State of Nevada Archives: on Tax Reform
Adam Laxalt:
Critical to maintain low taxes
I've shown a commitment to fiscal responsibility as Attorney General, my office has returned nearly $30 million to taxpayers since my inauguration, even while increasing services and I'll do the same as Governor.
It is critical that we maintain a low-tax climate so that our businesses can thrive and our families can prosper. As Governor, I will oppose all efforts to increase Nevadans' tax burden, and will also look for ways we can reduce taxes.
Source: 2018 Nevada Gubernatorial website AdamLaxalt.com
Nov 7, 2017
Adam Laxalt:
Committed to not raising taxes on anybody
Q: Position on state taxes, including commerce tax levy on businesses making $4 million or more a year.Adam Laxalt (R): "Will be committed to not raising taxes on anybody." End the commerce tax.
Steve Sisolak (D): Commerce tax was "very brave step," so preserve it. Explore increasing property tax caps to pay for education.
Source: 2018 CampusElect.org Issue Guide on Nevada Governor race
Oct 9, 2018
Bob Beers:
Don't suspend energy efficient tax breaks impacting budget
SB567: Suspends all state action relating to tax exemptions applicable to energy efficient buildings.Summary from Las Vegas Review Journal, May 15, 2007:ÿThe Legislature swiftly approved Senate Bill 567 to suspend the tax breaks because
of concerns that the loss of revenues would hurt school districts and local governments over the next several years. Any loss of school revenues must be made up by the state general fund, thereby affecting the state budget as well.
Veto Message:
ÿGibbons commented that his veto was grounded in the "rushed move" by the State Assembly and Senate to suspend the program, and called for public hearings "where taxpayer concerns can be discussed and debated and the long-term fiscal impact of
any tax exemptions or abatements can be carefully analyzed."
Legislative Outcome:ÿPassed Assembly 42-0-0 on May/3/07; Vetoed by Gov. Gibbons on May/14/07; Sustained veto Senate 4-17-0 on Jun/4/07; Sen. Bob Beers voted NO on veto override.
Source: Review Journal: Nevada State Legislature voting record SB567
Jun 4, 2007
Brian Sandoval:
Don't raise taxes by $1B; that would halt job growth
I was briefed on the Democratic plan for raising over a billion dollars in taxes. We had a frank discussion about our differences of opinion concerning the impact of raising taxes, and I restated my belief that raising taxes in this economy would be a
mistake. Nevada is just beginning to demonstrate signs of economic recovery and this proposal would bring job growth to a halt, at a time when we have proven that growing our way out of this crisis can address our budgetary needs.
Source: Nevada 2011 gubernatorial press release, #4294971649
May 5, 2011
Chris Dodd:
Moderate but keep the estate tax; incentivize middle class
Q: The benefits of President’s Bush’s tax cuts have overwhelmingly gone to the very wealthy. Meanwhile, federal revenues have dropped to the lowest share of our national wealth in decades. A: First of all, we need to have a program which focuses
attention on critically important domestic issues. We also need to make sure we don’t allow these tax cuts to become permanent in this county. Providing that kind of benefit for people at the very top levels would be a mistake.
We’re going to need not a repeal of the estate tax but to moderate it. But if we were to totally get rid of that, there would be a tremendous loss of revenues for the country.
And then we need to provide the kind of tax breaks and incentives for those in the middle-income category of our country so they can begin to grow and prosper and contribute more.
Source: 2007 AFSCME Democratic primary debate in Carson City Nevada
Feb 21, 2007
Dan Schwartz:
Spending to increase revenue would justify raising taxes
Schwartz said he won't sign Grover Norquist's "no new taxes" pledge, explaining that he's already on the record opposing higher taxes and adding that he couldn't guarantee that the state wouldn't need to raise taxes. "Let's say I want to encourage
building faculties at some of the universities. That to me is money well spent," he said. "I'm going to look at not raising taxes but if it becomes apparent that the people of this state will benefit greatly from increased revenues, then I will do that."
