Guinn clarifies stance on taxes after tussle with Democrats

Thursday, April 8, 1999 | 9:18 a.m.

In a letter this week to the Legislature, Guinn outlined "guidelines" on types of higher fees and taxes that won't be subject to automatic vetoes.

Democrats viewed Guinn's letter as offering an olive branch, and they were quick to embrace it.

Assistant Majority Leader Barbara Buckley, D-Las Vegas, said the message from the governor was that he does not want to enact any unnecessary fees. "That's been the Assembly's position all along," she said.

Guinn's statement will clarify his stance because his prior statements have been inconsistent, Buckley added.

Guinn's chief of staff, Pete Ernaut, said the governor wasn't retreating on new taxes or fees. The letter provides guidelines to lawmakers who asked for them and "spells what's in and what's out," he said.

"Some of the legislators wanted to find out exactly where he (Guinn) stood, and he sent it to them," Ernaut said.

The governor said:

"Bills that would not automatically be subject to veto as a fee or tax increase would include voluntary fees (for example, for a special license plate); fees supported by a group subject to the fee; fees or taxes that have been previously approved by the state Legislature and are included in the state budget; or local fees or taxes that have been approved by the people or their representatives.

"In addition, a fee that is actually a penalty for breaking a law would not be subject to veto as a fee increase."

On April 2, Guinn vetoed AB105, to allow the state Real Estate Commission to impose a $50 fee for educational courses for training in time share sales. The industry supported the bill, and there was no opposition.

But in his veto message Guinn said, "I will not approve new taxes that inure to the benefit of the general fund or support the general government of the state."

Assembly Democrats quickly pointed out there were increased fees by agencies in the Guinn budget, and if those were not approved, the budget would not be balanced. But Ernaut said there were "very few" of the higher fees in the budget.