Frequently Asked Questions
What is TransparentNevada?
TransparentNevada.com, provided by the Nevada Policy Research Institute, is a website dedicated to serving Nevada's public by providing transparency on all aspects of state, county, and city governments.
What is the Nevada Policy Research Institute?
The Nevada Policy Research Institute is a free-market think tank that seeks private solutions to public challenges facing Nevada, the West and the nation. The Institute's primary areas of focus are education and fiscal policy, with the goal of advancing free-market principles in both. NPRI has offices in Las Vegas, but scholars and writers from all over Nevada and the nation contribute to our mission.
What does the Nevada Policy Research Institute do?
The Institute educates Nevada's citizens, media members and public officials about free-market solutions to public problems. As a 501(c)(3) organization as defined by the Internal Revenue Code, the Institute does not lobby for or against legislation, nor does it endorse or oppose political candidates.
How does the Nevada Policy Research Institute spread its message?
The Institute uses a number of tools to ensure that its message reaches as many people as possible. Over 1,000 subscribers receive our weekly E-Bulletin, which includes news and analysis from around Nevada and the nation, as well as a report on grassroots activity from around the center-right movement. Our Commentaries examine policy matters currently before Nevada lawmakers, and our Policy Studies provide a more in-depth look at the state's most pressing issues. Institute scholars often appear on radio and television broadcasts, and are regularly consulted by print reporters. When asked, NPRI staff testify before legislators in Carson City.
How is the Nevada Policy Research Institute funded?
NPRI is an independent organization that neither seeks nor accepts government subsidies. The Institute is funded through the generous support of individuals, corporations, foundations and family trusts. Unlike many nonprofit organizations, NPRI is not funded through a single wealthy benefactor. Most of the Institute's contributions come from NPRI members who donate annually. Click here for membership information.
How can I find out more about NPRI?
Call us at (702) 222-0642 or e-mail us at office@npri.org to receive information about the Institute.
How can I contribute to NPRI? What will I get for my donation?
You can contribute online, or you can learn about other ways to support NPRI by calling us at (702) 222-0642 or by e-mailing us at office@npri.org. By contributing to our mission, you'll help ensure that Nevada has lower taxes, smaller government and meaningful education reform.
Why does TransparentNevada.com show the names of public employees?
Taxpayers have the right to know where their tax dollars are going. This includes the right to know the identities of those who receive money or other compensation from their government, and the amounts so received.
Keeping this information secret would clearly reduce the rest of us to second-class citizens. Thus, Chapter 239 of the Nevada Revised Statutes makes these and other records public. It also describes the process whereby any citizen can request these records.
Additionally, a December 2008 court ruling held that employee names and salaries are public record. For posterity, you can find a backup copy of the article here.
It is as part of its broader effort to make Nevada governance as open and accountable as possible to the people of Nevada that TransparentNevada.com provides this information.