Democrats reveal plan for tobacco settlement money
Thursday, Feb. 18, 1999 | 11:27 a.m.
CARSON CITY -- Assembly Democrats today unveiled their plan for spending the $48 million a year from the tobacco settlement money and it includes a college scholarship plan similar to one presented by Gov. Kenny Guinn.
But the Democrats said their plan has accountability, something the governor's proposal lacks. They suggest spending 25 percent or $12 million a year for scholarships with the rest divided among health programs.
Majority Leader Richard Perkins, D-Henderson, said the Democrats were "enthusiastic" about the concept of the Guinn program "but we believe a critical element was missing from the skeleton proposal we heard: accountability.
"We are also concerned that Gov. Guinn did not put forth a plan for using the tobacco settlement funds to improve the health care of all Nevadans -- the intent of the settlement," Perkins said.
The release of the plan by the Democrats comes one day before Guinn is planning to hold a press conference with officials of the University and Community College System announcing their support for the governor's proposal.
Guinn would provide scholarships of up to $2,500 to every Nevada high school graduate with a "B" average who wanted to go on to the university or the community college.
The plans by Guinn and the Assembly Democrats both run counter to the advice of Attorney General Frankie Sue Del Papa who says the money should be used solely for health programs.
She has also recommended the money not be spent until it is resolved whether the federal government is entitled to part of Nevada's share.
The money, gained from the settlement with the major tobacco companies, is the only so-called "free" funds available this session for discretionary programs. Budgets for state agencies are trimmed, and there are no pay raises planned for state workers, school teachers or university faculty.
Democrats want conditions attached to the scholarships. Children of wealthy would not be eligible; funding could not be used to supplant other scholarships the student received; the student, once in the university or community college, would have to maintain a C average and funding could be used only for tuition, books and other educational expenses.
archive
- Most Read
- Discussed
- Most E-mailed
- Wynns agree on ‘amicable’ split of assets in divorce
- Golden Nugget opens $150 million, 500-room tower
- Could the game be partly to blame for addiction?
- Sluggish starts plague Rebels in early games this season
- Report: LV home prices fall despite increases nationwide
- Funeral procession for slain officer includes Las Vegas Strip
- Boyd Gaming sues man over Internet domain name
- General Growth moving subsidiaries out of bankruptcy protection
- Bellagio sues company over alleged trademark infringement
- Justin Hawkins is a Rebel with many causes
Blogs
The Kats Report
'DWTS' champ Donny Osmond still deft afoot in return to Flamingo
Politics: The Early Line
Meeting of GOP governors draws challengers, not Gibbons (1 Comment)
Politics: Ralston's Flash
Oscar loves forcing developers to sign labor peace agreements, Culinary loves the city's downtown plans and all is forgiven (1 Comment)
Now and Then
Underdog is open on a post pattern
Miech Again
Kruger contract altered in September (1 Comment)
Robin Leach's Las Vegas Celebrity Watch
Photo Gallery: Donny Osmond brings DWTS trophy to Las Vegas
High School Sports Scene
Prep Football: State Semifinals Picks (3 Comments)
Calendar »
- 25 Wed
- 26 Thu
- 27 Fri
- 28 Sat
- 29 Sun
-
Food drive at LAX
LAX Nightclub | 10 p.m. to 11:59 p.m.
-
Judge Jules at Godskitchen
Body English | 10:30 p.m. to 11:59 p.m.
-
Univision TV hosts at Blush
Blush Boutique Nightclub | 10 p.m. to 11:59 p.m.
-
Mischieve Wednesdays at T&T
Tacos and Tequila
The Sun
Locally owned and independent for more than 50 years.
Technorati













