Senator Robin Titus Discusses Critical Nevada Issues

During the KUNR Purple Politics Nevada forum on March 4, Nevada State Senator Robin Titus (R-SD17) addressed Medicaid funding, Nevada's budget, and film tax credits. The discussion, moderated by Lucia Starbuck, was part of a community forum hosted by the Sierra Nevada Forums in collaboration with the AAUW Capital Branch and the League of Women Voters of Northern Nevada. Co-sponsored by the Nevada Appeal and KUNR Public Radio, the event provided a chance to hear directly from their representatives and ask questions about issues affecting the state.

One of the evening's major talking points was how federal budget cuts will affect Medicaid. Titus, who represents six rural counties, including Churchill and Lyon, acknowledged concerns about Medicaid funding but downplayed the likelihood of dramatic changes.

"I think there's a lot to do about nothing, if you follow Shakespeare," she said. "The president has made it very clear that Medicare is not being cut. Medicaid may see reductions, but let's remember how we got here. During COVID, the federal government expanded Medicaid to cover childless adults. I warned back then that we were setting ourselves up for a fiscal cliff."

Titus pointed out that some of the largest employers in Nevada—including Walmart, Amazon, and even the state itself—have employees enrolled in Medicaid. She suggested that large corporations should be held accountable instead of taxpayers shouldering the burden to ensure their workers have adequate healthcare.

"We want patients to have access to healthcare," she said. "But should Nevada taxpayers foot the bill for companies that receive massive tax breaks? That's a conversation we need to have."

Titus reminded viewers that the state has financial safeguards. "We have a $1.9 billion rainy-day fund, despite talks of federal cuts. Nevada is fiscally sound," she said. "People will not be turned away from healthcare."

Discussing Nevada's overall financial picture, Titus noted the state's constitutional requirement to pass a balanced budget with a 5% reserve.

"We aren't like the federal government—we can't just print more money," she said. "We have to balance our budget, and we do. There's a lot of fear-mongering about funding shortfalls, but the reality is, Nevada is in good shape. If adjustments need to be made, we will make them."

Titus believes the real healthcare problem in Nevada problem isn't Medicaid—it's the lack of healthcare providers. "You can have all the insurance in the world, but if there aren't enough doctors, you're still not getting care," explained Titus. She also said new initiatives are in the works to address the problem, including expanding graduate medical education programs, increasing nurse apprenticeship opportunities, and streamlining the process for out-of-state healthcare providers to transfer their credentials and work in Nevada to help address the statewide healthcare professional shortage. 

The senator made a point to express her firm stance against the proposed expansion of film tax credits, which would increase incentives from $10 million to $95 million annually. The state is having serious conversations about budget cuts and, at the same time, proposing to give $95 million to Hollywood. "Does that make sense?” she asked. "We ran the numbers, and for every dollar we put into these film tax credits, we only get about 50 cents back. That's not a smart investment."

Beyond tax credits, Titus said she was unconvinced about the viability of Nevada's film industry over time. "This bill locks us into a 15-year commitment. With AI and digital advancements, who knows what the film industry will even look like in 15 years?"

Titus said she welcomes efforts to diversify Nevada's economy but believes the state should focus on industries that provide long-term economic stability. "Look at the Vegas Golden Knights—they came here without taxpayer handouts, and now they're a massive success. If the film industry wants to come to Nevada, great—but they should do it on their own dime."

Titus also stressed the importance of practical solutions and legislative cooperation across the aisle. "There are areas where both parties can find common ground," she said. "Expanding healthcare access through workforce development is one of them. But we also have to be responsible with taxpayer dollars and prioritize what matters—healthcare, education, and infrastructure, not unnecessary tax credits."

According to the senator, a special session may be possible if federal budget cuts create unexpected funding gaps. "I don't see it happening," she said. "Nevada is prepared. We have financial reserves, and we've built flexibility into our budget. The federal government is unpredictable, but we're going to make sure Nevadans are protected."

With less than 100 days remaining in the legislative session for Senator Titus, the focus remains on ensuring Nevadans have access to essential services while maintaining fiscal responsibility. "At the end of the day, we're here to make sure Nevada is strong—both today and for the future."