Lombardo's State of the State Reviewed: Big Plans, Bold Moves, and a Few Raised Eyebrows
Breaking down Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo's State of the State address on Wednesday January 15, 2024
Governor Joe Lombardo delivered his second State of the State address last night and let me tell you - it was anything but a typical political speech. The former Sheriff came armed with five major legislative proposals and a clear message: Nevada's getting stuff done, but there's plenty more work ahead.
The tension in the chamber was palpable. Democrats shifted uncomfortably in their seats during discussions of education reform, and you could practically hear the collective gasp when Lombardo declared his "no new taxes" stance. But it was his direct challenge to potential opposition that really set the tone. "Before some of you say no, work with me" he stated, with all the directness you'd expect from a former law enforcement officer.
A Housing Crisis Meets Federal Gridlock
At the heart of Lombardo's agenda is the Nevada Housing Attainability Act, a bold attempt to address our state's housing crisis. The proposal includes a billion-dollar investment in new attainable housing units, but here's the twist - it's not through heavy-handed government mandates. Instead, Lombardo's taking aim at what he sees as the root cause: federal land control.
With over 80% of Nevada under federal control, we're quite literally running out of places to build. The Governor's been personally pushing Trump to release more federal land, while simultaneously working to streamline permits and cut fees at the state level. It's an approach that prioritizes actual construction over California-style price controls - imagine that.
Healthcare Gets a Makeover
Perhaps the most dramatic structural change comes in the form of the Nevada Healthcare Access Act. Lombardo's creating an entirely new Nevada Health Authority, consolidating Medicaid, the Health Exchange, Employee Benefits, and Mental Health Funding under one roof. He's tapped Stacie Weeks to lead this new agency, someone known for actually getting things done in state government.
The timing couldn't be more crucial. Nevada has some of the lowest provider-to-patient ratios in the nation, and if you've ever waited weeks for insurance to approve a procedure, you'll appreciate the requirement for all health insurance plans to adopt standardized digital prior authorization plans by 2028.
What's clever about this approach is how it applies business principles to government operations. Instead of throwing more money at the problem, Lombardo's using the state's purchasing power to negotiate better deals for everyone from Medicaid recipients to state employees. The addition of a dedicated Office of Mental Health and focus on expanding care in rural areas suggests an understanding that sometimes, the most fiscally conservative thing you can do is invest in preventive care.
Education: No More Excuses
Fresh off delivering the largest education investment in Nevada's history last session, Lombardo's made it clear: the "we need more money" excuse is dead. His Nevada Accountability in Education Act introduces strict accountability measures, expands open enrollment, and creates an Excellence in Education Fund to reward high-performing teachers.
The message is clear - put up or shut up. Nevada's been bouncing around the bottom of national education rankings for far too long, and Lombardo's not interested in forming another committee to study the problem. For schools that consistently underperform, he's promising "decisive action" - and coming from a former Sheriff, that's not just tough talk.
Law and Order: When California Outflanks Nevada
Speaking of law enforcement, Lombardo's Safe Streets and Neighborhoods Act takes direct aim at repeat offenders and drug trafficking. But here's the kicker - he pointed out that California, of all places, now has tougher penalties for certain crimes than Nevada. When the Golden State is outflanking you on law and order, you know something's gone wrong.
The Act reduces felony theft thresholds, implements enhanced penalties for repeat offenders, and takes particular aim at protecting children and the elderly. In a state where tourism drives our economy, safe streets aren't just about quality of life - they're about economic survival.
Economic Development: Growing What We've Got
Rounding out his major proposals, the Economic Development Policy Reform Act takes a refreshingly practical approach. Instead of the usual game of throwing tax incentives at out-of-state corporations, Lombardo's focusing on strengthening businesses already invested in Nevada. With unemployment at 5.7% despite record employment numbers, the focus is on creating sustainable, high-quality jobs and supporting working families through strategic initiatives like childcare facility credits.
The Road Ahead
Lombardo's vision is ambitious - maybe too ambitious for a 120-day legislative session. While the state's sitting on a record $1.3 billion Rainy Day Fund and he's holding the line on new spending, some of these programs, particularly the billion-dollar housing initiative, will need significant funding. The question remains: how do we pay for it all while maintaining fiscal discipline?
Moreover, while his direct approach to federal land control and bureaucratic inefficiency is admirable, changing federal policy isn't something a governor can do alone, even with Trump's support. However, what stands out is Lombardo's practical approach to governance. He's not just saying no to government - he's trying to make it work better.
Whether you agree with all his proposals or not, it's hard to argue with his core message: do better, not just more. As we head into the legislative session, all eyes will be on how these ambitious proposals fare in the political arena. One thing's certain - it won't be boring.
For UpdateNevada, I'm Brandon Davis. Stay tuned as we track these proposals through the upcoming legislative session.