Source: Nevada Independent on 2018 Nevada Gubernatorial race
Sep 6, 2017
Dean Heller:
Trump tax cut boosts job creation
Q: Support President Trump's tax cut bill?Dean Heller (R): Yes "I helped write it!" Believes the bill "provides critically important tax cuts to Nevada's middle-class families, boosts job creation, and spurs economic growth."
Jacky Rosen (D): No. Considers "fraudulent" handout to corporations and the wealthiest. Opposes top bracket and corporate tax cuts that she considers at the heart of the bill.
Source: 2018 CampusElect.org Issue Guide on Nevada Senate race
Oct 9, 2018
Dina Titus:
Suspend energy efficient tax breaks impacting budget
SB567: Suspends all state action relating to tax exemptions applicable to energy efficient buildings.Summary from Las Vegas Review Journal, May 15, 2007:ÿThe Legislature swiftly approved Senate Bill 567 to suspend the tax breaks because
of concerns that the loss of revenues would hurt school districts and local governments over the next several years. Any loss of school revenues must be made up by the state general fund, thereby affecting the state budget as well.
Veto Message:
ÿGibbons commented that his veto was grounded in the "rushed move" by the State Assembly and Senate to suspend the program, and called for public hearings "where taxpayer concerns can be discussed and debated and the long-term fiscal impact of
any tax exemptions or abatements can be carefully analyzed."
Legislative Outcome:ÿPassed Assembly 42-0-0 on May/3/07; Vetoed by Gov. Gibbons on May/14/07; Sustained veto Senate 4-17-0 on Jun/4/07; Sen. Titus voted NO on veto override.
Source: Review Journal: Nevada State Legislature voting record SB567
Jun 4, 2007
Harry Reid:
I am not in favor of giving billionaires tax cuts
Angle pushed for extension of the Bush-era tax cuts, arguing that if they were not made permanent "we will experience the largest tax increase in the history of America.""I personally am not in favor of giving billionaires tax cuts,"
Reid responded, before guaranteeing that he would not support an increase in taxes for middle class Americans.
Source: CBS News coverage of 2010 Nevada Senate debate
Oct 15, 2010
Jack Carter:
Oppose the elimination of the sales tax deduction by the GOP
The 2006 tax reconciliation bill eliminates the sales tax deduction for residents of seven states, including Nevada. This deduction has proved immensely popular with Nevadans. They collectively have saved an estimated $130,000,000 a year, and now Ensign
and his fellow Republicans have voted to eliminate this deduction. The sales tax deduction has provided significant federal income tax relief, especially to residents of the seven states in which there is no state income tax. The average Nevada family of
four with a household income of $45,000 could claim a $700 exemption on their 2005 return. This bill means higher taxes for Nevadans, and that means less money in their pockets. With soaring prices on everything from gas to health care, it's ridiculous
that Ensign voted to wipe out this tax relief. It's another example of him providing tax cuts for the wealthy, while increasing taxes for the little guy. He seems to be ignoring the financial struggle which is a part of everyday life for many Nevadans.
Source: 2006 Senate campaign website, Carter for Nevada
May 21, 2006
Jacky Rosen:
Opposed Republican tax cut to wealthy
Just in time for the holidays, politicians are trying to gift-wrap tax breaks for their billionaire donors and corporate special interests while hardworking families foot the bill. Desperate to score some sort of political win, Republicans in the
House and Senate are ready to throw millions of Americans under the bus--so they can give the wealthiest Americans and huge corporations a massive tax cut. I was disappointed with the final bill in the House, and I voted against it on Nov. 16.
