Get to Know Ellen and Learn About her Signature Legislation
Ellen and her husband Bill enjoy family time... with Ellen's family (2019), Ellen's great aunt at her 100th birthday (2018) and Bill's family (2017).
Ellen's signature legislation includes two bills that get women closer to equal pay and advocacy for reproductive rights. She's not done fighting.
Ellen authored the legislation that put marriage equality into Nevada law.
Another of Ellen's laws made it possible for many nursing moms to go back to work and have healthy families.
It also was Ellen's law that ensured Nevadans have health insurance coverage for pre-existing conditions.
President Obama recognized Ellen for her efforts, and Ellen is looking forward to working with the Biden administration.
About Ellen
Ellen Spiegel is a Community Leader, Loving Wife and Great Neighbor
Ellen views our community as her extended family. That's why she fights so hard for us and achieves results.
Ellen was raised in the small town of Jericho, NY. She has a degree in Consumer Economics from Cornell University and was an e-commerce pioneer. Among her many achievements: Ellen helped bring The Weather Channel online; developed the very first online store that let people purchase software and download it to their computers; and was instrumental in the development of Internet privacy and email marketing guidelines that protect consumers.
She served in the Nevada Assembly for five terms, and she was the first graduate of Emerge Nevada to be elected to public office.
Ellen owns a successful Nevada-based consulting firm with her husband Bill, to whom she has been married for 21 years. They have two cats, Hobbes and Shekel ("Shecky") and live in the Green Valley section of Henderson.
Ellen and Bill Spiegel at a Las Vegas Aces game in 2019.
Ellen is a Recognized Leader
- Named First Vice President, Nevada Federation of Democratic Women, March 2021
- National Multiple Sclerosis Society, "Legislator of the Year" Award, 2020
- Nevada Women's Lobby, "Woman of Impact," 2020
- Named Vice Chair, National Conference of Insurance Legislators Articles of Incorporation/Bylaws committee, January 2020
- Adopt a Vet Dental Program, "Certificate of Appreciation," in recognition of outstanding support and commitment to the Nevada Veteran Community, 2019
- Appointed National Conference of Insurance Legislators Executive Board, 2019
- Appointed Council of State Governments Task Force, "The Future of Work"
- Assembly Committee on Commerce and Labor, Chair 2019
- Assembly Committee on Taxation, Vice-Chair, 2019
- Assembly Committee on Ways & Means Subcommittee on K-12/Higher Education/Capital Improvement Programs, Vice-Chair, 2019
- Council of State Governments, "Henry Toll Fellow," 2017
- Breastfeeding Task Force of Nevada "Shining Star," 2017
- Assembly Committee on Transportation, Vice-Chair, 2017
- Urban Chamber of Commerce, "Women in Politics Award," 2016
- Henderson Democratic Club, "Governor Richard H. Bryan Award," 2016
- March of Dimes, "Peggy Pierce Advocacy Award," 2015
- United Veterans Legislative Council, "Certificate of Appreciation," 2015
- Mi Familia Vota, "Certificate of Appreciation," 2013
- Assembly Committee on Health & Human Services, Vice-Chair, 2013
- City of Henderson, "Making a Difference in their Neighborhoods," 2011
- Nevada Women's Lobby, "Rising Star Award," 2010
- Nevada Chapter, Community Associations Institute, "Large Association Board Member of the Year," 2009
Ellen Delivers for Us
Ellen has a record of standing up for our community's values:
- We want access to health care. In 2019, Ellen authored AB170, which mandates coverage for pre-existing conditions and gives consumers better access to specialists. In prior years, her bills have helped with prescription drugs and medical billing.
- We want our kids to have good educational opportunities. Ellen's legislation has addressed bullying, as well as making sure our students get the support they need to succeed in school.
- We want equal pay... Ellen stood up for us and in 2017 introduced two pieces of legislation that are now state law, moving us closer to the goal of equal pay for equal work (AB106, AB276)
- We want good paying jobs... Ellen always says, "If you can't pay for a roof over your head or put food on the table, nothing else matters" - that's why you can always count on Ellen to fight for good paying jobs, whether it is in the construction industry, education, rooftop solar, or anywhere that hard-working Nevadans can be found.