Nevada

Push for two Nevada movie studio bills ramps up as debate continues

Published

7 months ago

May 6, 2025

Push for two Nevada movie studio bills ramps up as debate continues

LAS VEGAS, Nev. (FOX5) – Lawmakers and supporter of two bills for tax credits for movie studio campuses are ramping up their calls for approval, as both face further support and scrutiny amid the state’s projected shortfalls.

The clock is ticking until the end of the 2025 Legislative session.

Assembly Bill 238, backing the joint venture at Summerlin Studios between Warner. Bros. and Sony Pictures, remains in the Ways and Means Committee.

Senate Bill 220 –supported by Birtcher Nevada Development and the MBS Group at the Harry Reid Research & Technology Park–remains in the Finance Committee.

Both bills are expecting a hearing within days.

Supporters of each bill, and trade unions who support both, argue for a need for economic diversification and a rapid infusion of revenue streams amid slumping tourism and high unemployment, touting each legislation’s own benefits.

On Thursday, lawmakers were informed by the state’s Economic Forum of a $191 million shortfall over two budget cycles. Friday, lawmakers told FOX5 that the State Education Fund will also see a decrease of more than $150 million.

FOX5 spoke with Assemblymember Sandra Jauregui on A.B. 238, who argues that the bill is more crucial than ever for Nevada’s economy.

“We cannot afford to lose this opportunity. We cannot afford to not do this during a time when our economy is going to slow down, which means tourism is going to slow down, which means our revenue is going down as projected by the Economic Forum. This is the perfect time to bring a new economy, new revenue into our state,” Jauregui said, noting that tax credits do not kick in until 2028, or after a proposed movie studio campus is built and a filming project has wrapped up.

A.B. 238 proposes a $120 million tax credit package over 15 years for productions at Summerlin Studios. The bill mandates that half of the 15,000 annual workers would be Nevadans.

Proponents of S.B. 220 and the “Nevada Film Infrastructure, Workforce Development, Education and Economic Diversification Act” echo the need for economic diversity and also higher education support, as federal funding cuts threaten learning and training opportunities for young Nevadans.

S.B. 220 will provide around $100 million in tax credits for 15 years, with a three-year “ramp-up.” According to bill proponents, the project would generate around 9,000 jobs a year, and through the lifespan of the project, generate $80.5 billion in economic impact.

The Nevada State Education Association has strongly opposed the potential negative fiscal impact of both bills, arguing for lawmakers to prioritize critical funding that’s needed for Nevada schools.

“We have a looming federal budget crisis that could potentially cut hundreds of millions of dollars from our education programs, and for some reason Carson City is entertaining another Hollywood handout,” said Alexander Marks of the NSEA.

“We can’t afford giant tax credits to corporations…the biggest plot twist right now is that the state budgets’ education funding is only increasing by two dollars,” he said, urging lawmakers to pass the Commission on School Funding’s plan for education.

Other lawmakers have already voiced concerns.

“I believe Las Vegas and Nevada are great the way we are, we don’t need to try and be Hollywood 2.0 on the backs of the taxpayers,” said Senate Republican Leader Robin Titus, in a statement this year to FOX5.

Both bills argue a “net positive” effect: for every $1 of tax credits given, more than $1 will be returned in tax revenue and economic infusion.

Others debate the return on investment, or ROI: for every $1 given in tax credits, how much will the state get back in direct or indirect revenue?

Film productions generate direct revenue for the state from sales taxes and payroll taxes. Productions utilize and hire various other businesses in the community.

Some have expressed concerns over ROI.

“You’d be hard pressed to find an economist or an economic development professional who would say this is a great investment. Essentially, they are a negative balance on the general fund,” said Dr. David Damore of UNLV think-tank The Lincy Institute, urging scrutiny if Nevada lawmakers seek to utilize tax credits.

The 2025 legislative session was a topic of a panel at the Vegas Chamber “Preview Las Vegas” event in January.

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Nevada

American Red Cross of Northern Nevada deploying to Washington after flooding

Published

3 hours ago

December 15, 2025

Press Room

American Red Cross of Northern Nevada deploying to Washington after flooding

RENO, Nev. (KOLO) – A disaster response volunteer with the American Red Cross of Northern Nevada is deploying to the state of Washington after flooding has affected the state.

Flooding in the state, caused by days of heavy rain, has forced the evacuation of around 100,000 from their homes. The volunteer will join hundreds of Red Cross responders from around the country to provide shelter, food, and aid to those in need.

“Our Northern Nevada volunteers bring skill, commitment and compassion to every disaster deployment,” said Bridget Posson, Executive Director of the American Red Cross Northern Nevada Chapter. “As an ERV driver, he plays a vital role in delivering essential support to families impacted by this devastating flooding, but it’s his compassion and commitment to helping others that truly provides hope in their time of need.”

The volunteer being deployed is from Minden, and has been deployed more than 25 times to disaster areas over more than 30 years.

