Drew Johnson, a Republican candidate for Nevada state treasurer, has called on lawmakers to reduce regulations and licensing laws that he argues hinder job creation and economic growth across various industries. He made this statement on the social media platform X.
“Now, let’s focus on making Nevada more business-friendly for ALL industries in Nevada,” said Johnson, Congress Nominee. “Our business climate is suffering from some of the most anti-business regulations, occupational licensing laws, fees, and red tape in America.”
According to Johnson, his comments were prompted by the Nevada Senate’s recent rejection of Assembly Bill 5. This bill would have linked $95 million in transferable film tax credits to the construction of a major studio campus in Las Vegas. The defeat of this measure has ignited discussions about attracting investment without resorting to corporate favoritism. Johnson used this opportunity to advocate for a broader strategy that reduces barriers for all sectors rather than selectively subsidizing a few. He framed deregulation and tax relief as the most effective path toward sustainable economic growth.
The Mercatus Center at George Mason University reports that Nevada’s regulatory code contains over 5 million words, including more than 80,000 restrictions on business operations. The state ranks 42nd in CNBC’s 2025 “Top States for Business” list, highlighting challenges related to licensing, legal climate, and workforce regulations. Despite its favorable tax structure, entrepreneurs cite high compliance costs and complex licensing rules as significant obstacles to starting or expanding businesses. Johnson’s statement emphasizes these data points as evidence of the state’s growing competitiveness problem.
The Institute for Justice’s License to Work report ranks Nevada among the most burdensome states for occupational licensing, requiring licenses for 75 out of 102 low- to moderate-income occupations. Average licensing fees exceed $700, with some trades necessitating over 600 days of required education or experience. Economists argue that such rules limit workforce mobility and increase costs for consumers. Reform advocates like Johnson support simplifying or eliminating unnecessary licensing requirements to create opportunities for small business owners and independent workers.
Johnson is a Republican policy analyst, journalist, and reform advocate running for Nevada state treasurer. Nationally recognized for founding the Tennessee Center for Policy Research, he has built his career on exposing government waste and promoting limited government. As the 2024 Republican nominee for Nevada’s 3rd Congressional District, he remains an outspoken advocate for free-market policies, fiscal accountability, and deregulation. His campaign focuses on creating an environment where Nevada businesses can thrive without excessive bureaucracy.
