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Thursday, March 3, 2011 | 2:01 a.m.
Pete Goicoechea
John Oceguera
Sun archives
- Democrats say Sandoval budget has $325 million hole (2-24-2011)
- Sandoval’s budget relies on at least one fee increase (2-10-2011)
- Gaming, mining industries become early targets for taxes (2-8-2011)
- Sandoval will need to write in loophole to pass budget (2-5-2011)
- Senior programs not spared from cuts in Sandoval budget (2-2-2011)
- Gov. Brian Sandoval’s budget means job, service cuts for Clark County (1-26-2011)
- State budget plan heavy on cuts, light on solutions (1-25-2011)
- Soft words during State of the State hide Nevada in pain (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 (1-24-2011)
- State of the State: How doors could open for Nevada (1-24-2011)
- Is Brian Sandoval’s ‘shared-sacrifice’ budget the solution to state’s economic woes? (1-23-2011)
- Most vulnerable await budget cuts with trepidation (1-23-2011)
- Increasingly worried liberals seek pushback on Sandoval budget (1-21-2011)
- Construction industry: Raise taxes for job growth (1-20-2011)
- Groups seek higher taxes on tobacco and gasoline (1-20-2011)
- Sandoval warns of consolidation, job losses in state government (1-19-2011)
Assembly Republicans have settled on five sweeping changes to state and local government that their Democratic colleagues would have to agree to before they would consider supporting any tax package.
Assembly Minority Leader Pete Goicoechea, R-Eureka, shared only the broad topics where his caucus wants to see changes. They are:
• Strengthen management’s position in public employee collective bargaining rules.
• Adjust prevailing wage levels on public works projects.
• Implement conservative education reforms, including school vouchers.
• Lessen taxpayer liability for public employee pensions and health benefits.
• Change construction defect law to protect contractors and subcontractors against lawsuits.
“This is part of an endgame,” said Goicoechea, referring to the horse trading expected in any deal on the state budget.
Goicoechea said his caucus won’t consider raising taxes from existing rates, but would under the right circumstances extend taxes passed in 2009 that are scheduled to expire June 30.
Those levies would generate about $700 million, he said.
It’s the frankest talk yet from any legislative caucus on the biggest issue confronting lawmakers — whether to support or oppose Gov. Brian Sandoval’s budget, which closes the $2.2 billion hole without tax increases and while letting those taxes sunset.
To date, the left has declared only that Sandoval’s proposed cuts are too painful and said changes in how Nevada governments work — issues that were used as bargaining chips to attract conservative voters to any tax package — are separate discussions.
Meanwhile, many on the right, including Sandoval, have said they want changes to education, public employee pensions and retirement benefits, but that taxes are off the table.
Conservative interest groups are divided on whether there’s any room to negotiate on taxes. Some want lawmakers to hold fast with Sandoval. Others see taxes as a bargaining chip with which to buy once-in-a-generation change in how government workers are compensated and schools are managed.
If Democratic and Republican lawmakers can bargain, the 2011 Legislature will end like 2009’s — Republicans trying to trade tax votes for reform. Although that idea has floated in 2011’s Carson City ether since before the session, it had been unspoken.
Democrats, as they did in 2009, have spent the opening weeks trying to expose shortcomings in Sandoval’s budget and build a case for why cuts in social services, schools and the higher education system would harm the state.
They have not come out publicly with any specific tax proposals.
Assembly Speaker John Oceguera, D-Las Vegas, said Democrats are talking about some reform. The Assembly heard four education bills proposed by Democrats on Wednesday. Those include extending the teacher tenure period from one year to three years and making poorly performing teachers go on probationary status.
“We’ve said we need serious reforms, serious cuts and long-range planning,” Oceguera said. “We believe some cuts, like in education, are a little too deep and counterproductive to economic development.”
He said Democrats “have not drawn a line in the sand on anything, like (Republicans) have.”
Another Democratic lawmaker, speaking on the condition of anonymity, said the list of demands is “unreasonable” if all they get in return is support for extending the expiring taxes. The revenue raised wouldn’t be nearly enough to undo cuts in schools, higher education or social services.
In 2009, Senate Republicans ran with a list of proposals from the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce and leveraged that for their votes to increase taxes. Conservatives said changes in pensions, health benefits and collective bargaining approved two years ago did not go far enough.
