LETTER TO THE EDITOR:

Giving people say in budget would keep it in line

Michael O. Kreps, Las Vegas

Tuesday, Dec. 1, 2009 | 2:02 a.m.

Patrick Duffy — in his letter to the editor in Monday’s Las Vegas Sun, headlined “Here’s a way to generate revenue in a bad economy” — has an interesting idea: Create a trigger-tax board, which would impose an income tax on Nevada residents if certain conditions were met.

But where would be the incentive for legislators to stop spending? We would never revert to a state-income-tax-free position.

How about this as an alternative? If tax revenue falls below what would cover the expenditures approved by the elected officials in Carson City every two years, then we should have a board made up of 60 percent residents and 40 percent business leaders that would review and get to cut programs to bring the budget in line.

Many of us moved to this wonderful state to escape the high taxes that many states impose. Look at high-tax states such as California, New York and New Jersey. They are all going broke.

Discussion: 11 comments so far…

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By jlb101

Dec. 1, 2009

6:36 a.m.

Suggest removal

Unfortunately a lot of people moving to Nevada from high tax states want the same level of handouts they got before. Soon a lot of us will be forced to pack up and move to a new low tax, low "service" place.
By judgesmales

Dec. 1, 2009

7:24 a.m.

Suggest removal

There will never be a state income tax in Nevada. It would have to be put to a vote of the citizens. End of story.

Looks like government will have to get smaller -- fewer employees, fewer services, less lucrative benefits and pensions. I'm all for that.
By uddeboda

Dec. 1, 2009

7:35 a.m.

Suggest removal

Ca, NY and NJ are not going broke, they are broke, but still carry on business as if nothing is happening.
Ca is a very good example of how a state run by a second rate foreign B Movie actor, who knows nothing about how to run a raffle, let alone a state.
By Burrittobandit2

Dec. 1, 2009

8:27 a.m.

Suggest removal

Mike, why 60% of residents, make it 95% of residents and 5% of law makers.
By Patrick_R_Gibbons

Dec. 1, 2009

8:45 a.m.

Suggest removal

How about this, lets have an "I didn't pay enough tax" and let all you people pay more in taxes when you feel bad about the budget situation. Of course, this would be a voluntary tax.
By Patrick_R_Gibbons

Dec. 1, 2009

8:46 a.m.

Suggest removal

Udde,

Arnold failed to terminate his state legislature's stupid behavior. The state of California is run by union workers - mostly int he public sector. They carve out large swaths of benefits for themselves at a high cost to everyone else. California is the direction Nevada is heading.

High cost of living, low quality service.
By Burrittobandit2

Dec. 1, 2009

9:09 a.m.

Suggest removal

uddebroda should stick to SWEDEN problems and not ours. QUIT POSTING YOU MEATBALL!! YOU SUCK.
By uddeboda

Dec. 1, 2009

11:51 a.m.

Suggest removal

Burritto, dont get your knickers all in a twist, its early morning. Tight knickers are dangerous to the virality of men, it might affect your tent playing in bed at nights. Puss puss.
By SgtRock

Dec. 1, 2009

5:48 p.m.

Suggest removal

CA was broke before the Terminator took office.

Anyway....the Democrats had control of the legisative branch for decades and they control the budget and not the governors.
By POWERPLAY

Dec. 1, 2009

7:26 p.m.

Suggest removal

Hey uddeboda: Those states CA, NY, NJ, Are welfair states: The people that are moving out are there tax payers thats why it is not getting better just worse for them.
By larry5

Dec. 1, 2009

11:20 p.m.

Suggest removal

For individuals, living within their means is the only thing that works effectively. Heaven forbid the government entities should follow this practice!