Teachers’ union spends $497,142 so far on business tax initiative

Monday, Sept. 4, 2000 | 9:49 a.m.

Most of the spending by the Quality Schools Alliance - the political action committee of the teachers' union - went for consultant and legal fees, according to the group's latest campaign finance report.

Another $95,000 went to a company for gathering the required 44,009 signatures for the initiative.

The group reported collecting $678,394 so far. The National Education Association gave $250,000 and Nevada teachers gave the remaining $426,000. Each teacher is paying about about $20 for the petition effort.

"It's an incredible costly endeavor and in some ways it's unfortunate we had to pursue this course, but our members felt we didn't have any choice," said Ken Lange, executive director of the 22,000-member NSEA.

"They're saying, 'This is what we need to get the job done that you've asked us to do and we're spending money from our own pockets to send that message."'

The Nevada Pro-Education Alliance - a coalition of businesses and trade associations opposed to the initiative - did not file a campaign finance report.

"We're not legally required to file because the initiative won't appear on the November ballot," said Kami Dempsey of the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce.

The initiative would raise at least $250 million a year in new revenue for schools through a 4 percent tax on business profits above $50,000.

The plan calls for using the money for 25 improvements such as classroom-size reduction, teacher training and improved technology.

Meanwhile, two top Republican legislators - Senate Majority Leader Bill Raggio of Reno and Assembly Minority Leader Lynn Hettrick of Gardnerville - have given nearly $40,000 of their campaign funds to help unseat Democratic incumbent lawmakers.

Hettrick has given $23,500 to various groups and four Assembly candidates.

Raggio has given $16,000 to three candidates and a political action committee.

Hettrick said it's unlikely the GOP will gain the eight seats to take control of the Assembly, but a few Republicans might capture Democratic seats. He said he plans to donate at least another $30,000 before the Nov. 7 election.