If you’re like most folks, you probably believe politicians should do what they say – especially when it comes to your wallet.
But in Carson City this year, some Nevada lawmakers who campaigned on cutting taxes are now voting to raise them. And voters are starting to notice.
During campaign season, it’s all sunshine and tax cuts. We hear slogans like “keep taxes low,” “put more money in your pocket,” and “protect hardworking Nevadans.”
Candidates say it in ads, at town halls, on social media – you name it. But once they get into office, some flip faster than a pancake at Sunday breakfast.
Take what’s going on right now in the Nevada Legislature. Assembly Bill 471 (AB471), which just passed the Assembly, is a perfect example.
This bill expands tobacco taxes and forces out-of-state sellers to register and collect Nevada taxes – even if they don’t have a store, warehouse, or employee anywhere in the state.
That’s right. A cigar shop in Florida could now have to collect and send money to Nevada.
And who pays for that in the end? YOU DO!
The bill passed with overwhelming support – including from 13 of the 15 Republicans in the Assembly.
Yes, Republicans. The same ones who campaigned on keeping taxes low.
Now, we’re not even talking about folks who quietly supported taxes.
These are candidates who went out of their way during the election to say they were against tax increases. Some even filmed campaign ads bragging about fighting for taxpayers.
But now? They’re voting to squeeze more money out of your pocket to grow government.
And here’s the thing – this kind of double-talk doesn’t just make people mad. It hurts at the ballot box.
According to a brand-new poll conducted by John McLaughlin for Americans for Tax Reform, 83% of likely voters say it’s important – very important – that elected officials keep their word when it comes to taxes.
That includes 89% of Republicans, 79% of Democrats, and 81% of independents. In other words, almost everybody cares about this issue.
Broken Tax Promises Could Haunt the GOP in the Midterms, per new national McLaughlin & Associates poll of 1,000 general election voters conducted for @taxreformer and shared with @NRO pic.twitter.com/KrG0EGcxjz
— Audrey Fahlberg (@AudreyFahlberg) May 30, 2025
And voters aren’t quick to forget.
Just ask George H.W. Bush.
In 1988, he famously said, “Read my lips: no new taxes.” Two years later, he raised taxes anyway. That broken promise was a major reason he lost re-election.
Here in Nevada, the problem isn’t just hypothetical.
Voters trusted Republicans to hold the line. But now, some of those same Republicans are falling into the same trap – raising taxes instead of cutting spending.
If you’re a small business owner trying to survive inflation, or a family just trying to make ends meet, this matters.
When taxes go up – even on “other people” – prices go up, too. That Florida cigar shop? Their extra tax costs will get passed right down to you, whether you’re ordering online or buying local.
Sure, some lawmakers say this is about “fairness” or “leveling the playing field.”
But if you claim to be a conservative, the “fair” thing to do would be to LOWER the taxes for everyone, not hike them on a few.
At the end of the day, voters don’t expect miracles. But they do expect honesty.
If a candidate says they won’t raise taxes, then turns around and does it anyway, that’s not leadership – it’s a bait and switch.
And according to the numbers, voters are watching. And remembering.
If Nevada Republicans keep breaking their word on taxes, they might win a few votes in the Legislature – but lose a whole lot more at the ballot box.
