Labor, Taxes

In case you missed it…

John Tsarpalas

Anniversary Dinner (September 17th, in Las Vegas)

In less than two weeks, Dennis Prager — best-selling author, columnist and nationally syndicated radio talk show host — will be giving the keynote address at Nevada Policy’s Anniversary Dinner.  That’s on September 17th, at the Venetian in Las Vegas! Prager is the founder of Prager University, and his radio show is heard by over two-million listeners on 150 stations across the country. The evening is bound to be fantastic, so be sure to reserve your tickets! (Click here to learn more, or to register.)

 

Fiscal and taxes

In the last legislative session, lawmakers approved a measure allowing counties to increase their sales tax. Well, it didn’t take too long for Clark County to jump at that opportunity. On Tuesday, the county commission voted 5-2 to raise the sales tax to 8.375 percent. Ostensibly, the reason for the hike was to throw a little more money at public education — but the $54-million-per-year the increase is supposed to generate isn’t actually allocated for anything specific yet. Apparently, commissioners merely approved a grant process for agencies and organizations to apply for a share of the projected revenue. In other words: Commissioners approved a tax hike without even knowing what, exactly, they were going to spend it on. They just knew they wanted to spend your money. (Read more)

 

Employee Freedom

Long ago, the original spark behind the union movement was to “empower” workers. Modern labor laws, however, actually strip workers of important freedoms — including even the basic freedom to decide which union, if any, should represent them in contract negotiations. (Watch Nevada Policy’s short videos on two important policy solutions that could help workers by clicking here and here.)

 

Culture

Whether it is called “social justice” or simply “political correctness,” one thing is for certain: It’s killing comedy. The progressive movement has so nurtured a culture of victimhood in America, it’s virtually impossible for many comedians, commentators or other public figures to say almost anything about certain cultural topics without inevitably offending some niche group of activists. Maybe that’s why Dave Chappell’s recent comedy special is getting all the attention right now — because he’s done away with even the pretense that he’s concerned about running afoul of the social justice warrior’s speech codes. Regardless of how funny one finds Chappell’s comedy, his decision not to bow to the alter of political correctness deserves a standing ovation. (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.