Thousands of workers who run the Strip’s hospitality and tourism sector are familiar with the boom-and-bust nature of the state, said Ted Pappageorge, secretary-treasurer of the Culinary Workers Union, which represents 60,000 workers in Las Vegas and Reno. After all, the Silver State has had severe swings since even before it was rushed to statehood in 1864 to deliver Abraham Lincoln three new electoral votes, drawing a wave of new people years before with the discovery of silver at the Comstock Lode.
But this cycle is different, because it’s driven entirely by presidential policy choices. “We were on track to have a banner year,” Pappageorge said. “That has now been completely turned around.” He called on the Trump administration for a “course correction,” and to “make sure you’re welcoming the travel and tourism customer.”