Conservative Principles Win Big in Carson City
Nevada lawmakers just proved that standing firm on principle pays off. Both chambers voted in favor of AB 398 with near-unanimous support, finally giving charter school teachers the raises they deserve. The bill now heads to Governor Joe Lombardo’s desk for his signature.
This is what happens when conservative leaders refuse to back down from doing what’s right.
The Victory Everyone Can Celebrate
AB 398 allocates $38 million over the next two years for raises for charter school teachers and education support professionals. The bill also includes something extra that shows lawmakers get it – $5,000 bonuses for teachers at Title 1 schools or in special education.
These are the hard-to-fill positions that really need help. Smart policy that targets real problems.
“This is a major victory for Governor Lombardo, the legislature, and all Nevadans,” Assembly Republican Leader Gregory Hafen said in a statement. He’s right. This win belongs to everyone who believes in fairness and school choice.
How We Got Here
The path to this victory wasn’t easy. For months, Democratic leaders tried to give raises to traditional public school teachers while leaving charter school educators behind. That’s not fair, and Governor Lombardo said so.
Earlier this month, Lombardo threatened to veto an education budget if lawmakers did not approve charter school teacher raises. He put his money where his mouth is. Real leadership means taking tough stands when they matter.
“All 63 legislators have been aware of my position for months, and it is my expectation that they will pass a bill that improves education for all Nevada children,” Lombardo said in a statement at the time.
The governor kept his word. And it worked.
Why This Matters to Conservative Families
Charter schools give parents real choices about their kids’ education. They prove every day that competition makes schools better. When parents can pick the best school for their child, everyone has to step up their game.
But school choice only works if charter schools can hire and keep good teachers. If charter educators get paid less than traditional public school teachers, the best talent goes elsewhere. That hurts the very schools that give families alternatives to the government monopoly.
Nevada has 91 charter schools serving thousands of families. These schools often outperform traditional public schools because they have freedom to try new approaches. They can fire bad teachers and reward good ones. They can focus on what works instead of following every bureaucratic rule.
This funding levels the playing field. Now charter school teachers get the same consideration as everyone else in public education.
What Critics Got Wrong
Some Democratic leaders argued that charter schools needed more oversight before getting more money. They wanted charter schools to follow all the same regulations as traditional public schools.
That completely misses the point. Charter schools work because they have freedom to innovate. Loading them down with the same red tape that holds back traditional schools would destroy what makes them special.
Other critics worried about the cost during tight budget times. But $38 million over two years is small change in a state budget that runs into the billions. Plus, this money goes directly to teachers – not to more administrators or fancy buildings.
The real question isn’t whether we can afford this. It’s whether we can afford to keep treating charter school teachers as second-class citizens.
The Bipartisan Breakthrough
What makes this victory even better is how it happened. Both chambers voted in favor of AB 398 with near-unanimous support. That means Democrats and Republicans came together to do the right thing.
“For more than three sessions, I have worked on education reform and getting permanent teacher pay raises. I am honored that we got it done with bipartisan support,” Assembly Republican Leader Gregory Hafen said.
This shows what’s possible when politicians focus on solutions instead of scoring political points. Conservative principles like fairness, competition, and limited government aren’t partisan issues. They’re common sense.
Looking Ahead
Governor Lombardo will almost certainly sign this bill. He fought for it from the beginning and won. This gives him a big win to take to voters when he runs for re-election in 2026.
But the real winners are Nevada families. Parents who choose charter schools for their kids can feel confident that these schools will attract and keep great teachers. Competition in education just got stronger.
This victory also sends a message to other states. When conservative governors stand firm on principle, good things happen. Lombardo showed that you don’t have to accept unfair treatment of school choice.
What Conservatives Should Do Now
First, thank the legislators who voted for this bill. Bipartisan support doesn’t happen by accident. It takes courage from both parties to do the right thing.
Second, support Governor Lombardo when he signs this bill. He took a tough stand and delivered results. That’s the kind of leadership conservative voters should reward.
Third, keep fighting for school choice. This victory is just one step. Nevada still needs education savings accounts, more charter school authorization, and other reforms that give parents real options.
Nevada just proved that standing up for what’s right pays off. Charter school teachers get fair pay. Families get stronger school choices. Taxpayers get better results.
That’s what winning looks like.
This article was written with the assistance of AI. Please verify information and consult additional sources as needed.