Source: Las Vegas Sun on 2018 Nevada Senatorial race
Nov 29, 2017
James Vandermaas:
Trickle-up tax relief plans can stimulate and grow economy
We need to use targeted infrastructure projects to create new jobs, affordable access to education, and job training. Trickle-up tax relief plans can both stimulate and grow the economy, strengthening the middle-class by creating
more and better-paying jobs that allow people to become self-sufficient. And employee-retention based tax incentives can encourage businesses to hire and retain employees.
Source: 2022 Nevada Senate campaign website VoteVandermaas.com
Dec 9, 2021
James Vandermaas:
Change tax policy to advantage of middle class, not top 1-2%
A strong and productive middle class is the engine that drives our economy. The middle class--not the top one or two percent--spends the money that creates jobs and a productive economy, increases revenue, and pays down our debt.
We must change our focus and tax policy to what I call a 'trickle-up economy,' giving the advantage to the people that actually work hard and spend money in this economy.
Source: 2022 Nevada Senate campaign website VoteVandermaas.com
Dec 9, 2021
Jared Fisher:
Cement our reputation as pro-business, tax-friendly state
Nevada Needs to Remain a Tax-Friendly State: With tax incentives for businesses, such as the tax breaks given to Tesla's gigafactory outside Reno ($1.25 billion for 20 years), Nevada has already cemented a reputation as a tax-friendly state.
We need to use this to our advantage and make attracting businesses like Tesla a top priority. High-profile, high-tech companies spur job growth because they draw other related businesses and businesses that will support the needs of new employees.
We Need to Foster an Environment that Encourages Entrepreneurship: While these big-name companies are clear wins, our state also needs to foster an environment that encourages entrepreneurs to launch smaller businesses as well.
This will require a streamlined process and the removal of the red tape that impedes start-up performance and discourages entrepreneurship.
Source: 2018 Nevada Governor campaign website FisherForNevada.com
Mar 21, 2018
Jim Gibbons:
No new taxes and no expansion of state government
It is time for Nevada government to face facts and make tough choices about the services we can and cannot afford. This unprecedented economic situation is a crisis. Therefore, I will be issuing a proclamation convening a Special Session of the Nevada
Legislature on February 23. This is not a responsibility I take lightly, this is an extraordinary time and we must take action. In 2007, Nevada's economy began a downturn which I knew was not temporary. The Executive Budget I prepared in January of
2009 scaled back state government to weather this crisis. More importantly, the balanced budget I submitted imposed no new taxes and allowed no expansion of state government. The Nevada Legislature disregarded my solution. They raised taxes one
billion dollars, and they made government bigger. They made the wrong call. I vetoed their new taxes and their inflated spending. I thought it was wrong then. I KNOW it's wrong now. I planned responsibly. They gambled on new taxes and we all lost.
Source: Nevada 2010 State of the State Address
Feb 8, 2010
Jim Gibbons:
Don't suspend energy efficient tax breaks impacting budget
SB567: Suspends all state action relating to tax exemptions applicable to energy efficient buildings.Summary from Las Vegas Review Journal, May 15, 2007:ÿThe Legislature swiftly approved Senate Bill 567 to suspend the tax breaks because
of concerns that the loss of revenues would hurt school districts and local governments over the next several years. Any loss of school revenues must be made up by the state general fund, thereby affecting the state budget as well.
Veto Message:
ÿGibbons commented that his veto was grounded in the "rushed move" by the State Assembly and Senate to suspend the program, and called for public hearings "where taxpayer concerns can be discussed and debated and the long-term fiscal impact of
any tax exemptions or abatements can be carefully analyzed."
Legislative Outcome:ÿPassed Assembly 42-0-0 on May/3/07; Vetoed by Governor Jim Gibbons on May/14/07; Sustained veto Senate 4-17-0 on Jun/4/07
Source: Review Journal: Nevada State Legislature voting record SB567
May 14, 2007
Joe Biden:
More tax breaks for Latino and black businesses
Taxes on small businesses won't go up. We're going to make sure there's more money available for small businesses in the Latino community and the black community to be able to get the capital to start businesses. We should start rewarding work,
not just wealth. That's why we have to change the tax code the way it is. That's why the wealthy have to start to pay their fair share. And that's why we have to focus on giving people the ability to generate wealth.
