Group says cuts hurt poor

Friday, Aug. 30, 2002 | 10:57 a.m.

SUN CAPITAL BUREAU

CARSON CITY -- An organization that pushes social causes says the 3 percent budget cuts to be imposed in state government are going to hurt programs for the poor. The Progressive Leadership Alliance of Nevada planned a news conference for today to talk about reductions in the state Department of Human Resources. Jon Sasser, legal services statewide advocacy coordinator said, "Unfortunately the public sees what is going on as a 3 percent across the board cut in what they perceive as a bloated bureaucracy. "The reality is that the cuts in programs for our most vulnerable populations are far deeper and result in real human pain."

Sasser said the Legislature has got to "deal with the reality of a major tax increase in the next session." The organization has already proposed a business tax and a tax on investment designed to raise $932 million a year.

Jan Gilbert, Northern Nevada coordinator for PLAN, said, "Budget cuts to welfare and children's services double the pain -- we lost federal matching dollars -- and that's fiscally irresponsible."