The Clark County Education Association endorsed Republican Gov. Joe Lombardo and invested heavily in his re-election bid, but the union now faces a Democratic trifecta in Carson City after Attorney General Aaron Ford won the governor's race. Ford is a former public school teacher.
Union executive director John Vellardita said the organization prefers split government because it forces compromise, but added, "We work with anybody that works with us. It doesn't matter what party they're part of." He said Ford has an opportunity to fulfill his campaign promises on education.
The union's top priority remains an eight-point data center plan that would require the industry to pay the 2.6 percent Local School Support Tax. Vellardita said the plan would generate nearly $548 million annually for K-12 schools, pre-K, special education and workforce development for jobs potentially displaced by artificial intelligence.
The proposal also calls for stricter regulations, water-neutral operations, and a prohibition on passing power costs to ratepayers or building in communities that object. Vellardita said a bill draft request is underway with an unnamed sponsor and that internal polling shows high support. Town halls are planned to gather feedback before the 2027 legislative session begins Feb. 1.
A spokesperson for Ford did not address the data center plan directly but said the governor-elect understands the value of well-funded schools and has outlined a comprehensive plan to retain educators, improve literacy, invest in vocational education and guarantee school meals. Ford's campaign also supports raising per-pupil funding to the national average and pausing new tax abatements for data centers.
Sources: Las Vegas Review-Journal
Original reporting: Las Vegas Review-Journal →
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