Source: 9th Democrat 2020 primary debate, in Las Vegas Nevada
Feb 19, 2020
Joe Heck:
Don't suspend energy efficient tax breaks impacting budget
SB567: Suspends all state action relating to tax exemptions applicable to energy efficient buildings.Summary from Las Vegas Review Journal, May 15, 2007:ÿThe Legislature swiftly approved Senate Bill 567 to suspend the tax breaks because
of concerns that the loss of revenues would hurt school districts and local governments over the next several years. Any loss of school revenues must be made up by the state general fund, thereby affecting the state budget as well.
Veto Message:
ÿGibbons commented that his veto was grounded in the "rushed move" by the State Assembly and Senate to suspend the program, and called for public hearings "where taxpayer concerns can be discussed and debated and the long-term fiscal impact of
any tax exemptions or abatements can be carefully analyzed."
Legislative Outcome:ÿPassed Assembly 42-0-0 on May/3/07; Vetoed by Gov. Gibbons on May/14/07; Sustained veto Senate 4-17-0 on Jun/4/07; Sen. Joe Heck voted NO on veto override.
Source: Review Journal: Nevada State Legislature voting record SB567
Jun 4, 2007
Joe Lombardo:
Joe will veto any new tax increase
Joe will veto any
new tax increase.
Source: 2021 Nevada Governor campaign website JoeLombardoForNV.com
Oct 21, 2021
Joe Lombardo:
There's always another way instead of raising taxes
On the mining tax increase that will funnel hundreds of millions more dollars to education, he said there was "always another way" instead of raising taxes, repeated his no-new-tax pledge. He said the state's tax structure is sound and needs time to
prosper. "We don't want to make decisions on the heels of a pandemic, you know?" he said, adding later: "I personally believe there's fluff available in any government."
Source: Las Vegas Review-Journal on 2022 Nevada Gubernatorial race
Jun 30, 2021
Joe Lombardo:
Open to tax reform, but not increase in state revenue
Lombardo said he is open to tax reform, but not in a way that increases revenue. "What do I mean by that is: can we do a better way of doing business?" he said. "No increase in revenue --
reallocation." Lombardo said he would not be open to a property tax hike as a way to increase funding for schools but would consider reevaluating the process of how property taxes are calculated.
Source: The Nevada Independent on 2022 Nevada Gubernatorial race
Mar 30, 2022
John Jay Lee:
Federal taxes hurt families & local government
Q: What about higher taxes? There are a lot of big corporations out there in Vegas.LEE: There are and those taxes are very important. A lot of taxes are taking out of people's pockets are taxes that we kind of need to run our local governments
and stuff. They're not giving any opportunity about families saving for their future, for their children's education, it's all about them and their socialistic values and that doesn't work.
Source: Daily Wire News on 2022 Nevada Gubernatorial race
Apr 6, 2021
John Jay Lee:
Don't suspend energy efficient tax breaks impacting budget
SB567: Suspends all state action relating to tax exemptions applicable to energy efficient buildings.Summary from Las Vegas Review Journal, May 15, 2007:ÿThe Legislature swiftly approved Senate Bill 567 to suspend the tax breaks because
of concerns that the loss of revenues would hurt school districts and local governments over the next several years. Any loss of school revenues must be made up by the state general fund, thereby affecting the state budget as well.
Veto Message:
ÿGibbons commented that his veto was grounded in the "rushed move" by the State Assembly and Senate to suspend the program, and called for public hearings "where taxpayer concerns can be discussed and debated and the long-term fiscal impact of
any tax exemptions or abatements can be carefully analyzed."
