Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
Sam Mirejovsky
Practicing Attorney and Host of “What’s Right Show” on News/Talk 840 KXNT
Elections have consequences. We are constantly reminded that Nevada is a swing state. We’re told that we Nevadans could determine the outcome of the November election – from the Presidency to the balance of power in the Senate, and possibly even control the House. But in all the scheming over electoral votes and Senate and House seats, the pundits avoid talking about any real downstream consequences for Nevada in this extraordinarily important election.
Taxes/Economy
Nevada would face certain economic challenges should Democrats prevail in November, particularly since Harris and Trump have significant tax policy differences. Trump’s second term would guarantee substantial tax relief. In Nevada, where we benefit from no state income tax, federal tax savings would be a direct cash infusion into our local economy. Nationally, some of the money left in consumers’ pockets would certainly find its way to Nevada by way of tourism and investment. Moreover, Trump’s “no tax on tips” pledge would immediately benefit the hardworking hospitality workers in our state, but most importantly, those untaxed tips would get quickly reinvested in our local economy.
By contrast, a Harris-Walz administration would do the exact opposite. Democrats have proposed tax increases on household income above $400k and want a 28 percent corporate tax rate.
Worse yet, Dems have floated the idea of taxing unrealized capital gains. Imagine getting a tax bill based on your home’s increased value, even if you don’t plan to sell. In Nevada, where home prices have surged and many homeowners have significant equity, this scenario would be a nightmare.
When Harris’ newly selected running mate, Tim Walz, joined the “White Dudes for Kamala” Zoom call, he implored participants to “never shy away from […] progressive values” and declared that “one person’s socialism is another person’s neighborliness.” The Democrats’ socialist dreams will prove expensive, and they’ll need to find ways to fund them.
Immigration
On immigration, the differences between the candidates and parties are equally enormous. Democrats will continue their same open border policies perfected under Joe Biden and his “Border Czar” Kamala Harris. Setting aside the political and societal consequences of this lawlessness, Nevada has a housing shortage, growing unemployment, and limited funding for social services.
The unemployment rate in Nevada is still one of the highest in the nation at 5.1 percent versus 3.8 percent nationally, and average hourly wages remain lower than in many other states. Wage growth of 1.3 percent ranks Nevada 49th. Nothing could be worse for Nevada than more cheap labor flooding our state.
Trump would stop the bleeding with strict border enforcement and deportations.
Covid Lockdowns
It is very important that we never forget what a protracted and foolish Covid shutdown did to our economy. Our beautiful state was almost destroyed by an isolated and out-of-his-depth governor, whose wholly unqualified advisors made up rules on the fly. Two years ago, Nevadans rejected this folly with Steve Sisolak’s ouster. Now, another similar decision must be made.
A Harris-Walz administration would take a centralized, authoritarian approach to another Covid-like national emergency. When it came to Covid “mitigation”, Tim Walz was Sisolak on steroids.
Walz shuttered businesses, churches, and synagogues. He forced people to mask at home and set up hotlines for neighbors to report violators. Harris would almost certainly appoint Walz to lead future crisis mitigation efforts – and Walz might well finish what Sisolak started.
On every front, the choice for Nevada is clear. Trump and the Republican platform will bring prosperity and freedom to Nevada. The Democrats’ promise of taxation, open borders and regulation will doom our state. Vote like your life depends on it.
The post Commentary: The Consequences for Nevada this Election appeared first on Nevada Business Magazine.