a career in education. To better the lives of others, because they are nurturing and have an internal desire to help others and because they realize the importance of what they are doing for the community are some reasons. Competitive financial compensation and fair healthcare benefits are incentives to attracting qualified educators to Nevada and retaining them once they are here, however other quality of life benefits such as a vibrant economy, affordable housing, a healthy environment, and support and respect for educators from the community and education are equally important. I support solutions that would address the vibrancy of our community and make Nevada an attractive option for educators.	No Response
NSHE professional employees are the largest group of state employees without collective bargaining rights defined in statute. Do you support the rights of NSHE professionals to engage in collective bargaining like other state employee groups, including NSHE classified staff?	I support collective bargaining wherein the creation of a bargaining unit is necessitated by a wide difference in negotiating power.	No Response
Should classroom instruction or campus discussion about topics such as critical race theory or gender identity be regulated? If yes, how and by whom?	I believe that classroom instruction should focus on those skills necessary to be productive and constructive in society and to ensure that our community remains socially responsible and economically competitive.	No Response
If approved by voters in November, Question 1 would remove the duties and elections of the Board of Regents from the Nevada Constitution and would task the Legislature with providing for the governance of higher education. If Question 1 passes, what changes would you recommend to the Nevada System of Higher Education and its governance?	I believe that an open and accessible forum for governance of and organization is best. I will have to learn more about the mechanics of and intent behind Question 1 before commenting further	No Response
Thank you for your responses. What else, if anything, would you like to communicate to NFA members?	I believe that educators hold a large responsibility and one of the most important roles in society. Teaching and coaching are commendable professions that influence and determine the success of our community. I thank all educators for their service. A vibrant, thriving higher education system is a top priority for me.	No Response

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Senate District 19

Legislative Race	Candidates
Senate District 19	Democrat	Republican
	Unopposed	John Ellison
		ellisonfornevada.com
State funding for Nevada's public institutions of higher education (two comprehensive universities, a four-year university, and four community colleges) was cut during both the financial crisis and the pandemic and has yet to be fully restored. As a legislator, how would you prioritize funding for higher education versus other state programs?		No Response
The recruitment and retention of Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE) faculty and staff has become a crisis. Reasons include lagging compensation and cuts to healthcare benefits. What solutions do you support to address these issues?		No Response
NSHE professional employees are the largest group of state employees without collective bargaining rights defined in statute. Do you support the rights of NSHE professionals to engage in collective bargaining like other state employee groups, including NSHE classified staff?		No Response
Should classroom instruction or campus discussion about topics such as critical race theory or gender identity be regulated? If yes, how and by whom?		No Response
If approved by voters in November, Question 1 would remove the duties and elections of the Board of Regents from the Nevada Constitution and would task the Legislature with providing for the governance of higher education. If Question 1 passes, what changes would you recommend to the Nevada System of Higher Education and its governance?		No Response
Thank you for your responses. What else, if anything, would you like to communicate to NFA members?		No Response

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