Editorial: Truth about taxes finally comes out

Friday, Sept. 6, 2002 | 5:35 a.m.

WEEKEND EDITION: Sept. 8, 2002

While Nevada has been growing at a rate faster than any state over the past 10 years, state leaders have been in denial about the need to raise taxes. As the population boomed, so did the deficits in infrastructure and social service programs. Throughout the '90s the refrain was always the same, whether it was Metro Police, the school district, the firefighters, the highway departments, the building inspectors or social workers: Not enough staff. Not enough money. That was the answer when unmet needs were questioned.

Now, finally, Gov. Kenny Guinn is declaring that Nevada's taxes are insufficient. Raising taxes will be the 2003 Legislature's "highest priority by far," he said Thursday. Will there be new taxes? Increases in existing taxes? A combination? The governor is not saying anything specific, but at least he's telling Nevadans that the days of denial are over.

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