The Big Picture
Governor Joe Lombardo is fighting to get his key bills across the finish line as Nevada’s legislative session winds down. For conservatives who believe in limited government, these bills represent a different way of thinking. Instead of growing government programs, Lombardo wants to cut red tape and let businesses thrive.
The Republican governor has four major bills still moving through the Democrat-controlled legislature after and education bill deal was struck on Friday.
Housing Bill Shows Promise Despite Challenges
Assembly Bill 540, Lombardo’s housing bill, has already passed the Assembly and is now in the Senate Government Affairs Committee. The bill started out asking for $250 million but was scaled back to $133 million.
This isn’t your typical government housing program. The bill creates a Nevada Attainable Housing Fund that works with private developers instead of having government build houses. It also expands who qualifies for “affordable” housing to include working families with higher incomes.
The bill also proposed exempting projects from paying prevailing wages to construction workers that state law typically requires of publicly financed projects. That means lower costs and more housing built faster.
Critics worry about spending state money on housing when Nevada faces budget shortfalls. But supporters say helping working families find homes is better than letting government bureaucrats decide who gets housing assistance.
Crime Bill Gets Tougher Treatment
Senate Bill 457, Lombardo’s criminal justice bill, had a hearing in the Senate Judiciary Committee but hasn’t been voted on yet. The bill is known as the Safe Streets and Neighborhoods Act.
This bill takes a tough-on-crime approach that conservatives have long supported. It focuses on giving law enforcement the tools they need to keep communities safe. The bill received major amendments after its committee hearing, which often means lawmakers are trying to find compromise.
For conservatives, this represents a return to common-sense public safety policies. Instead of focusing on criminal justice reform that some say has gone too far, Lombardo wants to make sure law-abiding citizens feel safe in their neighborhoods.
Democrat critics worry the bill could lead to higher incarceration rates. But supporters argue that protecting innocent people should come first.
Health Care Bill Tackles Real Problems
Senate Bill 495, known as the Nevada Health Care Access Act, could be considered in the Senate on Saturday. The bill would tackle the state’s health care provider shortage, expand mental health services and streamline health care.
Lombardo shared a personal story about why this matters. During the bill’s first hearing, Lombardo told lawmakers about a time when his grandson needed emergency surgery, but there was not a doctor in Southern Nevada who could perform the procedure. By chance, there was a Texas-based surgeon in town who was able to step in.
This bill takes a market-based approach to health care problems. Instead of creating government-run health care, it removes regulations that keep qualified doctors from practicing in Nevada. It also streamlines the process for out-of-state health care workers to get licensed here.
The conservative approach means less government control and more choices for patients. When doctors can practice more easily, competition increases and costs often go down.
Economic Development Bill Cuts Red Tape
Senate Bill 461, Lombardo’s economic development bill, is currently in the Senate Revenue and Economic Development Committee. The bill is called the Nevada Forward Economic Development Policy Reform Act and would provide up to $12 million in tax credits to build child care facilities.
The bill would cost an estimated $124 million over the next two-year budget cycle, including $49 million from the state’s general fund. But this isn’t government spending in the traditional sense. Most of the money comes from tax credits, which means businesses keep more of their own money instead of sending it to government.
The bill authorizes the Office of Economic Development to establish a transferable tax credit of up to $12 million per year for investments in child care facilities to support working families and enhance workforce stability. Tax credits would cover no more than 60 percent of operating costs for these facilities.
The bill also creates the Community Infrastructure Grant Program, a $100 million biennial fund to support infrastructure projects to aid business expansion and relocation.
For conservatives, this represents the right way to help the economy grow. Instead of picking winners and losers, it removes barriers and lets businesses compete. The bill carves out tax abatements for clean energy businesses, aerospace or defense technology companies, health care technology groups, and manufacturing organizations.
Looking Ahead
Time is running out for these bills. The Nevada Legislature is in its final day on Monday and crucial legislation has yet to make it to the governor’s desk as of this weekend.
If these bills pass, they could serve as a model for other states with Republican governors and Democrat legislatures. They show how conservative principles can be applied even when government is divided.
If they fail, it might signal that the era of bipartisan compromise is over. It could also mean conservatives need to win more legislative seats to get their agenda passed.
What Conservatives Can Do
Contact your state legislators and urge them to support these bills. Explain why market-based solutions work better than government programs. Share personal stories about how red tape has affected your business or family.
Get involved in local politics to elect more conservatives to the legislature. These bills show what’s possible when conservatives control the governor’s office, but they need more allies in the legislature to get things done.
Support organizations that promote free market policies in Nevada. The more people understand how conservative solutions work, the more likely they are to support them.
This article was written with the assistance of AI. Please verify information and consult additional sources as needed.
