Friday, Jan. 28, 2005 | 9:02 a.m.
Should the state's Rainy Day fund be tapped to help cities and counties recover from rainy days? Democrats in the Nevada Legislature say this should be an allowable, and logical, use. They say the current flooding in Mesquite and Overton, caused by heavy rain over the past few weeks, is an example of a good use for the 10-year-old fund, which was established for unexpected expenses. Assembly Minority Leader Lynn Hettrick, R-Garderville, however, has a different view. "The whole idea of the Rainy Day fund is to assure the state government doesn't have to raise taxes," he told the Sun. The issue of when to use the Rainy Day fund is just one of many that will generate debate between Democrats and Republicans in the 2005 session that starts Feb. 7.
Gov. Kenny Guinn, a Republican, wants to spend $100 million on the state's failing schools, for such programs as full-day kindergarten. While providing extra money to at-risk schools is admirable, the Legislature's Democrats have a valid point when they counter that all of Nevada's children would benefit from full-day kindergarten.
Democrats this session will also push for an immediate increase in the minimum wage, from $5.15 to $6.15 an hour. A constitutional amendment that would make this change has been approved once by the voters, but it must be approved twice, meaning it couldn't take effect until 2007. We support the increase in the minimum wage, and Guinn would likely support it. But Republicans in the Legislature will likely oppose it.
Even more controversial is a proposal by the Democrats to defy the Bush administration and allow Nevadans to order prescription drugs from Canada. We see no reason for denying Americans access to the less expensive drugs. But a spokesman for Guinn says the governor will oppose the bill if he believes it conflicts with federal law.
Sparring is also expected over the issue of rising property values in Southern Nevada, and how homeowners should be given relief from the accompanying rise in taxes. We support Clark County Assessor Mark Schofield's proposal to place a 6 percent cap on property tax increases.
With Republicans controlling the Senate (12-9) and the Democrats controlling the Assembly (26-16), there will be no smooth sailing for any of these bills. But it will be up to the leaders of both parties to minimize partisan bickering. In the past this has wasted precious time, resulting in a flurry of bills being passed in the final hours amid confusion. The leaders should allow vigorous debate, but also exercise vigorous time management.
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