Legislative Outcome:ÿPassed Assembly 42-0-0 on May/3/07; Vetoed by Gov. Gibbons on May/14/07; Sustained veto Senate 4-17-0 on Jun/4/07; State Sen. Lee voted NO on veto override.
Source: Review Journal: Nevada State Legislature voting record SB567
Jun 4, 2007
Kenny Guinn:
Nevada needs new revenue, but now is no time for new taxes
During this past year, I have made no secret of my belief that Nevada must explore new revenue streams and establish a broader economic base, so that we can provide a good education to our children, adequate health care to our families and seniors,
and safety for all our citizens. As a result, many speculated that I would be forced to raise taxes. Indeed, the state's expenditure and long-range revenue projections show that, without changes, Nevada will face a tremendous shortfall within 8 years.
I believe, however, that, with the potential slowing of the national economy, now is not a time for new taxes, and my budget does not contain a single tax increase. Now is a time for moderation and restraint.
I have long believed that state government cannot and should not be all things to all people. There are some things, however, that only the state can do -- educate our children, care for our seniors, and protect the disadvantaged.
Source: 2001 State of the State Address to the Nevada Legislature
Jan 22, 2001
Mike Bloomberg:
Raise taxes on the rich
I agree that the rich aren't paying their fair share. We should raise taxes on the rich. I did that as mayor in New York City.
The first thing I would do is try to convince Congress, because they've got to do it, we can't just order it, to roll back the tax cuts that the Trump administration put in.
Source: 9th Democrat 2020 primary debate, in Las Vegas Nevada
Feb 19, 2020
Mike Gravel:
Wipe out the income tax! -- it's regressive
We ought to wipe out the income tax, wipe it out! It's the most regressive, unfair system of taxation in the world, and it's what's causing us to lose our jobs. It brought about the Rust Belt. Now, what kind of a tax should we have? The most important
thing a government can do is raise revenue. Now, if it raises unfairly -- which is what we're doing -- the people intuitively know in their gut that the government's going to be unfair in all of the programs that deals with the people.
Now, what kind
of a tax should we do? I'm for the Fair Tax. You'll hear liberals say, "Well, that's a sales tax, that's regressive." That is not regressive. Both systems of taxation, that is the income tax and the sales tax, are both progressive. Whatever you make, you
pay a tax on. If you make more, you pay more tax. With respect to consumption, sales tax, whatever you spend, if you spend more, you pay more tax. So now they're both the same. The income tax has been gamed by the wealthy people with 30,000 lobbyists.
Source: 2007 AFSCME Democratic primary debate in Carson City Nevada
Feb 21, 2007
Mike Gravel:
National sales tax; no exceptions; prebates for essentials
The income tax has been gamed by the wealthy people. I for the Fair Tax [national sales tax]. The essentials of life that we have -- food, lodging, medicine, what have you -- we can deal with that. We can't provide an exception.
When you go to the grocery store, you'll pay the tax on it. Because if you start giving an exception, then Katy bar the door, the wealthy will game the system again. But what we can do is create a prebate.
Determine what the average cost of essential is to average American, and then turn it around and multiply that by the tax, take the amount of tax, divide it by 12, and send every single registered American a check at the beginning of the month to
cover what he would pay in the way of taxes on the essentials of life. Now that creates a cash flow, and then you go get your paycheck, and there's no tax deductions at the federal level.
Source: 2007 AFSCME Democratic primary debate in Carson City Nevada
Feb 21, 2007
Pete Buttigieg:
The American Dream [is collapsing except in] Denmark
I think that employee ownership of companies is a great idea. I'm not sure it makes sense to command those companies to do it. If we really want to deliver less inequality in this country,
then we've got to start with the tax code and we've got to start with investments in how people are able to live the American dream, which is in serious decline. Number one place to live out the American dream right now is Denmark.
