Hollywood Handout, Assembly Bill 5, Passes Nevada Assembly

CARSON CITY, NV - Assembly Bill 5 (AB5), a measure that would give away more than $1.5 billion in transferable film tax credits, passed on the Nevada Assembly Floor today in a narrow 22-20 vote. The vote came despite little transparency on the latest amendments, which were added to the bill only moments before it was voted through committee earlier Friday evening. It also came despite the unprecedented use of remote voting for two absent members, without whom the measure would have failed.

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

“Nevada should be open for business, but that shouldn’t mean selling out to Hollywood and endorsing a billion-dollar giveaway. Tax credit giveaways like this have created a race to the bottom the world over, and we’re thankful to the lawmakers in the Assembly who recognized that Nevadans have real needs that need real support from our politicians, not a corporate handout. And yet, it’s unfortunate that the rest of the Assembly saw fit to sell out Nevada to Hollywood; waxing poetic about how working people are suffering in the state. Perhaps if the body committed to passing policy to protect the rights of working people and make their lives more affordable during the regular session, this billion-dollar corporate handout would not be necessary.

“Now, our state Senators must recognize reality. This bill will hobble Nevada’s budget for years to come in favor of an industry that has made a game of picking up and moving on to the next lowest bidder. This is a disaster waiting to happen, and a risk Nevada cannot afford.”

Olivia Tanager, Executive Director of the Sierra Club Toiyabe Chapter, issued the following statement:

“Today’s vote is a disappointing reminder that Nevada’s leaders chose corporate give-aways over real investments in our people and our planet, and cheated Nevadans out of services that they expect their tax dollars to fund. By approving this film tax credit scheme, the Legislature has doubled down on a broken model that weakens essential services and sidelines the urgent climate action Nevadans desperately need. Governor Lombardo and Assembly leadership intentionally sidelined the public in this decision making process to grease the skids for this bad deal. The Sierra Club Toiyabe Chapter will continue fighting for a Nevada where public dollars serve the public— not Hollywood executives.”

Blaine Harper, AFSCME Local 4041 member, issued the following statement:

"AFSCME members are disappointed the Assembly chose Hollywood corporations over hard working Nevadans. Giving away $95 million dollars a year of the state's general fund means public services are more likely to be cut, and state employees in union jobs will once again bear the brunt of 'reducing expenditures,' as legislative fiscal analysts stated will need to happen in upcoming budgets. It is clear Nevada cannot afford a billion-dollar Hollywood handout and we look forward to working with the Senate.”

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

“At a moment when billionaires just secured massive federal tax cuts, the Nevada Assembly has chosen to follow Donald Trump’s playbook. Instead of tackling our affordability crisis, they pushed through the largest corporate handout in state history—handing over public dollars to wealthy studios while everyday Nevadans fall further behind.

Nevadans deserve leaders who put working families first, not politicians willing to gamble our future, our prosperity, and our social safety net for corporate favors and campaign checks. The Senate must stand up for fiscal responsibility and reject this bill.”

Barbara Hartzell, Executive Director of Native Voters Alliance NV, issued the following statement:

“The Assembly chose Hollywood over hard working Nevadans. They handed over billions in public money to an industry that has made a sport out of taking from states and leaving the moment the checks stop clearing. This vote wasn’t about jobs. It wasn’t about economic vision. It was a billion dollar gamble with taxpayer dollars and Nevadans will be the ones paying the price long after the studio lights pack up and disappear.

“Our families are asking for affordable housing, safer communities, stronger public services, and a government that puts people before corporate wish lists. Instead, too many lawmakers sided with the loudest lobbyists in the building. This bill is reckless. It is shortsighted. It is a textbook example of what happens when corporate influence wins and working families lose. The Senate must do what the Assembly refused to do. Protect Nevada’s future.”

Laura Martin, Executive Director of the Progressive Leadership Alliance of Nevada issued the following statement:

“Blocking phone testimony. Last minute Zoom voting. Nevada’s largest corporate handout. None of these have everyday Nevadans in mind, only the profits of billion dollar corporations. This is money that our state will have to cut from the budget for years to come. Who will have to deal with that? Everyday Nevadans who are struggling to stay afloat and have been dismissed legislative session after legislative session. Our community has asked for less and been told no or cowardly sent to Ways and Means to die. Nevadans need to keep using their voice, despite the attempts to silence us, and let their legislators know that our state money should be going to support Nevadans, not Hollywood movie studios. Thank you to the Assembly members who courageously went against the tide and stood up for the working families of this state, despite what others might say or threaten.”

Alexander Marks, Deputy Director, Nevada State Education Association, issued the following statement:

“On their way out of the Assembly, Steve Yeager, Daniele Monroe-Moreno, and Sandra Jauregui voted to cut education funding. From economists to nonpartisan fiscal staff, the warning was the same: Nevada cannot afford AB5’s $1.65 billion handout to Hollywood executives. AB5 will divert hundreds of millions away from the general fund, which is the same fund that supports our students and educators. The massive hole that AB5 creates in the state budget will have detrimental impacts on our communities and the services Nevadans rely on. Nevada doesn't need more corporate giveaways, it needs fully funded schools. Sadly, the outgoing Assembly Leadership put Hollywood’s wants over Nevadans’ needs.”

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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.