It’s common knowledge that nearly 90 percent of Nevada is federally controlled and the majority of that land is public domain. In order for the state to grow, it’s imperative that developers have access to and can legally purchase land from the government. Furthermore, it’s important that land which has already been purchased isn’t restricted in its use and developers aren’t … [Read more...]
What is PERS hiding? Government Agency Fails to Comply
Nevada’s Public Employee Retirement System (PERS) is a public agency created by the Nevada Legislature to provide benefits to retired government employees in the state. The agency is funded by your tax dollars and required to disclose retirement records, including pension amounts, for public employees per a 2013 Nevada Supreme Court ruling and in conjunction with the Nevada … [Read more...]
Is Common Sense Really Dead? Shared Bathrooms are Simply Dangerous
Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’ve heard about the most recent departure from common sense, the transgender bathroom issue. However, just in case you do call a rock your home, let me catch you up. In many places, men can now use the ladies’ restroom and ladies, if they’re so inclined, can find out what those urinals in the men’s room are all about. The issue really … [Read more...]
Stop Throwing Away Our Money!
You and I work hard for our money, and it’s painful to see government agencies wasting it with ridiculous projects and inefficient practices. If you want to see some prime examples of how our elected representatives in Washington are throwing away taxpayer dollars, look up the 2016 Congressional Pig Book, published by Citizens Against Government Waste (CAGW) and available … [Read more...]
The Fast Track to Felony for Law-Abiding Citizens: Gun Transfers and Question 1
Last year, Nevada legislators made dramatic improvements to gun control laws in the state. Signed by Governor Sandoval in June, SB 175 and SB 240 were two of the most prominent pieces of legislation (although there were several) and applauded by gun owners statewide. By way of refresher, SB 175 abolished handgun registration in Clark County, expanded the already in place “Stand … [Read more...]
Enough! Let’s Stop Bureaucrats from Increasing Our Property Taxes
In 2005, the state Legislature capped property tax increases for residential and commercial properties at 3 percent and 8 percent, respectively. Having two different rates seems unconstitutional to me and many others. Article 10, Section 1, of the Nevada Constitution, in part, states: “The Legislature shall provide by law for a uniform and equal rate of assessment and … [Read more...]
Time to Kick the Kids Out of the House and Do a Bit of Damage Control
The recent passage of our state’s largest tax package, which came on the heels of a ballot in which Nevadans overwhelmingly rejected a similar business tax, makes it abundantly clear that our state politicians have no regard for the wishes of the people. And if they don’t represent us, then whom do they represent? However, the bigger question is what are we going to do about … [Read more...]
Senator Michael Roberson – This Man Doesn’t Represent Us
A current State Senator of Nevada, Michael Roberson is not just any State Senator, he’s the Majority Leader. He also appears to resemble one of those ineffective Republicans in Congress and now he wants to be one. Many Nevada business leaders became very familiar with Michael Roberson last year, prior to the session, as he touted how he and those he supported for election … [Read more...]
Connecting the State: Nevada Business Magazine Turns Thirty
This issue marks the first in our 30th Anniversary year and, as I reflect on the last three decades, I am struck by the progress we’ve made. Remaining a statewide voice for business, the only such publication in Nevada, has been no easy feat. The state’s economies, including Reno, Las Vegas and our rural communities, have divergent needs and providing a cohesive voice to all … [Read more...]
A Little Birdie Told Me… The Danger of Sage-grouse in Nevada
At this point, it’s been the topic of several news articles, commentaries and has become a point of contention between Governor Sandoval and Attorney General Adam Laxalt. What, you may ask, could cause so much fuss? Just a little bird known as the Greater Sage-grouse. If you aren’t familiar with the bird and it’s relation to Nevada, I suggest you get up to speed quickly as this … [Read more...]
Who is Marco Rubio? He’s a Contender
Standing out in a field of Republican candidates, many of whom with extremely strong qualities, is not easy. Regardless, Marco Rubio is quickly becoming a major contender in this Presidential race. Having performed well in the last two Republican debates and with an impressive record on conservative issues, Rubio was already on my radar when I had the opportunity to sit down … [Read more...]
Nevada’s School Voucher Program Apparently Too Much of a Good Thing
When SB 302, commonly known as the Nevada School Voucher Program, was passed earlier this year by the Nevada legislature, it was widely praised as a step in the right direction for Nevada’s oft criticized education system. Allowing parents greater freedom of choice and students opportunities with private schools can only be positive for a state that, for a multitude of reasons, … [Read more...]
Has Government Taken Over for the Family? Let’s Make this “Easy”
Many, myself included, have lamented the role that government now plays in the home. Invading families through a variety of channels, we’ve found ourselves with a watchful “Big Brother” and it’s hard to pinpoint exactly when he entered our homes. It would be easy to say the invasion was hostile and families themselves played no part in allowing government into nearly every … [Read more...]
Who is Ben Carson? Is This Guy a Real Deal?
Everyone knows who Hillary Clinton is and most of us know something about many of the Republican nominees running for President. But, do you know who Ben Carson is? As I began learning about him, I asked a number of people if they had ever heard of him. Most say they haven’t. Yet, at the time of this writing, National Election Polls have Ben Carson rated in the top five … [Read more...]
School Choice Bill: Congratulations Governor Brian Sandoval & NV Legislators
Nevada’s public schools have been receiving failing grades for many years, ranking among the lowest in the country for graduation rates, standardized test scores, and other measures of student achievement; but, thanks to Governor Sandoval and the 78th Legislature, a major step in reforming Nevada’s education was accomplished by the passage of what appears to be a monumental … [Read more...]
Killing is Not “Death with Dignity” – Beware the Slippery Slope
Did you know that a bill was introduced in the 2015 Nevada legislative session that would have allowed physicians to assist patients in committing suicide? Thankfully Sen. Joe Hardy, a doctor, made sure that SB 336 never made it out of committee. However, the sponsors of the so-called “death with dignity” bill have promised to bring it up again at the next session. We can’t … [Read more...]
Where’s Our Backbone? Speak Up Nevada!
No one seems to take a stand on political and social issues anymore. They don’t want to make waves or offend anybody. Maybe they’re afraid of being bullied, or in the case of politicians, they’re afraid that speaking out on an issue may alienate some voters. If they do take a stand, as soon as they get any negative feedback, they’re quick to reverse themselves or try to explain … [Read more...]
The Solution to Education: Do What Works
The Nevada State Government needs to stop throwing good money after bad; and, it should begin now. As business people, we have just a few days to affect our Nevada State Legislators and what they do, and do not, vote for. What do you plan to do? Sit back and be complacent and then suffer the consequences, or do you plan to be part of the solution? It seems government is … [Read more...]
The Emperor Has No Clothes: Businesses Must Speak Out on Governor’s Tax Plan!
Most of you remember the fable that tells of a leader who showed up naked, yet was so powerful that no one said a word. Our Governor has shown strong leadership during our state’s worst economic crisis and enjoys high ratings among Nevadans. However, his plan for imposing the highest tax in Nevada’s history leads me to believe he is either anti-business or simply doesn’t … [Read more...]
Margin Tax Defeated? …Maybe Not
When we think we’ve seen it all, we get delivered another whammy! Do you remember all the commercials and reasons to defeat the ballot question seeking Nevadan’s approval for a Margin Tax? How can we so soon forget the barrage of commercials and editorials aimed at defeating that measure? Heck, I wrote some of them myself. Fortunately, the measure was overwhelmingly defeated… … [Read more...]
