Crime and Profits: The Hidden Players in Lombardo’s Agenda

NEVADA - Battle Born Progress (BBP), a nonpartisan organization dedicated to public education and strategic communications on critical issues, is proud to release its latest white paper, Policy Brief: A Case Against Governor Lombardo’s Crime Bill. This comprehensive report examines the provisions of Governor Lombardo’s crime bill, analyzes relevant crime statistics, and explores the funding sources that may be driving Lombardo’s ‘tough on crime’ agenda. This release comes on the heels of a recent statement released by Governor Lombardo that a special session was on the horizon to “finish what the legislature left unfinished.” Undoubtedly, this includes his archaic crime bill.

Our policy recommendations seek to provide a pathway toward evidence-based solutions to crime in Nevada. In contrast to Governor Lombardo’s approach, we advocate for real solutions that address the root causes of crime and genuinely improve the material conditions of all Nevadans.

Shelbie Swartz, Executive Director of Battle Born Progress, issued the following statement:

“Our research reveals that Governor Lombardo’s tough-on-crime agenda isn’t about public safety. It is deeply influenced by the interests of Nevada’s powerful resort and gaming industries. Nevadans deserve policies rooted in data and focused on addressing the root causes of crime—not political games that prioritize corporate interests over community well-being. The tough-on-crime approach has been repeatedly discredited for its ineffectiveness and failure to produce meaningful outcomes. Our policy recommendations offer a meaningful alternative—one that can create real, lasting change in communities across Nevada.”

ABOUT THE WHITE PAPER: This white paper on Governor Lombardo’s crime bill sheds light on how his tough-on-crime agenda is closely tied to the interests of resorts, casinos, and the gaming industry, while offering evidence-based policy recommendations to address crime in Nevada more effectively. Gaming executives and companies donated over $900,000 to Lombardo’s gubernatorial campaign, and then strongly supported his major crime bill during the 2025 Nevada Legislative session. Instead of pushing evidence-based policies to address crime, Governor Lombardo catered to his donors. You can view the White Paper here.

SPOKESPEOPLE ARE AVAILABLE FOR COMMENT IN ENGLISH AND SPANISH

###

About Battle Born Progress: Battle Born Progress, through strategic communication efforts, empowers, engages, and mobilizes Nevada voters to build a state where everyone has a fair opportunity to succeed. We support, engage, and mobilize the progressive community through bold leadership, strategic communications, accountability, and education. We are on the cutting edge of new media and are the go-to source for progressive issues and advocacy for traditional media.