Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo laid out an ambitious agenda during his 2025 State of the State address, focusing on housing affordability, improving education, and ensuring election integrity. Delivered to a joint session of the Nevada Legislature, Lombardo’s speech outlined a vision that prioritizes personal responsibility, economic opportunity, and reform-driven leadership.

Housing That Works for Nevadans

Lombardo is tackling the housing crisis head-on with the proposed “Nevada Attainable Housing Act,” an initiative designed to address skyrocketing costs and homelessness. The bill would allocate $1 billion in state funding to create public-private partnerships, reduce fees, and prioritize development by Nevadans, for Nevadans—not out-of-state speculators.

In a nod to his critics, Lombardo reaffirmed his commitment to local communities, pushing back against allegations that he vetoed past housing legislation without considering its long-term impact. The plan emphasizes sustainable growth and development, aiming to give working families a foothold in the increasingly competitive Nevada housing market.

A Real Solution for Education

Education reform remained a cornerstone of Lombardo’s speech, with the governor reminding lawmakers of the largest funding increase for K-12 schools in state history, approved in 2023. But he didn’t mince words: funding alone won’t fix the state’s struggling schools. Lombardo proposed giving students the freedom to transfer out of failing schools, echoing the belief that zip codes should not determine a child’s future.

“No child should be trapped in a failing school or denied opportunity because of their parents’ income,” Lombardo declared. While he stopped short of advocating for direct private school vouchers, his remarks indicated a strong push for school choice within public and charter schools. Democrats, meanwhile, doubled down on opposing any privatization of education, calling it a threat to public schools.

Faster Election Results, Accountability First

Lombardo called Nevada’s slow election results a “national embarrassment” and vowed to fix the process. He proposed eliminating the law that allows ballots postmarked on Election Day to be counted for up to four days afterward. While acknowledging the bipartisan challenge, Lombardo made it clear he is willing to take the issue directly to voters if lawmakers fail to act.

The governor also highlighted the success of a recent voter ID initiative, which passed overwhelmingly in 2024, as an example of the public’s demand for stronger election integrity.

A Responsible Budget Without Raising Taxes

Lombardo unveiled a $12.7 billion general fund budget that balances fiscal discipline with significant investments. The budget includes pay raises for teachers and state employees, funds for charter schools, and a robust $1.3 billion in reserves for the state’s Rainy Day Fund. Rejecting millions in additional budget requests from agencies, Lombardo proudly stated that his plan avoids tax increases—a rare feat in today’s political climate.

The Call for Unity

While outlining bold reforms, Lombardo emphasized the need for bipartisan cooperation, urging lawmakers to set aside partisanship for the good of Nevada. “We are bonded by our shared history, and there are no challenges we cannot overcome if we work together,” he said.

The speech sets the stage for a legislative session that will test whether Republicans and Democrats can truly work together or if deep divisions will persist.

Source: KTNV