In case you missed it…

John Tsarpalas

Nevada Policy is turning 27 years old this weekend!

First of all, thank you to everyone who was able to attend last night’s Nevada Policy Anniversary Dinner at the Venetian | Palazzo, and celebrate 27 years of defending freedom in the Silver State. Visiting with so many supporters of the work we do was, as always, an amazing experience. Kimberley Strassel’s keynote speech was more timely than ever, considering the battles we face both locally and nationally. Her message was simple: Government, progressives and political elites are working overtime to keep “we the people” intimidated into silence.

From the FBI investigation into President Donald Trump’s campaign, to state agencies ignoring transparency laws, the ruling class has turned transparency and disclosure on its head, and has used this corrupt system to systematically silence those of us who work so hard to limit government’s power.

If you missed the event last night, I am truly sorry. It was a tremendous time. I highly recommend you pick up a copy of Kimberley’s book, touching on the very themes she discussed last night. (Click here)

And for those of you who were able to attend, and to those of you who have supported us over the years: Thank you so much for your partnership and generosity. You make the important work we do at Nevada Policy possible. You are our partners in this fight to keep Nevada free and prosperous, and we’re looking forward to standing with you in the year ahead!

Fiscal and taxes

The problem with so many government “solutions” to poverty is that the unintended consequences of these policies actually exacerbate the problem they’re ostensibly trying to solve. Minimum wage, for example, is ostensibly designed to raise the pay for low-income workers — in reality, however, it results in fewer hours for workers, layoffs for others and an overall reduction in entry-level jobs for workers looking to climb their way up the economic ladder. But that’s just one example. As it turns out, many of these well-intended policies actually make poverty worse in the long run. (Read more)

 

Economy

Earlier this month, the Census Bureau released its annual report on “Income and Poverty in the United States: 2017.” Amid many important takeaways, there was one piece of very good news for U.S. households: Average household income has been steadily rising, despite a drop in household size. (Read more)

 

Big government

Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) has introduced “the Accountable Capitalism Act,” a policy to ensure that big businesses consider their responsibilities to all stakeholders when making decisions, not just shareholders. This means businesses would have to make decisions while considering the “needs” of workers, consumers and even the communities in which they operate. In practical terms, what this means is government would ultimately be in charge of the business decisions of private corporations — a giant step toward the kind of top-down economic systems that have failed every time they have been tried. (Read more)

 

Cronyism

One of the major criticisms of the Raiders Stadium deal has been that the plans were never thoroughly spelled out before lawmakers decided to commit $750 million-plus of taxpayers’ money to the project. Even as construction moves forward, for example, the site still lacks any formal or finalized plan on how to accommodate the required number of parking spots. Furthermore, MGM Resorts International is now worried that game attendees might end up parking at MGM properties, rather than in the officially designated offsite parking lots set aside for gameday — causing a shortage of parking spots available for MGM customers. Maybe this is why, in construction projects that aren’t driven by political cronyism, new venues are required to have a plan for things like sufficient parking prior to starting construction. Unfortunately, lawmakers were so excited about luring the Raiders to the area, issues like this are likely just the tip of the iceberg. (Read more)

John Tsarpalas

John Tsarpalas

President

John Tsarpalas is the President of the Nevada Policy, and is deeply committed to spreading limited government ideas and policy to create a better, more prosperous Nevada for all.

For over three decades, John has educated others in the ideals and benefits of limited government. In the 1980s, John joined the Illinois Libertarian Party and served on its State Central Committee. Later in the 90s, he transitioned to the Republican Party, and became active in the Steve Forbes for President Campaign and flat taxes.

In 2005, he was recruited to become the Executive Director of the Illinois Republican Party where he graduated from the Republican National Committee’s Campaign College, the RNC’s Field Management School, and the Leadership Institute’s activist training.

Additionally, John has served as President of the Sam Adams Alliance and Team Sam where he did issue education and advocacy work in over 10 states, with a focus on the web.

John also founded or helped start the following educational not-for-profits: Think Freely Media, the Haym Salomon Center – where he served as Chairman, the Franklin Center for Government & Public Integrity and Midwest Speaking Professionals.

A native of Chicago, John now lives in Las Vegas with his wife of more than 40 years.