Already, talk of special session for taxes heard

Tuesday, Feb. 4, 2003 | 9:54 a.m.

CARSON CITY -- The Nevada Legislature opened its 120-day session Monday amid murmurings that a special, extended session may be needed to complete work on a tax package.

"Everything is so uncertain. It wouldn't surprise me if it happened," state Sen. Terry Care, D-Las Vegas, said. "Anything is possible. I hope I'm wrong."

Several lobbyists have been saying privately that they expect a special session because of the contentious issue of taxes.

But legislative leaders believe they can wrap up business by the June 2 deadline.

Senate Minority Leader Dina Titus, D-Las Vegas, said convening a special session would be a "disaster."

"People hate a special session," she said. "(The legislators) can get it done in time."

Senate Majority Leader Bill Raggio, R-Reno, said talk about a special session is premature.

"(It) serves no useful purpose," he said. "I'm more optimistic. We have 120 days."

Assembly Speaker Richard Perkins, D-Henderson, wasn't ready to look past June 2 either.

"Let's get through this one," he said.

Perkins noted that only the governor can call the lawmakers into special session, and that he believes the lawmakers can wrap up in time.

It could be mid-February before the governor's tax plan is officially introduced.

Legislators say they have not seen the final version of Gov. Kenny Guinn's $1.1 billion tax plan yet.

Guinn delivered a general plan in his State of the State message two weeks ago, but details are still being ironed out.

Raggio was among those who hadn't seen the final version. "I don't know how he plans to present it," he said. "I have not discussed any procedures with him."

State Sen. Mike McGinness, R-Fallon, and Assemblyman David Parks, D-Las Vegas, who are chairmen of their respective Taxation Committees that begin hearings today on the tax issue, have not seen Guinn's plan either.

Michael Hillerby, assistant chief of staff for Guinn, said a first draft of the governor's plan was submitted to the legislative bill drafters.

The deadline for submitting the final version of the tax bill to the legislative bill drafters is Feb. 21, Hillerby said. The Guinn administration intends to brief the Taxation Committees by Feb. 11, he said.

Hillerby said one bill would include a proposal by the governor for an immediate increase on taxes on cigarettes, liquor and a $100-per-head tax on employees. Guinn wants that passed by April 1 to handle the deficit this year, Hillerby said.

The joint taxation committees are expected today to get a briefing on the deficit facing the state. On Thursday the committees will hear from the governor's Task Force on Tax Policy.