Editorial: Bush should release local security funds

Friday, Dec. 6, 2002 | 9:26 a.m.

A quick accounting of the top issues facing the West would include homeland security, education, the drought, energy policy, and forest fires. A common thread among the diverse issues is that all need new infusions of money at a time when revenues are down and expenses are up. That's why they are among the topics on the agenda for the winter meeting of the Western Governors' Association, taking place in Las Vegas and Henderson. The governors arrived Thursday and are expected to finish their meeting today. Gov. Kenny Guinn, who is serving as the governors' host, will be among people who understand clearly why he is seeking to raise taxes and impose new ones.

In Nevada, Guinn estimates additional tax money totaling $800 million will be needed over the next two years to keep essential services intact. Governors of other states face the same financial pressure. At the same time they are asking their legislatures to realize the need for tax increases, governors should be pressuring the Bush administration, which is holding up federal money already approved for local law enforcement agencies to bolster their antiterrorism programs. Western governors should be on record as insisting that this money -- more than $1.5 billion -- be released immediately. Without its necessary funding, homeland security is just political double talk.