Editorial: Override proposed increases at DMV

Thursday, Jan. 30, 2003 | 9:14 a.m.

We agree with those who have criticized Assemblyman Bob Beers lately over his challenge to Gov. Kenny Guinn's call for increased taxation. Beers wrongly suggests that the state should consider cutting necessary programs to help close its $700 million-plus budget deficit. Numerous studies show just the opposite, that Nevada is spending far too little for education, health care and other vital programs. But Beers may have a point about one proposed expenditure.

The Department of Motor Vehicles wants to retain a greater percentage of the money it collects in license fees and registrations. For the past several decades it has kept 22 percent for its own expenses, with the rest going to the Nevada Department of Transportation for road building and maintenance. The DMV is now proposing that it keep 29 percent, with the additional money going toward more staff. The DMV says the extra money could reduce wait times for its customers. Beers counters that, with the state in a financial crisis, wait times are less of a concern than road building. On that we can agree.

Beers goes too far, however, when he suggests imposing a surcharge on those who conduct their DMV business in person, as opposed to the Internet. The charge would penalize many people who can least afford it -- people who do not have computers at home or convenient access anywhere else. It's not too much to ask them to wait an hour or two, but it is wrong to slap what is essentially a tax on people who want to do business in person.