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Published Thursday, Jan. 15, 2009 | 3:28 p.m.
Updated Thursday, Jan. 15, 2009 | 3:41 p.m.
Governor is poised to send the letter at right to state employees. It's supposed to go out soon letting them know how much he appreciates their service but has no choice but to cut their pay.
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I am so proud that the governor will take an $8,400 reduction in salary. What a leader!! I just know the legislature will rush to pass the bill insuring that Giboons keeps his promise. As a state worker, I, too, look forward to my reduction in salary and higher costs for health insurance. I will realize a "loss" of only $2300, which is $44 a week. Hey, no more eating out for me. Those tasty TV dinners are better anyway. Good gosh - why am I going to a doctor every two months for my silly high-blood pressure and getting dependent on medications. No more meds for me and I'll see the doc once a year instead. I'm happy to read the governor is knocking out the silly education money. If people want knowledge - let them get home schooled. No need for any more police or firefighters. Get a gun and a strong garden hose.
Or, we could raise the gaming tax? State income tax on $200K plus households? Opps, I just committed political suicide? Byeeeeeeeeee.....
Since 1931, Nevadans have benefited enormously from our legalized gambling and prostitution. Now that our national economy has tanked and many fewer folks come here to gamble (partly because they can find gambling closer to home and partly because they don't have the extra dough), our governor has suggested unilaterally breaking contracts with teachers and other state workers to reduce the state budget. He is quite careful to insist that no taxes be raised to fund the needs of Nevadans. I suggest another sin structure to increase our revenue base. Pot.
Adding to Nevada's attraction of legalized gambling and prostitution the availability of the pleasures of cannabis can only benefit us. It is the least destructive of all the so-called sins that in Nevada have grown in popularity and established our reputation as a state where good fun is to be had. Even our new leader, President-elect Obama has admitted enjoying an occasional puff in his early days. So he joins the club with Al Gore, Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, Allen Ginsberg, Timothy Leary, et. al.
It would create numerous jobs in our damaged economy, provide another good reason for people to come back to Nevada and spend money on our now-taxed hotel rooms, erase the influence of mob sources of income and contribute to overall good feelings about our state as the leader in fun places to visit.
Taxing a new source of revenue would eliminate the need for egregious cuts to education and state services that our dismal governor has suggested (mandated). Amsterdam on the Truckee!