Source: 9th Democrat 2020 primary debate, in Las Vegas Nevada
Feb 19, 2020
Ruben Kihuen:
End the absurd carried interest tax loophole
It's time to hold Wall Street accountable and ensure they cannot continue to put short-term profits ahead of people's lives. In Congress, I will:- Sponsor legislation to hold Wall Street executives accountable when they defraud the American
People and ensure criminal behavior is prosecuted, even if the criminals wear a suit and work in downtown Manhattan.
- Fight any effort to roll back Dodd-Frank and work to pass new, tough regulations on Wall Street including an end to the
Volcker Rule's hedge fund loophole, increased regulation of the shadow banking system, and fight to make the stock market more fair so high frequency scalpers are not allowed to reap profits off the backs of everyday Americans.
-
End the absurd carried interest tax loophole that allows Wall Street to claim their profits as capital gains instead of income. No hedge fund manager should pay a lower tax rate than his or her secretary.
Source: 2016 Nevada House campaign website RubenForCongress.com
Nov 8, 2016
Sharron Angle:
Extend the Bush-era tax cuts, or it's a tax increase
Angle pushed for extension of the Bush-era tax cuts, arguing that if they were not made permanent "we will experience the largest tax increase in the history of America.""I personally am not in favor of giving billionaires tax cuts,"
Reid responded, before guaranteeing that he would not support an increase in taxes for middle class Americans.
Source: CBS News coverage of 2010 Nevada Senate debate
Oct 15, 2010
Steve Sisolak:
Supported commerce tax; supports property tax increase
Q: Position on state taxes, including commerce tax levy on businesses making $4 million or more a year.Adam Laxalt (R): "Will be committed to not raising taxes on anybody." End the commerce tax.
Steve Sisolak (D): Commerce tax was "very brave step," so preserve it. Explore increasing property tax caps to pay for education.
Source: 2018 CampusElect.org Issue Guide on Nevada Governor race
Oct 9, 2018
Steven Horsford:
Don't suspend energy efficient tax breaks impacting budget
SB567: Suspends all state action relating to tax exemptions applicable to energy efficient buildings.Summary from Las Vegas Review Journal, May 15, 2007:ÿThe Legislature swiftly approved Senate Bill 567 to suspend the tax breaks because
of concerns that the loss of revenues would hurt school districts and local governments over the next several years. Any loss of school revenues must be made up by the state general fund, thereby affecting the state budget as well.
Veto Message:
ÿGibbons commented that his veto was grounded in the "rushed move" by the State Assembly and Senate to suspend the program, and called for public hearings "where taxpayer concerns can be discussed and debated and the long-term fiscal impact of
any tax exemptions or abatements can be carefully analyzed."
Legislative Outcome:ÿPassed Assembly 42-0-0 on May/3/07; Vetoed by Gov. Gibbons on May/14/07; Sustained veto Senate 4-17-0 on Jun/4/07; Sen. Horsford voted NO on veto override.
Source: Review Journal: Nevada State Legislature voting record SB567
Jun 4, 2007
Joe Lombardo:
Raise Commerce Tax exemption; suspend fuel tax
I'm proud to announce my budget suspends the state motor vehicle fuel tax for the next 12 months, immediately reducing the price of gasoline and saving consumers and businesses approximately $250 million dollars. In terms of a family of four, that
translates to hundreds of dollars a year in savings. Working with local gas station operators, the petroleum industry, and the Attorney General's Consumer Affairs Division, we will make certain that these savings exclusively benefit taxpayers.
My budget lowers the modified business tax rate by 15% to 1.17%. My budget raises the exemption for businesses subject to the Commerce Tax by 50% from $4 million to $6 million. This represents the first time the Commerce Tax exemption has been
adjusted in favor of taxpayers EVER. These tax reductions ensure that rising prices don't create increased burdens for businesses. No gimmicks. Just plain old fashion tax cuts that allow Nevadans to keep more of what they earn.
Source: 2023 State of the State Address to the Nevada legislature
Jan 23, 2023
Page last updated: Feb 18, 2023