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Nevada

Southern Nevada Jewish community unites for Hanukkah following deadly mass shooting

Published

15 hours ago

December 15, 2025

Press Room

Southern Nevada Jewish community unites for Hanukkah following deadly mass shooting

The Southern Nevada Jewish community gathered on Fremont Street to mark the first day of Hanukkah with the Grand Menorah Lighting, the religion’s symbol of light in dark times.

The event, held Sunday evening, was attended by Mayor Shelley Berkley and U.S. Sen. Jacky Rosen, who addressed the recent mass shooting at a Chanukah celebration in Sydney, Australia, which authorities say claimed at least 15 lives.

Hal Golblatt, director of security for Chabad of Southern Nevada, emphasized the importance of vigilance and protection after news of the mass shooting.

“6:30 this morning, I was on the phone to Metro, arranging for more security here,” he said.

The Chabad of Southern Nevada has hosted the event for the past 30 years.

“I would like to let the community know not to be afraid, not to be scared, to be loud, to be proud, have Jewish pride.” Rabbi Motti Harlig said.

He expressed his devastation over the attack, noting that one of his friends was injured but is now recovering. Tragically, another Chabad rabbi did not survive the shooting.

“The way we deal with evil, with terrorism, is that we fight it, by not running, not hiding, but going out there and showing that we’re not afraid,” Rabbi Shea Harlig said.

The event served as a reminder of the enduring message of Hanukkah: faith, resilience, and the triumph of light over darkness.

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Nevada

Nevada ends non-conference slate with 78-75 win over Duquesne on Saturday

Published

1 day ago

December 14, 2025

Press Room

Nevada ends non-conference slate with 78-75 win over Duquesne on Saturday

Nevada will go into Mountain West Conference play in a four-game winning streak, but the fourth of those wins was not easy.

The Wolf Pack ended its non-conference slate with 78-75 win over Duquesne on Saturday in front of an announced crowd of 7,238 fans at Lawlor Events Center.

In the final 90 seconds, Wolf Pack freshman Peyton White got a huge rebound, then hit two free throws to help the Pack go up by three

The Dukes got their first lead of the second half with 1 minute, 38 seconds left, 71-70.

Tayshawn Comer led the Pack with 16 points, White had 12 and Elijah Price had 10 points and nine rebounds as the Pack improved to 8-3.

Nevada’s Joel Armotrading and Corey Camper Jr. did not play as they are still dealing with injuries.

“We battled hard. It wasn’t our best game but we came through and got it done,” White said.

Tre Guinyard led the Dukes (6-5) with 21 points.

Nevada (8-3) opens conference play against Boise State on Saturday.

Top Takeaways

The Dukes tried to win it from the arc, going 11-33 from there, after knocking down their first two of the game.

The Pack shot 4-of-10 from the arc, and 25-of-56 from the field.

The Pack won it at the free throw line, making 24-of-32 from the line, while the Dukes hit 18-of-20 free throws.

The Pack entered the game leading the Mountain West in made free throws (20.1) and second in free throw attempts (27.1).

Duquesne held a 38-35 edge in rebounding.

Bench comes up big

The Wolf Pack got 37 points from its bench, to 20 for the Dukes, and Alford said that was a key to the win.

“There’s very few games I’ve had where your starters are all negative in points per minute and your bench is all positive,” he said. “It’s good that the starters get to see that. It’s good in learning to trust one another when you’re not playing well.”

He said the bench saved the game for the Pack, but that is a sign of the depth the team has.

Phenomenal Freshmen

Pack freshmen White and Myles Walker played substantial minutes, 23 for White and 13 for Walker. Walker scored five points, including two key free throws in the final minute.

“Myles and Peyton continue to make veteran plays,” Alford said. “That was a hotly contested game, down to the wire and you’ve got two freshmen going to the line in the last two trips and they go 4-for-4 at the line That’s big time.”

He said the pair has been consistent and they keep improving every game.

“Myles has given us a lift every time he comes in,” Alford said. “Those two give us energy.”

Walker said the Pack showed it can win even when things go wrong.

“It showed how tough this team is. Even at the end when things didn’t go right, we still found a way to win,” Walker said.

Half

Nevada led 42-35 at the break, after leading by as many as 15 earlier in the half.

The Wolf Pack shot 17-of-33 field goals and 2-of-6 from the arc along with 6-10 free throws in the first half

The Dukes shot 10-of-28 from the field; 7-18 from the arc and 8-of-10 free throws.

The Pack outscored the Dukes, 20-6, in the paint in the first half.

Up Next

Nevada opens Mountain West Conference play by hosting Boise State (7-3) at 7 p.m. Saturday (Dec. 20).

The Broncos play Saint Mary’s on Sunday (Dec 14).

Finals are over on Wednesday for the Pack players. Alford said they will take that day off from practice.

“That’s going to be a war on Saturday,” Alford said. “(Duquesne) is an A10 team (Atlantic 10 Conference). We’ve played some really good competition, so I’m very pleased with where we’re at 11 games in.”