This time, with the popular Sandoval, who has promised not to raise taxes or extend expiring taxes, and stronger minorities in both the Assembly and Senate, conservatives are reaching further.
Goicoechea said, for example, that on collective bargaining, local governments should be able to open contracts with public workers if tax revenue falls short of projections. He did not call for ending collective bargaining for local workers (state workers in Nevada have never had that right) — the proposal that has caused large protests in Wisconsin.
Assembly Republicans’ position seems in line with the business lobby, which has not ruled out raising taxes in exchange for some of the changes.
The Reno Sparks Chamber of Commerce regularly ends its legislative update by stating, “The Reno Sparks Chamber of Commerce will NOT support tax increases until the following reforms are passed,” — it then lists K-12 and higher education, collective bargaining and retirement benefits.
The Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce is taking a more subtle approach. It released a list of reforms Wednesday, some general and some specific.
The business group’s proposals include:
• Eliminating binding arbitration if employee groups and the local government can’t reach an agreement. The decision would fall to elected officials.
• Allowing contracts to be open in the case of a “fiscal emergency.”
• Increasing employees’ contribution to their retirement.
• Ending retirement health insurance subsidies for new employees.
• Changing how schools are governed so the governor is in charge.
Asked if the reforms are tied to taxes, chamber executive Steve Hill said, “I think right now those are two separate issues.” But, he added, “I don’t deny there’s a possibility that taxes and reforms are linked, potentially, at the end of the session, as some type of compromise.”
Senate Republicans have “discussed briefly” reforms they want to see, said Senate Minority Leader Mike McGinness, R-Fallon. But they have not taken a formal caucus vote on any specifics.
“We’re absolutely still with the governor” on taxes, he said.
Here is the bottom line - the title:
"Republicans issue list of demands to be met before they'll talk taxes"
This says "Give us everything we want first, then we'll discuss what you want".
The GOP first used "No Negotiations" with terrorists, now they use it with anyone who opposes them - and the National Guard is waiting in the wings to be activated.
Religion is an Authority, never a Democracy. Bring Religion into the Government and Freedom will be the shared sacrifice.
Ha ha ha!!!
Here's a Bronx cheer to that.
A "list of demands"?
Fuggedaboudit!
Republican children;
"I'll think about it, but you have to give me your allowance for a whole year...you promise? Swear on it!"
At least NV Republicrats haven't fled the state to shirk their responsibilities like a bunch of craven Dumbocrats I could mention but won't. Talk about "chicken-livers!"
Just what we need less protection for home buyers. Look at all the defects now. Looks like the Republicans have been paid off by the developers. Come to Nevada everyone! If the home you buy turns out to be junk, well that is just too bad.
Also the voucher plan will cost millions, I thought they wanted to save money? Can kids get a voucher to attend a white supremacist school? I guess so, that is why these Republican want them.
Jerry understands nothing and shows it in his posts every time.
republicans value campaign contributions from mining more than the children of nevada...
what a bunch of frickin clowns...
wake up losers...
mining ships profits out of state and out of country...
profits to be enjoyed by foreigners...
while our kids suffer...
bunch of bull$#!^...
RAISE TAXES ON MINING!!!
No need to raise taxes...The public needs to see the budget, and let us decide what fat needs to be cut....cut enough fat, and believe me there is plenty of it, then you won't have to raise taxes....Don't allow them to raise taxes when our state officials are so careless with the money: for example-allowing the fireman to basically rape the citizens of Vegas for over 20 plus years of millions if not billions of dollars....Cut the fat! Let us see where our money is going! Let us, the people--the ones paying your salries, evaulate all the PERS salaraies and decide what to cut! The gov. needs to down size! No taxes! Gov. officials make way too much money too! Cut their salaries down to $75,000...They shouldn't be coming out of office millionaires....Corrupt politicians--Enough!
vouchers are pure bull$#!^!!!
That flushing sound you here...
Prevailing wage is a huge issue that needs to be addressed across all government and private areas, not just construction. Reid and his cronies have a habit of proclaiming the value of work by comparing it with immigrant labor. Why do we even have immigrants here with 14% unemployment other than to distort the real value of AMERICAN labor?
will somebody please remind me why it is worthwhile to live here...
the time for southern nevada to crush the rest of the state IS RIGHT FRICKIN NOW!!!
if this frickin clown from eureka is going to harm clark county kids...
the time for war is RIGHT FRICKIN NOW!!!
