May 1, 2025
In Nevada, attention has been drawn to the state’s economic situation and its impact on educational funding. Advocates are calling for local lawmakers to fully fund public schools and oppose financial incentives for private interests, including the entertainment industry.
Dawn Etcheverry, President of the Nevada State Education Association (NSEA), expressed concern, stating, “Today’s depressing economic outlook underscores exactly why Nevada lawmakers must Pass the Plan to fully fund our public schools and reject giveaways that divert public dollars to private interests like Hollywood.”
Addressing recent financial projections and proposals from Governor Lombardo, Etcheverry remarked, “The Forum’s projections make Governor Lombardo’s proposal of just $2 per student even more insulting. With inflation, rising costs, and a 3.5% PERS increase coming in July, the budget proposed by the so-called ‘Education Governor’ amounts to a de facto education cut.”
NSEA has launched the ‘Pass the Plan’ initiative this legislative session, aiming for a $604 million investment recommended by the Commission on School Funding. The goal is to bring Nevada closer to the national average in K-12 education funding over the next decade. The plan includes advocating for sustainable revenue solutions through legislation such as AJR1 and AB453. The absence of significant legislative action could leave Nevada’s education funding lagging.
Despite financial challenges, Nevada’s reserves, including over $2 billion in the Education Stabilization Account and the Rainy Day Fund, offer potential solutions. “Today’s economic projection makes clear: it’s a Rainy Day In Nevada. Until the Legislature passes the plan, it will continue to be,” stated the NSEA.
To support the ‘Pass The Plan’ goal, the Nevada Legislature is urged to use available reserves to keep the state’s educational funding momentum alive and ensure the state’s students are not disadvantaged.
