By Mark Robison, Reno Gazette Journal
Nevada’s main candidates for governor are touting two different bits of economic news as a reason to vote for them: gas prices and unemployment.
In recent days, the state keeps hitting a new record for highest diesel prices.
According to auto club AAA, as of Sept. 23, diesel costs $6.85 cents per gallon on average in Nevada, with the average price in the Reno area at $7.03.
It says both are records.
Regular gas prices are also spiking. In the past month, the average cost of regular gasoline has risen 57 cents a gallon to $5.63 in Reno.
The spikes come as the war in Iran continues to affect oil shipments.
“Thanks to Donald Trump’s Iran War—which Joe Lombardo not only supports, but wants to blow another $70 billion in tax dollars on— he average cost of a gallon of gas in Reno has once again shot past $5 a gallon with diesel hitting a record high of $7,” said Aaron Ford in a statement to the Reno Gazette Journal.
The Democratic attorney general is running against incumbent Republican Joe Lombardo for governor. He said gas is one more price hike piled atop many others that working families can’t afford.
“I’m running for governor to make stuff cost less, ensure working Nevadans can actually afford to live in Nevada, and stand up to Trump’s insane cost-raising agenda,” Ford said.
Unemployment down to 4.8% in Nevada
Meanwhile, Nevada got some good news as the state improved four places on unemployment rankings.
In April, the state had an unemployment rate of 5.3%, meaning that portion of residents seeking work didn’t have it.
As of August—according to data released Sept. 18 by the federal Bureau of Labor Statistics—Nevada’s unemployment rate dropped to 4.8% and its ranking improved to 44th among the 50 states and the District of Columbia.
It had been hovering around 48th and 49th for months.
“Nevada’s unemployment rate is below 5% for the first time since February 2020—and our economy is continuing to add jobs,” Lombardo said in a statement. “These results reflect what happens when you create a business environment built for growth and diversification.”
He credited his administration’s policies with strengthening the numbers.
“From cutting taxes and burdensome regulations to making strategic investments in infrastructure, energy and workforce development, we’re laying the foundation for more businesses, more jobs, and more opportunity for Nevadans,” he said.
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
