How do you solve a problem like Senator Dean Heller? He was elected on a conservative platform, touting conservative values and the moral high ground. But, since he was elected, his voting record tells a different story. It’s a common tale in the United States, politicians tell us what we want to hear to get in office and play the game to stay there. Nevada, which was one of … [Read more...] about A Wolf in Republican Clothing: The Dean Heller Dilemma
Commentary
Commerce Tax Repeal: The Process Begins
Passed during the 2015 legislative session in Nevada, the Commerce Tax, or Senate Bill 483, has been a sore spot for business owners over the past two years. It’s a frustrating tax for several reasons, not the least of which is, the year before, Nevadans voted against a similar tax only to have the legislature push it through the very next year despite majority wishes. Now, … [Read more...] about Commerce Tax Repeal: The Process Begins
Thanksgiving’s True Origins: Its Not About Pilgrims and Indians
Most Americans are taught in grade school that Thanksgiving is about pilgrims landing on our shores and Indians sharing their bounty. However, Thanksgiving was not a holiday and we didn’t start celebrating until many years later when President Abraham Lincoln made the following proclamation during the Civil War. Thanksgiving Proclamation It is the duty of nations as well as … [Read more...] about Thanksgiving’s True Origins: Its Not About Pilgrims and Indians
The Axe that Never Fell: Overtime Rule Permanently Invalidated
Last year, business owners across Nevada were facing a serious challenge to employee compensation in the form of changes to the overtime rule. As it stands now, overtime is required for any employee working over 40 hours but provides an exemption for executive, administrative or professional employees. The law is part of the Fair Labor Standards Act and the Department of Labor … [Read more...] about The Axe that Never Fell: Overtime Rule Permanently Invalidated
The War Wages On: Minimum Wage In Nevada
As the minimum wage debate resonates throughout Nevada, businesses are bracing for, what could be, a substantial increase in minimum wage. This year the state House and Senate separately passed two hastily drawn up laws to increase the minimum wage in Nevada, both of which were ultimately vetoed by the Governor. What they did end up passing was resolution SJR6. The resolution … [Read more...] about The War Wages On: Minimum Wage In Nevada
Great News: AB 280 Long Over Due
Assembly Bill (AB) 280, sponsored by Assembly Speaker Jason Frierson (D), among others, establishes a preference in bidding for Nevada companies on state contracts. This preference has been sorely needed as we’ve seen Nevadan’s tax dollars go to out-of-state companies for in-state projects. The Bill, which was signed into law on June 13th and went into effect on the first of … [Read more...] about Great News: AB 280 Long Over Due
So Long Dave … And Other Nevada Companies
As a long-time Nevadan, I’ve always been proud to say our state is among the nation’s most business friendly. However, with recent legislative action, we’ve lost much of our edge and we can no longer tout Nevada as a beacon for new business. Take for example, my friend Dave, who owns a successful promotional products company. He was courted by economic development officials … [Read more...] about So Long Dave … And Other Nevada Companies
The Blame Game: Voter Fraud in Nevada
In mid-April, Nevada Secretary of State (SOS) Barbara Cegavske made an intriguing, if cryptic, claim in the form of a letter to the Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) director, Terri Albertson. Cegavske wrote, “Please take appropriate corrective action, as we have reason to believe that non-citizens have unlawfully registered to vote in Nevada as a direct result of DMV’s … [Read more...] about The Blame Game: Voter Fraud in Nevada
Partner: A Business Leader’s Role in Education
Education has been a hot-button topic for a long time in Nevada, and for good reason. It’s no secret that our educational system is failing by nationally measured metrics. You can chalk it up to non-involved parents, a high population of ESL students or school districts that are simply too large, it doesn’t change the fact that Nevada’s educational system needs major work. … [Read more...] about Partner: A Business Leader’s Role in Education
Here We Go Again: Legislature Poised to Raise Taxes
On the heels of Nevada’s largest tax increase, crafted in 2015, legislators are again looking for additional sources of revenue. This time, it comes in the form of AB 43, which modifies the current law on property tax caps. And it comes at a time when businesses are just starting to recover from the worst recession in recent history. I have an idea. How about our government … [Read more...] about Here We Go Again: Legislature Poised to Raise Taxes
Nevada Piggy Book: Required Reading for Taxpayers
The Nevada Policy Research Institute (NPRI) recently released the 2016 edition of the Nevada Piggy Book. This is good because Nevada taxpayers need to know about government waste, which is an especially important topic while the Legislature is in session. However, it’s also depressing to see these examples of how our hard-earned money is being thrown away by politicians and … [Read more...] about Nevada Piggy Book: Required Reading for Taxpayers
Intrusive and Unnecessary: Commerce Tax Registration
Has your company registered for the Commerce Tax? If so, you’ve obeyed the law, but you’ve also put yourself at risk unnecessarily. This tax was passed by the 2015 Legislature, supposedly to help fund education, and it applies to every company doing business in Nevada whose gross receipts are $4 million or more. However, every single business in Nevada, regardless of whether … [Read more...] about Intrusive and Unnecessary: Commerce Tax Registration
Businesses and Universities: The Great Divide
If you’re in business and you’ve ever tried to have a conversation with a tenured professor, you’ve quickly realized there’s a vast difference in their thought processes. While successful business folks are pragmatic in their approach to problem solving, most educators at the university level are more idealistic. There’s also an entitlement mentality not found in the business … [Read more...] about Businesses and Universities: The Great Divide
Divisive and Fear Mongering
Harry Reid’s Legacy While I’m sure we can all breathe a sigh of relief that the negative back and forth of this election is finally over, the outcome has brought out the worst in many Americans. On one side we’ve seen crying snowflake millenials upset we won’t have a woman president and “protestors” storming Trump Tower demanding the president-elect’s head. On the other side … [Read more...] about Divisive and Fear Mongering
Governor Buries Hope of Education Savings Accounts
A Shot in the Head to School Choice Almost as soon as they were signed into law by the Nevada Legislature last year, Educational Savings Accounts (ESA’s) were contested by those that would hold back a ground-breaking solution to some of Nevada’s most serious issues. If you haven’t been following the ongoing battle for school choice, here’s a brief history. SB 302, or the … [Read more...] about Governor Buries Hope of Education Savings Accounts