Film Tax Credits Won’t Help Nevadans

Carson City, NEVADA - This legislative session has been marked by the introduction of high-profile, high-cost corporate subsidy proposals, most notably AB238, which would allocate hundreds of millions of public dollars to finance a private film studio complex. These proposals have sparked fiscal concerns across party lines, especially in the context of uncertain revenue projections. With tourism waning and costs of goods rising across all sectors, the legislature should be working on laws that work for real Nevadans and not be picking winners and losers for big business.

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

“When big businesses get their way, families lose. Laws should work for real Nevadans, not just for corporate profits. With our schools bleeding funds, hospitals pushed to the brink, and rent skyrocketing, Nevada entered this session already nursing a massive deficit and facing sharp revenue shortfalls. Now lawmakers must decide: shore up critical services for everyday citizens, or squander millions of taxpayer dollars on a plush film studio for the rich and powerful. Nevada legislators must safeguard Nevada’s families, not line the pockets of Hollywood executives.”

Dawn Etcheverry, President, Nevada State Education Association, issued the following statement:

“Just one day after the Legislature approved a meager $2 increase per student for next year, they’re trying to hand $1.65 billion in public money to Hollywood executives. It sounds like a fantasy film, but it’s a Nevada documentary. AB238 is a massive, historic taxpayer giveaway at the worst possible time. Nevada ranks 47th in funding with the largest class sizes in the nation, and you don’t solve those issues by starving our schools and feeding the rich. Unfortunately, the Governor and Legislature have left the plan to fully fund our schools on the cutting room floor. While our schools are stuck in a tragedy, the Legislature is working hard to ensure Hollywood Executives get to walk off with public money and live happily ever after.”

Andrew Clarke, Revenue Coalition Manager with New Day Nevada , issued the following statement:

“This bill would authorize $1.65 billion in film tax credits drawn directly from the state’s General Fund. In return, the state would recover just $143 million back into that same fund—resulting in a net loss of more than $1.5 billion to the General Fund. That’s not just speculative—it’s their own math. Following the Economic Forum Nevada faces a $350 million budget shortfall. At the same time, the state is already set to issue $35 million in transferable tax credits this year, growing to $86 million by FY26–27. AB238 would significantly increase that burden with no meaningful return.

Every dollar we give away from the General Fund is money taken away from schools, health care, and infrastructure. If you were to loan a friend a dollar and they gave you just 20 cents back, you were not paid back. You gave a gift. At a time of federal cuts and a poor economic forum, we need to be strategic with the state’s investments. AB238 does not meet the moment”

Stacey Shinn, Nevada State Director for SiX Action, issued the following statement:

“As class sizes swell, clinics struggle to procure basic supplies, and families face rising housing and utility costs, the Legislature is drafting a blockbuster subsidy for a private film studio. AB238 would divert $1.65 billion in public funds; money that could hire teachers, shore up rural health clinics, repair crumbling roads, or ease rent burdens. Instead, it props up out-of-state executives and risks gutting K–12 education, healthcare access, and essential infrastructure. Lawmakers must choose: invest in the future of real Nevadans or roll out the red carpet for Hollywood profits.”

Cassie Charles, Nevada Political Representative for AFSCME, issued the following statement:

“AFSCME members across the state are calling on the legislative body to stand with our hardworking public employees and not billion dollar Hollywood corporations. Nevada’s state employees are some of the lowest paid public workers in the country and we have seen time and time again that cuts to the Nevada general fund means furloughs, pay decreases, and the slashing of benefit programs for our workers that support our state every day. AB238 is a risky and fiscally irresponsible deal that will prevent growth for public sector workers for the next decade. AFSCME members have a clear ask: fund the 3% raises they fought for and won at the bargaining table, not the billion dollar corporate hand out for Hollywood studios.”

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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.