A Courageous Vote for Taxpayers
Clark County Commissioner April Becker made waves Tuesday when she cast the only “no” vote against extending a fuel tax that adjusts with inflation for another decade. The Republican commissioner’s lone stand cost her some political support, but she says she was standing up for regular folks who are tired of getting squeezed at the pump.
The Laborers International Union of North America, Local 872, quickly rescinded their endorsement of Becker after her vote, posting on social media that:
“Hard-working Nevadans thought we had a friend on the County Commission.”
But Becker wasn’t backing down from her position.
Where Your Gas Money Goes
Here’s what this is really about. Since 2014, Clark County has been collecting an extra tax on every gallon of gas you buy, and that tax goes up with inflation. Over the last decade, it’s generated about $1 billion in revenue. That’s right – a billion dollars straight from the pockets of people who need to drive to work, take their kids to school, and run errands.
Becker pointed out the obvious in her statement:
“They’ve made that money off the backs of hard-working people in Clark County who are buying gas who have to get to work — they are paying a tax.”
She’s absolutely right. Every time you fill up your tank, you’re paying this tax whether you know it or not.
Currently, drivers in Southern Nevada pay 75 cents per gallon in fuel taxes, with 23 cents coming from this inflation adjustment program. That’s real money adding up fast for families already struggling with grocery bills and rent.
What Happened to Voter Choice?
Here’s where it gets really interesting. Back in 2016, voters decided whether to approve this inflation-adjusted gas tax through a ballot question. Now, thanks to Assembly Bill 530 signed by Governor Joe Lombardo in May, the County Commission can extend it without asking voters.
Becker called this out, saying voters should’ve had another chance to decide:
“That was taken away this year. That’s the reason that everybody is here having to ask the board to please continue increasing the taxes.”
Think about that for a minute. The government found a way to keep raising your taxes without having to ask your permission again. That’s exactly the kind of government overreach that gets conservatives fired up.
The Other Side’s Arguments
Now, supporters of the tax extension have their talking points ready. The Regional Transportation Commission says the tax money has been leveraged into about $3 billion in project funding through bonds and federal grants. They claim roads need fixing and workers need jobs.
Union leader Tommy White said Becker’s vote was a surprise and complained she didn’t give them a heads up before voting against their interests. But since when does a conservative commissioner need permission from union bosses to vote her conscience?
The extension needed five of seven votes to pass, and Becker was the only no vote. That takes guts when you’re surrounded by people pressuring you to go along with the crowd.
Meanwhile, in Carson City
While Becker was fighting against tax increases, White’s labor union has been actively lobbying for AB 5, a massive film tax credit bill that would provide $120 million in annual tax credits to Hollywood studios over 15 years.
One fiscal analysis found that for every dollar in tax credits given out, Nevada would only get back 23 cents in direct revenue. Yet labor unions are pushing hard for this Hollywood handout while attacking Becker for opposing a gas tax that hits working families.
What Conservatives Can Do
This whole situation shows why we need more commissioners like April Becker, who aren’t afraid to stand alone when it matters. Here’s what you can do:
Contact Commissioner Becker’s office and thank her for standing up for taxpayers. She needs to hear from constituents who support fiscal responsibility.
Pay attention to who’s running for County Commission in future elections. We need people who understand that government doesn’t create money – it takes it from hardworking families.
Watch for attempts to bypass voter approval on tax increases. If politicians can extend this gas tax without voter approval, what’s next?
Ask your state legislators why they’re handing out corporate welfare to Hollywood while raising gas taxes on regular folks.
The bottom line is simple. Commissioner Becker showed real courage by being the only vote against extending this tax. She lost union support for putting taxpayers first. That’s the kind of principled conservative leadership Nevada needs more of.
The opinions expressed by contributors are their own and do not necessarily represent the views of Nevada News & Views. This article was written with the assistance of AI. Please verify information and consult additional sources as needed.
