September 17, 2014 Program: Education (Margin Tax) Initiative Debate

Question No 3: Shall the Nevada Revised Statutes be amended to create a 2% tax to be imposed on a margin of the gross revenue of entities doing business in Nevada whose total revenue for any taxable year exceeds $1 million, with the proceeds of the tax going to the State Distributive School Account to be apportioned among Nevada’s school districts and charter schools?

 

Moderator: Anjeanette Damon, Reno Gazette-Journal

 

Anjeanette Damon is the government watchdog reporter for the Reno Gazette-Journal. She has been covering local, state and national politics in Nevada for nearly 15 years. She is a graduate of the Reynolds School of Journalism at UNR and has a Master in Public Administration from the Harvard Kennedy School of Government.

 

Against: Karen Griffin, Faiss Foley Warren

 

Karen Griffin joined Faiss Foley Warren in December 2013 and brings 15 years of journalism and strategic communications experience to the team. She leads the FFW team on the Coalition to Defeat the Margin Tax Initiative and serves as the coalition’s spokesperson. Karen is a former anchor and political reporter and has covered some of the most-watched races in the country.  She has her finger firmly on the pulse of current and public affairs across Nevada.  Karen is originally from central California and has a B.A. in Journalism from the University of Nevada, Reno. Karen and her husband, Matt, are the parents of two young children.

 

For: Dan Hart, Dan Hart & Associates

 

Dan Hart founded Dan Hart & Associates in 1988. The firm is one of Nevada’s premier Public Affairs consulting firms specializing in communications and issue advocacy.  The firm’s work has included the development and implementation of communication strategies for political and corporate clients. His political clients have included Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid and his son, Rory and the Democratic Governor’s Association as well as district candidates in Nevada and Southern California. His corporate clients include the world’s largest gaming company, Caesar’s Entertainment as well as industry leaders in transportation, construction, hospitality, entertainment and others.

 

As a lobbyist and advisor to the Nevada State Education Association, Clark County government, Caesar’s Entertainment and other major interests before the state legislature he has developed trust and relationships on both sides of the aisle that have enabled him to produce for clients at the state level.