Politics
Lombardo ties Nevada school funding proposal to revenue forecasts and data-center taxes
Gov. Joe Lombardo says his next two-year budget would raise per-student education funding by 12%, but the plan depends on revenue estimates due in November. He also says new data centers would have to pay a local school support tax that some businesses have been allowed to avoid.
Nevada Gov. Joe Lombardo says he will propose a 12% increase in per-student education funding over the state’s next two-year budget period, as schools across the Las Vegas Valley grapple with budget pressures and recent cuts.
Speaking after an economic roundtable at the Henderson Chamber on Oct. 15, Lombardo said the proposed increase would add $3,600 per student. He described it as part of a $10,600 rise in per-student funding since he took office, using the state’s funding formula.
The proposal is not yet backed by finalized revenue estimates. Lombardo said the state needs economic forum figures expected in November to align with its forecasts. He said he believes available funds and revenue growth from business activity and gaming can support the increase.
Lombardo said the added funding could help schools improve teacher-to-student ratios and provide infrastructure support. Nevada’s per-student spending is about $4,000 below the national average, according to the figures cited in the report.
The governor also said new data centers would not be allowed to receive abatements on the Local School Support Tax, a sales tax that supports local jurisdictions. He characterized payments from new facilities as additional funding alongside the proposed increase.
The debate over how to provide stable school funding comes after districts faced shortfalls tied in part to declining enrollment. Because state funding follows students, lower enrollment can mean less money for schools. Clark County School District reported a $52 million shortfall in the fall, prompting announced staff and program cuts; an emergency regulation Lombardo signed the previous month provided temporary relief to affected schools.
Education advocate and parent Anna Marie Binder said she wants children to benefit from reliable funding that adequately supports the public education system. State lawmakers from both parties have said they are seeking longer-term solutions before the next legislative session in Carson City.
The funding question includes competing proposals. Some advocates want revenue from new data centers directed to schools, while others have raised modernizing sales taxes as a possible option. Lombardo’s campaign proposal will face scrutiny as lawmakers weigh its cost, revenue assumptions and how any added money would reach schools.