Joe Lombardo in 2023 Governor's State of the State speeches
On Budget & Economy:
We're buying with cash instead of credit
My budget not only lowers the tax burden on working families and businesses, but it also reserves more than $1 dollar in savings for every new dollar in general fund spending. Not a penny of the State's one-time surplus will be used to fund any
recurring programs. My budget saves taxpayers over $260 million dollars in interest payments on bonds, enabling us to, among other things, create more construction jobs in future years. In simple economic terms, we're buying with cash instead of credit.
Source: 2023 State of the State Address to the Nevada legislature
Jan 23, 2023
On Crime:
Make it harder--not easier--to commit a crime in Nevada
I will be introducing legislation that makes it harder ?not easier--to commit a crime in the state of Nevada. My bill will include:- Protecting businesses by lowering the felony theft threshold;
- Empowering judges and probation officers
to impose tougher sanctions for parole violations;
- Strengthening drug laws by reducing weights for possession and trafficking, while increasing penalties;
- Fentanyl possession in any amount should be a category B felony,
Source: 2023 State of the State Address to the Nevada legislature
Jan 23, 2023
On Education:
$2 billion in new K-12 funding, and I expect results
I'm proposing the single largest investment in K-12 education and raising the bar on expectations and accountability to a level not yet seen. My budget contains $2 billion dollars in new funding for our students. That's an increase of more than 22%
from what was appropriated in the current biennium. Along with this funding, I expect results. If we don't begin seeing results, I'll be standing here in two years calling for systematic changes to the governance and leadership in K-12 education.
Source: 2023 State of the State Address to the Nevada legislature
Jan 23, 2023
On Education:
Will create the Office of School Choice for every option
Traditional public schools are not--and should not--be the only option. I will be submitting legislation to create the Office of School Choice to ensure students and their parents have the information they need to evaluate every available option and
that ALL education providers are held to similar standards. Nevada's Pupil Centered Funding Plan is built on the idea that education dollars should consider the needs of students and should follow them no matter what school they attend.
Source: 2023 State of the State Address to the Nevada legislature
Jan 23, 2023
On Energy & Oil:
Seek energy independence rather than rely on wider market
With California retiring its units and changing its transmission rules, we have no choice but to reduce our reliance on the market and seek energy independence for all Nevadans. I will issue an executive order that allows electric providers, to develop
dedicated in-state generation resources, to ensure that we are no longer forced to rely on the broader electric market. Our energy independence will spur economic development, lead to job creation, and drive lower-cost energy for all Nevadans.
Source: 2023 State of the State Address to the Nevada legislature
Jan 23, 2023
On Government Reform:
End universal mail-in ballots; require voter ID
There are certain election reforms that are just common sense.- All mail-in ballots should be received by the time polls close on Election Day.
- Second, Nevada created universal mail-in ballots as a response to COVID.
This expensive process is simply unnecessary.
- Third, it is important to verify the identity of voters.
- Fourth, unregulated ballot harvesting needs to be addressed.
- Finally, Nevada needs to end partisan redistricting.
Source: 2023 State of the State Address to the Nevada legislature
Jan 23, 2023
On Health Care:
$17 million expansion of mental health services
I will make sure government does its part by increasing reimbursement rates in areas of acute need, especially in mental health services. My budget includes an enhancement in Medicaid, to expand community behavioral health centers.
This $17 million dollar expansion will add up to six clinics across the state in underserved areas including northern and rural Nevada. Ensuring more mental health services are available to anyone in need, regardless of their ability to pay.
Source: 2023 State of the State Address to the Nevada legislature
Jan 23, 2023
On Health Care:
Substantially revise or repeal the Public Option
The Public Option was passed in 2021 but won't be implemented until 2026. Serious questions remain about the rushed implementation of the Public Option, agency amendments to the statute, and lack of transparency. Getting Nevadans insured is the goal.
At a minimum this law needs to be substantially revised, or better yet repealed, so we can re-focus on the real problem which is getting eligible but uninsured Nevadans the coverage they need.
Source: 2023 State of the State Address to the Nevada legislature
Jan 23, 2023
On Principles & Values:
The Nevada Way: never give up; never stop dreaming
Our Nevada history teaches us to persevere while others settle for less. Time and again, we have gathered our resolve and doubled our determination when others tell us it can't be done or shouldn't be tried. We instinctively do the opposite.
It is my intention to work side by side with all of you to write another chapter of Nevada history, that will record, that we did it the Nevada Way--never give up, never stop dreaming.
Source: 2023 State of the State Address to the Nevada legislature
Jan 23, 2023
On Tax Reform:
Raise Commerce Tax exemption; suspend fuel tax
I'm proud to announce my budget suspends the state motor vehicle fuel tax for the next 12 months, immediately reducing the price of gasoline and saving consumers and businesses approximately $250 million dollars. In terms of a family of four, that
translates to hundreds of dollars a year in savings. Working with local gas station operators, the petroleum industry, and the Attorney General's Consumer Affairs Division, we will make certain that these savings exclusively benefit taxpayers.
My budget lowers the modified business tax rate by 15% to 1.17%. My budget raises the exemption for businesses subject to the Commerce Tax by 50% from $4 million to $6 million. This represents the first time the Commerce Tax exemption has been
adjusted in favor of taxpayers EVER. These tax reductions ensure that rising prices don't create increased burdens for businesses. No gimmicks. Just plain old fashion tax cuts that allow Nevadans to keep more of what they earn.
Source: 2023 State of the State Address to the Nevada legislature
Jan 23, 2023
Page last updated: Apr 02, 2023