In the debate over the wisdom of the margin tax in Nevada, both proponents and opponents have pointed to the various effects of the Texas franchise tax and have predicted what may happen if voters approve the initiative. Nevada by the Numbers decided to tackle the underlying question:  Is the economy in Nevada similar enough… Read more »

According to this article in the Wall Street Journal, wages are rising by 10 to 20 percent in some of the hottest segments of the economy, most often the job sectors requiring skilled blue collar labor. Unfortunately, not all sectors are faring so well. The single biggest obstacle to a sustainable economic recovery is slow and uneven… Read more »

According to the latest jobs numbers, Nevada’s unadjusted unemployment rate was 8.9 percent in January, up from 8.7 percent in December 2013. Both numbers were big improvements over the 11.2 percent rate Nevada logged in January 2013. The Las Vegas-Paradise MSA gain of approximately 26,000 jobs while losing only approximately 8,600 jobs from the total labor force… Read more »

It is common knowledge that the margin tax, if passed by voters in November, will require most Nevada businesses whose total annual revenue exceeds $1 million to pay a tax of two percent of their taxable margin. What may not be commonly known is that businesses will be in decision-making limbo for at least some… Read more »

Nevada State Bank recently conducted a statewide survey of more than 400 Nevadans who own, operate or manage small businesses. They talked to people who run businesses that generate annual revenues of $500,000 to $5.5 million. Those who say the local business environment has improved over the past 12 months outnumber those saying it has gotten worse… Read more »

The Pew Center has a list of takeaways from a new survey that identifies differences between 18- to 33-year olds and prior generations. From notable demographic diversity to concerns about debt to general social distrust, this group is like no generation before. Nevada should care more than most states what these crazy kids think, as… Read more »

Is a new interstate freeway between Las Vegas and Phoenix a “vanity project” or a necessary next step to the growth of the Las Vegas-Phoenix-Los Angeles region? The AP has a story with comments from both sides including this key piece: “As good as the planners were in the midcentury, they could not have foreseen… Read more »

The governor did not hold back yesterday in his remarks to lawmakers and business leaders at the Nevada Taxpayer Association’s 92nd annual luncheon at the Orleans. Of the many reasons to oppose the margin tax, another may be that statewide ballot measures approved by voters cannot be amended for a period of three years. Should the… Read more »