MGM Resorts International and UNLV announced a partnership to establish a think tank that will seek bipartisan solutions to a range of economic, social, political, and workplace issues.
Co-chaired by Senator Harry Reid and Speaker John Boehner, the public policy institute will focus on wide-ranging, substantive, and relevant national and international policy issues that impact the travel, tourism, hospitality, and gaming industries and the global communities in which they operate.
The MGM Resorts Public Policy Institute will be housed in UNLV’s School of Public Policy and Leadership within the Greenspun College of Urban Affairs. Work at the institute is expected to begin later this year.
“I’m excited about the possibilities the Institute offers to proactively explore issues and develop bipartisan policy solutions – especially on topics that matter to our workforce, our communities and the industries in which we play a leading role,” said Jim Murren, chairman and CEO of MGM Resorts International. “I’m pleased to have a partnership with UNLV, a leading academic and research institution, and am deeply honored to have the guidance and involvement of Senator Reid and Speaker Boehner.”
The development of the institute is an important part of MGM Resorts’ ongoing efforts to expand its leadership in broader conversations on matters of public policy and will continue to bolster UNLV’s already strong engagement on a wide variety of national and international issues.
“Identifying solutions to complex public-policy issues can only be achieved through robust debate and our university – with its diverse expertise and capacity for community engagement – is a natural setting,” said UNLV President Len Jessup. “We look forward to working with the leadership of MGM Resorts and the Institute co-chairs to further define a compelling research and policy agenda.”
Senator Reid and Speaker Boehner jointly stated, “While our public opposition on issues may be more storied than our private friendship, we have successfully collaborated on complex problems and signature ideas and look forward to doing so again. As passionate and committed believers in the importance of public service, we are eager to work with MGM Resorts and UNLV to inspire a new generation to serve their country through public office.”
About Senator Harry Reid and Speaker John Boehner
Born in Searchlight, Nevada, Harry Reid served 30 years in the U.S. Senate and is the longest serving Senator from the state. During his Senate career, he served as the Senate Majority Leader, Democratic Leader, Majority Whip, and Minority Whip. Senator Reid is renowned for tirelessly working to improve conditions in his home state by promoting economic development, investing in infrastructure and clean energy development, and championing Nevada’s role as the country’s premiere entertainment and gaming destination. In addition to his role with the institute, Senator Reid recently accepted the role of Distinguished Fellow at UNLV’s Boyd School of Law.
John Boehner represented Ohio’s 8th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives for nearly 25 years, during which he served as Speaker of the House, Majority Leader, and Minority Leader. Speaker Boehner’s experience as a small businessman informed his time in Congress, where he spent his career fighting for sound fiscal, and regulatory policies that would drive employment and economic growth. After his long tenure in the House, Speaker Boehner in 2016 joined Squire Patton Boggs as a strategic advisor.
About MGM Resorts International
MGM Resorts International (NYSE: MGM) is one of the world's leading global hospitality and entertainment companies, operating a portfolio of destination resort brands including Bellagio, MGM Grand, Mandalay Bay and The Mirage. The Company opened MGM National Harbor in Maryland on December 8, 2016, and is in the process of developing MGM Springfield in Massachusetts.
MGM Resorts is named among FORTUNE® Magazine's 2016 list of World's Most Admired Companies®. For more information about MGM Resorts International, visit the Company's website at www.mgmresorts.com