Simple solution that requires only a few Republicans. Here goes. All of the Clark County delegation meets. They go to Sandogibbons and say, "There is a group here with a 2/3 majority that can override anything you do: the Clark County legislative delegation. There are 29 of us among 42 in the Assembly, 14 of the 21 in the state senate. So, it's up to us. We don't like what you propose. We will close the budget gap by closing everything in the state of Nevada north of our county. All Carson City state government offices, gone. All educational institutions, gone. You, governor, will need to find a new place to live. That's our compromise. Have a nice day."
Democrats MIGHT do it? Republicans from Clark County? They show no signs of representing their constituents, and trust me, I have first-hand evidence to prove it.
David, vouchers are not a conservative education reform... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V34kYMm82...
who is frickin pete goicoechea (r) eureka???
this clown is trying to do irreparable harm to the children of clark county...
his political career must be destroyed...
right now!!!
At least NV Republicrats haven't fled the state to shirk their responsibilities like a bunch of craven Dumbocrats I could mention but won't. Talk about "chicken-livers!"
****
Sheesh, lvfacts - get YOUR facts straight. It was BECAUSE of the Republicans, the Democrats left the state. There is no reason for NV Repugnicans to leave the State. However, we'll see what happens with the NV Democrats - Disneyland is nice at this time of year! Also, there still is some good skiing left in Utah.
hey gibbie the clown...
vouchers are pure bull$#!^...
nothing but an excuse for rolling up your sleeves and doing hard work...
like saying privatizing healthcare is the solution...
and make no mistake gibbie...
healthcare is destroying this county...
the thing you clowns in fantasy land fail to understand is...
there is a world of politics between theory and practice...
politics will enter into who gets the voucher...
and...
some poor kid from north vegas will never be able to arrange for transportation to go to green valley...
it's pure bull$#!^...
just fix the damn schools in north vegas...
man o man...
i still wonder how the hell you get to sleep at night...
other than that...
hope all is well...
and...
have a great day!!!
hey greenie...
FRICKIN LOVE IT!!!
I find it humorous when people say things like "Lessen taxpayer liability for public employee pensions and health benefits."
How do you do that? Tell them to get 2nd jobs in the private sector and pay a special tax? No matter what you do, tax payers will always be 100% liable. Even if you do a 401k match, the money the employee contributes ultimately comes from the tax payer.
Can we just say pay cut and stop the BS?
Here we go with the GOP plan:
cut state employee benefits to levels even worse than they are now so only the stupid or suckers will ever consider working for Nevada;
gut an already severely underfunded public education system even further with a voucher program that pays for rich kids to go to private schools;
let builders off the hook for slapping up shoddy and even unsafe structures with their slam-bam crews of low-wage undocumented amigos;
give corporate bosses even more power to screw over their employees.
American corporations are paying historically low taxes right now: average 4%, despite the high rate, because of all the flim-flam loopholes, exemptions, and con-job provisions the GOP has inserted into the tax code for more than a generation (more than $1.2 trillion dollars worth, so enough to take care of our deficit soon if business ever paid its fair share). Source:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/03/02...
The rich are like a huge fat stomach, eating up everything until there's nothing left. Is there no end to this rampant greed?
Democrats: don't give an inch, not one. Let these lackeys to the rich have their way for now. The rage that follows will cause citizens to vote them out of office in the next election!
Sharon Angle told us what we really should do. And, if we do it we solve the budget crisis AND lower taxes.
Close UNLV, UNR, and all public schools. Give everyone a $20 voucher per child to fulfil the constitutional education mandate (that's all she thought public education was worth).
Now let's get real:
1. the pension problem was caused by failure to fund the pension funds properly for years.
2. the educational mess is because we refused to fund the school properly for years.
3. the Boulder bypass mess is because [we] hoped to get someone else to pay for our responsibilites, even going so far as to refusing to put in a second lane for a few miles to save almost no money.
4. vouchers give rebates to the richest among us--those already sending their children to private schools. No voucher plan will pay the $10-15,000 minimum it cost. Remember we spend less than $5,000 per pupil in our public school. Coiuld it be that they underperform because we spend far less than 50% of what it rally costs in a private school?
Answer? Easy! Tell Sandoval that if he doesn't compromise, then in two years after the reapportionment essentially disenfranchises the North, that they will pay BIG TIME.
