What’s Going On?
Carson City politicians want to create a brand new government commission to handle trade with… Ireland?
That’s right. Assembly Bill 160 would create a nine-member “Nevada-Ireland Trade Commission” within the state government. The bill, introduced by Assembly Speaker Steve Yeager and Assemblymember P.K. O’Neill back in January, is being presented today (March 6) at the legislature with special guests from Ireland.
The commission would study trade between Nevada and Ireland, make recommendations, and submit annual reports to the legislature. Members wouldn’t get paid but would receive travel expenses and per diem allowances when they meet.
Bill Presentation
Thursday afternoon, Speaker Yeager and Assemblymember O’Neill formally present AB160 to create the Nevada-Ireland Trade Commission within the Governor’s Office of Economic Development.
What makes today’s presentation unusual is the presence of high-profile Irish politicians who will co-present the legislation. Senator Mark Daly, who has served in Ireland’s Senate since 2007 and currently serves as Chair, will join them. Senator Daly has been working to strengthen ties between Ireland and individual U.S. states.
Also attending is former Irish Prime Minister (Taoiseach) Bertie Ahern, who served from 1997-2008. Ahern played a key role in the 1998 Good Friday Peace Agreements that brought peace between Ireland and Northern Ireland.
Why Should Conservatives Care?
This is exactly the kind of government expansion that drives conservatives crazy. Here’s why:
First, it creates another layer of government bureaucracy. The bill establishes yet another commission with administrative support from the Office of Economic Development. That means more government, not less.
Second, it could waste taxpayer dollars. While commission members wouldn’t receive salaries, they would get travel expenses and daily allowances. Plus, the bill creates a special account in the State General Fund for the commission.
Third, it stretches the proper role of government. Should the state really be in the business of creating special commissions for trade with specific countries? Businesses can and do form these relationships without government help.
Many small business owners across Nevada have expressed skepticism about whether a government commission is necessary to facilitate trade relationships that could develop naturally through the free market.
What Are Supporters Saying?
Supporters claim the commission will boost economic ties and create jobs.
“This legislation seeks to expand trade, create new business partnerships, and create jobs for Nevadans that will bring lasting benefits to the Silver State,” said Speaker Yeager in a press release issued ahead of today’s presentation.
Assemblymember O’Neill called it “a smart investment in Nevada’s economic future” that will “benefit small businesses, workers, and communities across the state.”
The bill also mentions the historical connection between Nevada and Ireland, noting that Irish immigrants were a significant part of Nevada’s population during the early mining boom of the mid-1800s.
The Real Problem
Let’s be honest: if Irish-Nevada trade opportunities were so promising, wouldn’t businesses already be pursuing them without government involvement?
The free market works best when government steps back and lets businesses and individuals make their own decisions. Companies don’t need a special commission to tell them where to find good trade partners.
Some economists argue this approach reflects a belief that government knows better than the market. The basic principle remains: if there’s money to be made in Irish-Nevada trade, entrepreneurs would likely discover and pursue these opportunities without government intervention.
What Might Happen Next?
If AB160 passes, the commission would begin work on July 1, 2025. It would prepare annual reports and could even apply for grants and accept gifts for its operations.
This could be the start of a slippery slope. Today it’s Ireland, but tomorrow we could see commissions for dozens of countries, each with their own bureaucracy and expenses.
What Can You Do?
If you believe in limited government, call your state representatives and tell them to vote against AB160. You can also attend legislative hearings when the bill is discussed to make your voice heard.
The bottom line: Nevada doesn’t need another government commission. We need leaders who understand that economic growth comes from free markets, not more bureaucracy.
This article was written with the assistance of AI. Please verify information and consult additional sources as needed.
