News Summary
The ongoing discussion around school choice in Nevada is escalating as Governor Joe Lombardo plans a special legislative session to address key educational issues. This has reignited concerns surrounding unfinished legislative goals, particularly regarding school choice and funding discrepancies, amid debates on potential tax incentives for Hollywood and healthcare reforms. Critics argue that prioritizing film tax credits over educational improvement could hinder the future of education in the state, while advocates await new federal initiatives to enhance the Opportunity Scholarship program.
Las Vegas, Nevada
The debate over school choice in Nevada is intensifying as Governor Joe Lombardo looks to call the Legislature back for a special session aimed at addressing unfinished legislative goals, a move that many see as essential to the future of education in the state. The Governor has stated that the aim is to “finish what the Legislature left unfinished,” although the specifics of the agenda remain unclear. Amidst discussions of various potential measures, school choice has emerged as a key issue, identified as the biggest unfinished business in Nevada politics.
While the focus has been on school choice, there are indications that the special session may also cover a range of other topics. Reports suggest that Lombardo is contemplating items that include massive tax incentives for Hollywood, a significant crime bill, and a health care bill. Notably, the film studio tax credits being lobbied could cost around $1.5 billion, which critics argue might outweigh the tax revenue generated by the companies receiving these credits. There has been mounting criticism that such tax credit programs are ineffective, with state reports indicating that they would result in financial losses for both state and local governments.
Critics of the focus on Hollywood incentives argue that funding for construction projects would be more beneficial if directed towards building single-family homes rather than financing the entertainment industry. Additionally, Lombardo has faced accusations of favoring labor unions, as he has previously given attention to supporters of other incentives while neglecting school choice advocates. In 2023, his administration allocated funds to attract the Oakland A’s, a move backed by the Culinary union, leaving the expansion of school choice largely unaddressed.
Frustration is brewing among some Republicans who are disappointed with Lombardo’s handling of school choice issues and his overall record, especially after several GOP candidates faced challenges in competitive elections. Critics have suggested that the party should concentrate on establishing comprehensive school choice options rather than yielding to the pressures of film tax credits, recommending that any Hollywood incentives should be matched by tax credits for the Opportunity Scholarship program.
The inability to achieve widespread school choice during previous legislative sessions has fueled calls for leveraging legislative power to advocate for conservative educational priorities. In the past, Nevada was recognized for its proactive stance on school choice, notably with the introduction of an Education Savings Account program in 2015 that was later invalidated by the courts. In light of the current situation, school choice advocates are pinning their hopes on a new federal program that could enhance the existing Opportunity Scholarship program, which is currently constrained by strict state regulations. This federal initiative is set to provide tax credits for private school tuition, benefiting a more diverse spectrum of families without the limitations posed by state measures.
The office of Lt. Gov. Lombardo is reportedly evaluating how this upcoming federal program could augment educational choices in Nevada. Presently, the Nevada Opportunity Scholarship program operates to allow parents greater autonomy in selecting educational options for their children, albeit with limited enrollment. As of 2023, around 1,800 students benefitted from scholarships through the program.
Though school choice is gaining traction amongst certain groups, public school advocates have voiced significant opposition, contending that the introduction of new school choice options diverts essential resources from public education rather than fostering improved educational outcomes. The legislative discussions surrounding AB533, the open enrollment bill, reveal a unique instance of bipartisan support from both Democrats and Republicans, contrasting sharply with resistance from the Clark County School District. Should this bill pass, it would enable parents to enroll their children in any school with available space, substantially enhancing access to educational choices regardless of geographic location.
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Additional Resources
- RGJ: Empowering Nevada’s Future with School Choice
- The Nevada Independent: Federal Program Lifeline for School Choice
- 8 News Now: CCSD Opposes School Choice Bill
- Review Journal: Republicans Need to Fight for School Choice
- Fox 5 Vegas: School Choice Bill Hearing
- Wikipedia: School Choice
- Google Search: School Choice Nevada
- Google Scholar: School Choice in Education
- Encyclopedia Britannica: School Choice
- Google News: Nevada School Choice
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