At least they're starting to negotiate on what each other wants, Dems want to raise taxes, Rep want some concessions aimed at cost cutting. It will interesting to see where this goes and hopefully no one will leave the state because they don't get their way. They better start compromising or else everyone will be leaving the state for good.
Chancellor Dan Klaich, Here is a suggestion how your NV. University system can conduct research and save the state money.
Assist Jason Crosby of NV. Building & Grounds in figuring out which power bill corresponds to which building the state owns, which state agency occupies it, and how much energy each building uses. Mr. Crosby has been working on this project for several months and hasn't been able to figure it out. Apparently the state is paying power bills but they don't know for which location or agency.
When I began assisting him as a citizen he complained to Stacy Crowley from the NV. Dept of Energy who pointedly told me to stop calling him.
The subject of the next research project is UMC's Delinquent and Outstanding Receivables. They collect less than 5% of their billings.
The Governor is correct in NOT raising taxes when the business of our state is so poorly managed.
Ricky,
The governor is supposed to manage the business of our state...and completely failing to do so.
I have first-hand evidence that proves Prof. Green is an idiot. Just look at his comment that he posted.
What a load of ... Protect contractors from lawsuits? Who cares about people who overpaid for homes that are falling apart around them. Gawd. Strengthen management's position in collective bargaining? State workers don't have collective bargaining so what is Goicoechea talking about?
While the legislators are hearing, haggling and meandering we could use SOME TOOLS. 1. Insist on desert landscaping at all government owned or leased facilities. 2. Authority to require fingerprints with any application for benefits, state, local, federal. 3. Encourage all governments to cooperate with ICE to deport illegals stealing anything from Americans--emergency medical services, social welfare benefits whether local or state/federal, food support from non profit entities that receive funding from agencies and/or taxpayers. 4. Require work-fare to able-bodied recipients--day care provided by welfare moms, senior care provided by MEDICAID recipients.
Thatswhatyouthink: Some legislators are trying to get cities, counties, and school districts to deal with overpaid employees. It's at the local level that SALARIES ARE OUTRAGEOUS. But I agree, government must start PROTECTING CONSUMERS FROM CONTRACTOR FRAUD in not building up to code and taking endless short-cuts when building homes.
Quite a few readers seem to be off their meds this morning...
A good start at negotiating a resolution to our budgetary problem. Not perfect, just like the Gov's proposals weren't perfect, but at some point the Dems & GOP are going to have to work together to resolve the budget. And the GOP push is going to include some form of vouchers (to address the failing performance of our schools) and public employee reforms (to address the budgetary cliff we're being driven to).
"Simple solution that requires only a few Republicans. Here goes. All of the Clark County delegation meets. They go to Sandogibbons and say, "There is a group here with a 2/3 majority that can override anything you do: the Clark County legislative delegation. There are 29 of us among 42 in the Assembly, 14 of the 21 in the state senate. So, it's up to us. We don't like what you propose. We will close the budget gap by closing everything in the state of Nevada north of our county. All Carson City state government offices, gone. All educational institutions, gone. You, governor, will need to find a new place to live. That's our compromise. Have a nice day."
Much to the chargin of many people in Clark County, this would be completely and utterly unconstitutional, to the point where it would be an embarrassment to even suggest it.
The Republicans are on the right track. Two years ago the democratics in Carson City raised taxes and it did nothing to improve the financial situation of the state but made it worst. You must make the appropriate cuts and raise the appropriate taxes. You cannot just raise taxes and say it will fix the problem. You have to make the cuts and raise the right tax in order to get results.
A good start at negotiating a resolution to our budgetary problem. Not perfect, just like the Gov's proposals weren't perfect, but at some point the Dems & GOP are going to have to work together to resolve the budget.
****
Sounds so easy when written, doesn't it? In fact, isn't that what we as voters want them to do? Work together? Instead, we have REpublicans on both the State level and in Washington ranting almost as much as Charlie Sheen and not getting ANYTHING accomplished in a bipartisan fashion. It's more like "if you don't do as we say, we're going to do it anyway; screw the American people".
