Tax incentives have drawn big corporations like Tesla and Apple to the Silver State, but are they good for Nevadans? That was the topic of discussion with the Debate Society of Reno Tuesday night.Â
The oxford-styled debate was held at the Reno Little Theater where people packed the room to hear each side, for and against the issue of tax incentives. The audience also got the chance to vote on who they thought the winner was, with the more persuasive case.Â
"Having a direct confrontational discussion on the issue is revealing. It forces people to justify their positions," said Luke Busby, with the Debate Society of Reno.Â
Seth Wildschut came to make his own conclusions after hearing different sides share their viewpoints.Â
"To me this is crucial to weigh in and I thought a debate is a healthy way because I knew I'd get both sides, both perspectives," said Wildschut from Reno.
On the pro side, Pat Hickey with the State Board of Education said tax incentives help attract businesses here.Â
"States compete to have important businesses to come. And in the case of Nevada, landing Switch, Tesla and other car makers like Faraday, is helping us in immeasurable ways," said Hickey.Â
He adds that tax incentives are investments for the future.
But the opposition disagrees.Â
"If you want to focus on how to grow the economy, you have to focus on start ups and not recruiting these established, out of state brand names, because those firms frankly don't tend to grow once they've achieved a critical mass or certain size," said Geoff Lawrence, the Nevada Assistant State Controller.Â
The Debate Society of Reno plans on holding their next debate on the ballot question regarding the legalization of recreational marijuana use.
