With Nevada’s Budget Shrinking, Film Tax Credits Are an Unnecessary Burden the State Cannot Afford

CARSON CITY — Yesterday, as a result of the Trump trade war, the state's Economic Forum revised the state budget for coming biennium downward by more than $191 million. With tariffs and congressional budget cuts decimating state budgets everywhere, a billion-dollar expansion of the state’s film tax credits are a cost the state cannot bear.

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

“We are entering a period of economic uncertainty, and we cannot afford $1.6 billion in general fund money on a film tax credit with a self-reported return on investment of just 20 cents on the dollar. Every dollar we give away to Hollywood studios is a dollar we can’t spend on child services, education or housing. It’s not just bad math—it’s bad priorities. If we’re serious about a stronger future, we need to stop corporate handouts and focus on progressive revenue that meets the needs of our communities.”

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

“Actions by the Trump Administration have seriously impacted the Nevada economy and state revenues. Now is the time for legislators to step up to protect the most important state services, like public education, by Passing the Plan for optimal education funding. NSEA has continually championed the $604 million recommended by the Commission on School Funding for this biennium to keep Nevada on track toward achieving the national average in K-12 education funding over the next decade. Instead of meeting the moment, Governor Lombardo has proposed an insulting $2 per pupil increase for next year, a move that falls dramatically short of what Nevada’s students and educators deserve. Without bold action, Nevada risks falling further behind in its commitment to adequately fund public education. Fortunately, lawmakers have options. With more than $2 billion in rainy-day reserves, the Legislature has the resources to meet this moment. In our ongoing effort to Pass the Plan, legislators must be prepared to tap into those reserves to maintain momentum and keep Nevada on track.”

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

“At a time when every dollar in Nevada’s budget counts, we simply cannot justify funneling taxpayer money into film tax credits that offer minimal long-term returns. These subsidies are an unnecessary burden on our shrinking budget, and our focus must remain on funding critical services like education, healthcare, and infrastructure that directly benefit Nevadans.”

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