Even Utah voters overturned school vouchers two years ago after there law makers passed the bill,the people put in on the ballot to get rid of the law and it passed by a large margin, the 5th most republican state in the country. They knew it would close public schools and cost millions more. Just a thought. Must be the trickle down effect
.... and why does a Governor need to live in a "Mansion" anyway? Why can't he live in his own house - take one room - call it an 'office' and write it off on his taxes.... oh wait, do these rich fat-cats pay taxes??
listen up boys and girls...
slick greasy brian sandoval is just trying to build a resume...
that's it...
he never stays at the same job long...
it's all about what's next for this clown...
and i think this moron actually thinks he can make a run for the white house...
hee hee hee...
funny i know...
but this big tooth phony smiling huckster has delusions of grandeur...
that is why he wants to destroy education...
he could give a damn about our kids...
could frickin care less...
this maggot just wants to build a resume...
suck up to the base...
suck up to campaign contributors...
and citizens of nevada can go screw...
he does not care...
one bit...
look...
the choice is simple...
raise taxes on mining...
at least to the levels that they are charged in other jurisdictions...
or...
do irreparable harm to innocent little nevada children...
slick greasy brain sandoval has made his choice...
and he could give a rats @$$ about our kids...
i hereby predict...
slick greasy brian will go down just like al gore...
he will run for president...
he will lose...
and moreover...
he will lose his own home state...
and then he will leave the political stage all together...
you heard it hear first...
from your uncle birdie...
Of course, some people just don't want to hear (even though it is pointed out on a regular basis) that raising the mining tax in such a way to raise significant revenue would require a constitutional amendment, meaning that such revenue would take four or five years to be realized.
hey leper...
there are various ways to skin that cat brother...
fees, etc....
it can be done...
it must be done...
now!!!
Change teacher tenure from 1 to 3 years? Tenure is employment for life. No one should be guaranteed employment for life. That is a natural outgrowth from the socialists playbook... cradle to grave government entitlements.
As for the rest, I say to the Republicans: Get what you can while you can as eventually the tide will turn. Human nature dictates this never ending cycle and the time will come when the left is again taxing and spending every dollar and every breath they can. Anything that can be done now to protect personal liberty is insurance for the time when the progressives again try to destroy the Republic.
I have said this several times and if any one ever read the Facts!!!!!! The state puts into our pension their social security share + about 1% so the net cost to the taxpayer is actually about 1% of the salary. State employees do not get Social Security so I pose the question if a change saves barely anything why is it being discussed. As for Health Benefits that state employees get they are way too expensive for what we get and represent a gross mismanagement of resources on behalf of PEBS. If the state got out of the insurance business we could provide benefits for public service employees that are better and save the taxpayers money.
You are in no position to "DEMAND," anything.
Good day!
This is a Bush call. When the Lone Star's Statesman who fell off of the hay wagon on the way to the ranch when he was a baby into the prickly pear patch was cauling out the good heifers from the bad heifers he dreamed up the way to prevent teen age pregnancy was to withhold monies from birthcontrol information and for these organizations to preach in the schools that abstinence was the only way that schools would receive federal funding for many programs. Soooo. the same approach now in Nevada by the legislation.
Everyone talks about taxing mining and it's a really good idea. So good, in fact, Obama is looking at increasing federal taxes on mining. If we don't do something soon we are going to miss the opportunity.
But here's my biggest gripe. I'm really tired of these people who post "cut the fat" about every budget story. You don't have the faintest clue about the state budget and your stupid ranting only proves it.
Unless you can give real examples of waste, shut up!
The Republicants are ridiculous on top of everything they want tax money (vouchers) to send the rich kids to private school. I do not mind paying my taxes but I sure do want to fund the wealthy's children to go to private schools while my kids go to Clark County schools.
The Republicants are out of their frigging minds!
"To date, the left has declared..."
The left?
Nevada's Democrats may rightly be called many things. "The left" is not among them. Unfortunately.
TAX
the rich
DON'T AX
the poor
Ms. Birdie: Eureka County is much more "affluent" than Clark County. Clark does NOT subsidize Eureka. Esmerelda now of course, with all the large families and buses to Tonopah for high school.
Since when, does the Chamber of Commerce dictate what state reforms or how the state and local governments should be ran?
In this article, you cannot hear the voices of the very people who are subject to the alledged reforms, taxes, and laws! Not balanced reporting or government, to say the least.
One can assume that it is because of the Chamber of Commerce's representatives, that Nevadans are in this economic mess, as it solely serves their business clients, not the people. So folks, here is reform #1: those representing the Chamber of Commerce may only attend and speak if there are the equal number of citizen interests represented at these "Demand" meetings. Thank you!