Guinn vetoes bill imposing small fees

Wednesday, March 31, 1999 | 9:05 a.m.

The Republican governor said he promised in his state of the state speech that he would present a balanced budget that included no new taxes.

But he said AB105 authorized the Nevada Real Estate Division to collect the two fees.

"Although the amount of these fees may seem inconsequential, I believe it violates my pledge to the people of Nevada," Guinn said in his veto message.

"Because this bill was introduced by an executive branch agency, I bear the responsibility for its content, making it even more critical that this bill not become law," he added.

The fees included one for real estate agents when they're initially accredited, and a second one for the sales agents when they come up for an accreditation renewal.

While Guinn says he's against any tax hikes this year, he's also calling for a study on ways to create a stable tax base for financing government operations. Key Democrats have joined in the call for a careful analysis of the state's tax structure.

That means a look at whether to shift Nevada's dependence on casino-related and sales taxes to the property tax - which would undo a tax shift sought by Nevada's last GOP governor, Bob List.

But the task of changing the tax structure could prove daunting. A recent poll by state universities in Reno and Las Vegas found 72 percent of those questioned thought state taxes are "just about right."

While the property tax is a more stable source of revenue, 69 percent opposed any increase to support government programs. If more money is needed, 69 percent favored higher taxes on casinos and 62 percent supported a new tax on corporate profits.