The 2015 Legislative Session starts on February 2nd. For the first time since 1929, state Republicans have control of the Nevada Assembly and Senate, in addition to having a Republican governor.
Republican Assemblyman Pat Hickey says his party is ready to lead.
“Republicans have a great opportunity as a governing coalition,” said Hickey.” “(We are) no longer the minority or the opposition party this session."
It's a unique advantage for Republicans considering the last time the party was in the same position was in 1929.
"In the case of the assembly, and the Republican members there is we're working to get our act together, so we can hit the ground running and be in unison enough to be effective," he said.
Even though his party is in control, he wants to emphasize the fact that Governor Brian Sandoval is the one with the final say, and he was elected from a majority of Nevadans, both Republican and Democrat.
"If anyone enjoys a mandate after the last election, it is he with a 70% majority,” said Hickey.
The biggest issue for the party this year is education.
"We are going to need vision, leadership, and a commitment with the incoming project of Tesla,” said Hickey. “We do have to upgrade our education system."
It's critical to have proper education funding, he says, but the challenge this year is finding where that funding will come from.
“At the same time, (it's about) keeping Nevada the low tax state that's made so us attractive,” he said. “It's a challenge."
