Letter: Tax won’t drive businesses out of the state

Thursday, Feb. 20, 2003 | 8:50 a.m.

I am getting tired of hearing this myth that raising taxes in Nevada will result in an immediate rush for the state border by all businesses. That kind of rhetoric is just not based in reality.

Gov. Kenny Guinn's proposed business revenue tax will not make Nevada unfriendly to companies. Forty-six other states have such taxes, and those states all have operating businesses.

The fact is Nevada is in crisis. To bring in adequate funding for Nevada's education and social service programs, everyone is going to have to pay more. Consumers will pay through entertainment, alcohol and cigarette taxes. Businesses need to pay their fair share, too.

Businesses are used to getting away without contributing their fair share to state needs. Companies depend on well-educated and skilled workers, and it's only sensible that they foot their share of the bill for our education system.

Guinn is looking out for small businesses. His proposal exempts business revenue under $450,000, and on top of that small businesses will be able to deduct the per-employee tax.

Funding education and social programs is good for Nevada. Legislators should base their support on facts, not on false rhetoric.

JULIE MORRISON Reno