By MARK WAITE

PVT

A resolution urging Congress to stop enacting mandates that exceed the scope of the powers delegated to it by the U.S. Constitution was requested during the upcoming 2011 session of the Nevada Legislature by state Sen. Mike McGinness, R-Fallon.

McGinness represents Nye County as part of his vast Central Nevada Senatorial District.

Nevada District 36 Assemblyman Ed Goedhart, R-Amargosa Valley, hasn’t filed any bill draft requests yet.

McGinness said it was one of his constituents who requested the resolution, he but couldn’t even remember who that was.

“It sort of underlines or puts an exclamation point at the end of the 10th Amendment. It’s still in effect, it’s just asking the federal government to pay attention to it,” McGinness said.

The 10th Amendment to the Constitution states powers not granted to the national government are reserved for the states.

The opposition of some state officials, including Nevada’s governor, to President Obama’s health care reform didn’t come to mind when McGinness was asked why he requested the Senate Joint Resolution.

“The Arizona immigration issue comes to mind immediately, but actually I asked for it well before that even happened,” McGinness said.

Arizona passed a law authorizing a tough crackdown on illegal immigrants. The federal government filed suit against Arizona, claiming it’s a federal issue.

Assemblymen Chad Christensen, R-Las Vegas and Don Gustavson, R-Sparks, both filed bill draft requests to change state law on foreign nationals.

McGinness said there are other issues involving the federal government overstepping its bounds concerning federal lands, particularly when it comes to the mining industry.

But when asked what authority the resolution would have, McGinness said: “Just the paper it’s printed on.”

“Basically it’s asking the federal government to, except for those powers enumerated in the federal government, leave the rest to the states,” McGinness said.

Back-to-School Health Fair

There will be a Back-to-School Health Fair from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., July 31, at the Bob Ruud Community Center.

There will be dental screenings, sealants and varnish, free immunizations bring records , sports physicals for $10, nutrition information, car seat safety checks, medical and physical screenings, fingerprinting, social services information, gun-lock safety and safety demonstrations by Fire-Rescue and the sheriff’s office.

Call NyE Communities Coalition, 727-9970, for more information.

Anniversary celebration

Joy Devine Community Church will be celebrating the first anniversary of Pastor V. Chess, at 3 p.m. Aug. 1, in the Bob Ruud Community Center.

Everyone is welcome.

Quilts 4 Cancer project

Quilts 4 Cancer volunteers need red, white and blue fabric to make quilts for area veterans for Veterans Day.

Donations may be made from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, at H & R Locksmith, 610 S. West St.

E-mail barbquilts@yahoo.com for more information.