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...]
Nevada’s Place Among the States
Nevada has always had a unique economy, based on volatile industries like mining, which fluctuates according to the price of metals, and tourism, which depends on the U.S. and world economy. Employment, construction and the housing market in the Silver State tend to follow these industries from one extreme to the other. In this year’s report comparing Nevada to other states, … [Read more...]
Legislative Review
The last legislative session in Nevada was one of the most productive the state has seen in recent years. Love it or hate it, there is no denying the outcomes of that productivity and the work of the 78th Session will be discussed for years to come. With around 1,000 registered lobbyists and as many bills passed, 20 freshmen lawmakers and the state’s largest tax increase, … [Read more...]
Tech in Nevada
Economic development in Nevada has a direct, deliberate, effect on Nevada’s technology industry. Then again, Nevada’s technology industry is having a definite effect on economic development. It’s like the old Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups commercials – where the collision of chocolate and peanut butter create a happy symbiosis. In this case, the combination is intentional. … [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...]
Education: The Key to Success
A high school graduate, entering the workforce in Southern Nevada directly after graduation, earns on average $6,000 more annually than a non-graduate. At a very basic level, that’s the effect of education on the economy. Education affects more than workforce, more than the economic development that comes as a result of the talents and training of employees and more than the … [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...]
Nevada Homebuilders, Other Voices: Restore Balance, Fairness to Chapter 40
AB 125 will correct out-of-control housing defect litigation Las Vegas, NV – This week the Nevada legislature is taking up meaningful reform of a broken “Chapter 40” construction defect law that is costly for homeowners and builders alike, the Nevada Home Builders Association reports. AB 125, strongly supported by the homebuilders and others, would restore the intent of … [Read more...]
Nevada Home Builders Association Commends Sandoval for Support of Construction Defect Reform
In his State of the State address, Governor Sandoval called on the Legislature to pass reasonable construction defect reforms, revive our housing market and bring new jobs to Nevadans. As the Governor noted, much of the persistent unemployment in Nevada can be attributed to construction jobs which were cut in half in the last recession. Simply getting housing construction … [Read more...]
What to Expect from Carson City in 2015:Republican Sweep Creates New Opportunities for Policy Reforms
The November wave that swept Republicans to victory not only solidified their control of the governor’s mansion but also saw them capture both chambers of the Nevada Legislature for the first time in 85 years. So now what? In the lifetime since Republicans last controlled the legislative process, liberal policies, decade after decade, have generated many problems for the … [Read more...]
Helping Nevada Schools: Holistic Approaches to Tough Problems
We in business rarely have any particular expertise as educators, but many of us know that something must be done to help our challenged schools. Governor Sandoval has declared the state’s leading challenge is our unacceptably low high school graduation rate. So how does a company that wants to help Nevada schools and students get involved in a way that brings real … [Read more...]
Nevada’s Employment Landscape: Drawing on New Opportunities
It’s been a while now since the start of the nation’s recession that so harshly impacted Nevada. At its peak, in October 2010, the state’s unemployment rate hit 13.8 percent, and activity in numerous sectors dropped drastically. About two years ago, Governor Sandoval called for the creation of 50,000 Nevada jobs by the end of 2014. Numerous organizations—for economic … [Read more...]
Higher Education Collaborative
The Higher Education Collaborative was formed in Southern Nevada in 2010 with the aim of answering multiple needs for post-secondary education, the community, residents and the Valley’s economy. The organization is especially relevant today with the challenges to Nevada’s education. According to 2008 Census data, of the 1.4 million working age adults (24-65 years old), only … [Read more...]
