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Gov. Brian Sandoval addresses the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce Wednesday, January 26, 2011 at a luncheon held at the Four Seasons Hotel in Las Vegas.
Thursday, Jan. 27, 2011 | 2:01 a.m.
Sun archives
- Sandoval to businesses: ‘Raising taxes the worst thing we could do’ (1-26-2011)
- Nevada ranks near the bottom on Milken’s Science and Technology index (1-26-2011)
- School officials warn of jobs cuts, larger classes under proposed budget (1-26-2011)
- School district warns of consequences if state redirects bond money (1-26-2011)
- Gov. Brian Sandoval’s budget means job, service cuts for Clark County (1-26-2011)
- Soft words during State of the State hide Nevada in pain (1-25-2011)
- State budget heavy on cuts, light on solutions (1-25-2011)
- Teachers not pleased with most of Sandoval’s speech (1-25-2011)
- In response, Democrats say taxes might be part of budget solution (1-25-2011)
- Quotes on Sandoval’s budget, speech (1-25-2011)
- Sandoval calls for education overhaul, job cuts in State of the State (1-25-2011)
- Is Brian Sandoval’s ‘shared-sacrifice’ budget the solution to state’s economic woes? (1-23-2011)
Sun Coverage
Beyond the Sun
As the state’s debate over taxes begins in earnest, Nevada’s business community is emerging as a potential ally, being fought over by those on both sides of the issue.
Gov. Brian Sandoval, who this week unveiled a budget that holds the line on taxes, made an early pitch for business support Wednesday at a Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce luncheon by challenging Democrats to lay their alternate budget solutions on the table.
Democratic leaders have signaled support for some tax increases, instead of cuts only, to bridge the state’s billion-dollar-plus budget deficit, but have yet to outline any specific recommendations.
“My opposition to taxes is stated,” Sandoval told chamber members, and “we need more people like you involved in the debate.”
Sandoval’s distaste for taxes is no surprise; it was the centerpiece of his campaign. The reason for his laser-sharp focus on the topic Wednesday was lobbying. He knows he needs chamber members’ support to break down Democratic opposition.
Business interests and legislative lobbyists haven’t yet taken a clear stance on taxes. They are still sifting through Sandoval’s proposed cuts and deciding which is a worse poison — stripped services or tax hikes.
“Everybody is trying to keep an open mind,” said Josh Griffin, a business lobbyist and former state assemblyman. “I don’t hear a lot of strident thoughts one way or another. Nobody is particularly excited about a big tax increase, but more specifics are needed. What do the cuts mean?”
While the business community typically supports holding the line on taxes, its backing of Sandoval’s budget plan is not a foregone conclusion.
Businesses have an economic interest in seeing Nevada schools thrive, an outcome some say Sandoval’s budget can’t accomplish. And although it’s unlikely gaming or mining would invite or accept new taxes, small-business owners and chamber members have signalled a willingness to at least see the issue debated.
For example, Tray Abney, government relations director for the Reno-Sparks Chamber of Commerce, recently floated the idea that members might support a tax increase if legislators make significant spending reforms, such as ending collective-bargaining rights for local government employees or cutting retirement and health benefits for government workers. The Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce supported tax increases in 2009 after legislators made similar — although not significant — concessions.
For their part, Democrats hope to pull the support of the business community to their side. But so far they are taking a more behind-the-scenes approach.
Instead of giving speeches to the business community, they are relying on tales of woe from education advocates and recipients of social services.
On Saturday, a coalition of teachers, students, service providers and labor groups will rally against service cuts and in support of tax increases before legislative town-hall meetings in Reno and Las Vegas. The town halls are being hosted by Democratic legislators.
Democratic Assembly Speaker John Oceguera said his caucus plans to highlight the real effects of the governor’s budget cuts for constituents and make real strides in efforts to consolidate and diversify.
“If we can show them all those things, that makes the case that if there’s a gap, we need to look at revenue,” Oceguera said.
It may not be enough. Carson City insiders say Sandoval is rapidly locking in Republican support for his proposals, and Democrats don’t have enough votes to fight him alone.
Don't shave, BS, for three days. Don't wash. Ok, you can floss and brush your pearly whites, but then come on TV with the news.
Close-up of a bong loaded with skunky buds.
Head shot of BS flicking his bic and firing off said skunky bud.
Holding his hit til he coughs, our governor, a man of the people, speaks out: "We're moving forward with the business of the State of Nevada. Herein lies the funding for schools, roads, business and diversity!"
Nuance Nevada.
Made in the shade.
Smokin' our way to prosperity, health and development like we haven't seen in years.
Property values go up, along with smoke. Jobs return as people flock in droves to Amsterdam on the Colorado. Taxes remain low. Kids get scholarships again, strive to seek to find and not to yield.POOF! a solution, a solvent, a solute and salute to the BS.
look at greasy brian...
talking to the people that picked him to be governor...
i mean really folks...
have you ever heard of a federal judge becoming governor...
NEVER...
businesses picked greasy brian...
he took their money...
and bought the governor's mansion...
want proof...
greasy brian would rather cut education and harm the children of nevada...
than raise taxes on mining which ships the profits overseas for the benefit of foreign children...
what a pathetic clown greasy brian is...
hey greasy brian...
you seem pretty cocky now buddy...
but guess what...
you better listen to us...
or we will take you down...
slowly but surely...
we will open the public's collective eye...
person by person...
mark my word greasy brian...
you are an easy mark...
one need only follow the money...
follow the money and you know all there is to know about greasy brian...
greasy brian HATES children...
well not all children...
just nevada children...
greasy brian HATES nevada children...
wants to hurt them...
but...
he loves foreign children...
that's why he won't raise taxes on mining...
foreign companies which ship their profits overseas for the benefit of foreign children...
greasy brian HATES nevada children...
If collective bargaining is ended, lets set limits on executive pay, no more than 8 times pay of the lowest paid employee.
The Governor wants to be President.
This crazed stand on taxes has nothing to do with Nevada, and everything to do with Sandoval seeking to woo hardcore conservatives in Iowa, New Hampshire, and South Carolina. He would never win the Presidential Primaries in those states with a record of raising taxes. So us and our children are nothing but a stepping stone along Sandoval's path to glory. We are left to suffer the wounds after being stepped on by Sandoval's unquenching ambition.
Once again a Nevada Governor gives Nevada the shaft.
Tells me a lot that they would meet for a luncheon at the Four Seasons. Sandoval was elected to protect the wealth in that room and his budget aims to do just that.
Judy
you are absolutely correct.
I'll 3rd that Judy and tvegas
I believe most parents can and should afford $30 per month per child for public schools. For only $1 per day you can educate Your child. If you really want to help, commit to sending in $2 per day to help your neighbor.
For those parents who truely can not afford it, send in what you can afford.
Lets start this donation system in each school now.