LAS VEGAS (KSNV) — Nevada Senator Catherine Cortez Masto and business leaders gathered in Reno to discuss the potential economic impact of President Trump’s budget plan on the state’s tourism industry.
During the press conference, Senator Cortez Masto emphasized the significance of the outdoor recreation industry, which contributes over $8 billion annually to Nevada’s economy.
The group expressed concerns that proposed cuts to critical funding and the firing of national parks staff, along with the president’s trade policies, could increase costs and risks for visitors to Nevada’s parks. “Each year, hundreds of thousands of people come and take part in entertainment, whether it’s outdoor recreation or the hospitality that Northern Nevada has to offer. Nevada’s natural beauty alone isn’t what brings its visitors; it’s our National Park Service as well, who keep our parks and sites functioning and clean and keep our visitors safe,” said the group.
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President Trump’s proposed budget, which narrowly passed the House, is now under Senate consideration.
There are concerns within the GOP that the bill may struggle to secure enough votes in the Senate.
However, President Trump remains optimistic. “I think the Senate is gonna get there, I hope they’re gonna get there,” he said. “I don’t know how Democrats can’t vote for it, if they don’t vote for it, they’re talking about a 68 percent tax increase, remember that if the Democrats don’t vote, it’s a 68 percent tax increase, which is ridiculous.”
The discussion comes as the summer travel and tourism season traditionally begins the day after Memorial Day.
