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Nevada taxpayer-funded lobbying

Taxpayer-funded lobbying is government to government lobbying. counties, cities, school districts, public facilities, and associations of public employees frequently use public funds to influence legislation and appropriations at the state and federal levels.

This practice is controversial because public funds are spent to lobby for an agenda not subject to direct approval by voters, and outcomes may be contrary taxpayers benefit. Nevada state’s lobbying is funded by the general fund, room taxes, and other sources. State lobbying includes its Washington Office with $280,000 in spending, and $155,000 by the state Department of Transportation.[1] Nevada ranked 2nd among states for spending on lobbyists in Washington, D.C. in 2010.[1]

[edit] Lobbying by local entities

Twelve Nevada government entities spent more than $1.7 million taxpayer dollars in 2009 to hire federal lobbyists.[1] These entities accumulated nearly $400,000 in expenses in the first quarter of 2010, placing the state 7th among 900 government entities according to a report by the Center for Responsive Governments on lobbying spending. [1]

Las Vegas, North Las Vegas, Henderson, Reno, Sparks and Carson City also spend money on D.C. lobbyists, as do Washoe and Clark counties.[1]

[edit] Federal lobbying

Nevada gets about 65 cents in federal funds for each tax dollar sent to the federal government. [1]

Nevada, North Las Vegas, Henderson, Nye County and the City of Las Vegas were in the top 100 on federal lobbyist spending in 2009. Henderson, Nye County and North Las Vegas each spent $200,000; Las Vegas spent $165,000.[1]

[edit] Success

In a report to the 2009 Legislature, Nevada's lobbyist District Strategies noted that it helped successfully oppose an amendment that would have cost the state $75 million in federal Medicaid revenue. The firm also assisted in bringing $40 million in additional funding for foreclosure mediation.[1]

The office has faced criticism by some members of the Nevada Legislature in past sessions, including the 2009 session. Democrat lawmakers have questioned the necessity of the office.[1]

[edit] Disclosure

Nevada counties receive a failing grade on disclosing information online, and none of them disclose lobbying information.[2]


[edit] Taxpayer-funded lobbying associations

The following is a list of Nevada taxpayer-funded lobbying associations by type:

[edit] County

[edit] Emergency services

[edit] Justice

[edit] Municipal

[edit] School

[edit] Other

[edit] See also

[edit] References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 1.7 1.8 "Nevada tops list on federal lobbyist spending, near bottom on returns", This is Reno, July 20, 2010
  2. ↑ "Nevada’s county websites receive failing grades from Sunshine Review", This is Reno, March 15, 2010
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Nevada taxpayer-funded lobbying associations
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Lists of taxpayer-funded lobbying associations
By type

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