Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo's campaign estimates that the policy agenda of his Democratic opponent, Aaron Ford, could result in $18.1 billion in costs over four years, including nearly $8 billion in state spending. The Lombardo campaign's report attributes costs to 76 proposals from Ford, combining state spending with anticipated costs for businesses and the federal government. Ford's campaign disputes these figures, arguing that the analysis mischaracterizes his proposals and includes costs for measures he did not suggest.
The report indicates that $7.93 billion would be needed for direct state spending, with Lombardo's campaign asserting that such spending would necessitate higher taxes or cuts to other services. In contrast, Ford's campaign contends that many of the projected expenses would not require new appropriations.
Mark Pingle, a professor at the University of Nevada, Reno, supported the report's findings, stating that the $18 billion estimate is reasonable based on Ford's proposals. The report highlights that Ford's healthcare agenda is projected to cost $4.25 billion, while his K-12 education plan is estimated at $3.68 billion.
Ford's campaign spokesperson criticized the Lombardo report, claiming it misrepresents Ford's policies and assigns costs to programs that would not incur expenses for the state. The spokesperson also noted that Ford's platform could be implemented without raising taxes.
In response, the Lombardo campaign maintained that their estimates reflect the necessary costs to fulfill Ford's proposals, arguing that regulatory changes and expanded benefits require funding. Former Nevada state Senator Ben Kieckhefer stated that Ford's proposals would necessitate significant tax increases, emphasizing the need for scrutiny of such spending plans.
Democratic lawmaker Daniele Monroe-Moreno criticized the Lombardo report as misleading, asserting that Ford's policies are designed to save money for Nevadans. The report also mentions that Ford is under investigation by the Nevada Commission on Ethics regarding allegations of improper benefits during his tenure.
Lombardo is seeking re-election and will compete against Ford in the upcoming gubernatorial election in November.