Nevada treasurer blasted by own party for submitting alternative budget

By Cy Ryan

Published Thursday, Feb. 12, 2015 | 10:14 a.m.

Updated Thursday, Feb. 12, 2015 | 2:26 p.m.

CARSON CITY — Nevada Treasurer Dan Schwartz ran into a barrage of criticism today from his own party, including Republican Gov. Brian Sandoval’s administration, for submitting an alternative state budget and tax plan.

Sandoval’s chief of staff, Mike Willden, told the Senate Finance Committee he was “insulted” by the proposal, which includes errors and misinformation. “I’m offended by the lack of research,” he said.

Schwartz, a Republican elected in November, said his budget presentation would give legislators a chance to see an alternative to Sandoval’s two-year, $7.3 billion proposal, which would add nearly $1.1 billion in new and extended taxes.

Schwartz is proposing a $6.8 billion budget over two years, with a new tax on hotel restaurant and bar revenue. He said the governor’s budget didn’t respect the will of voters who rejected a November ballot initiative for a business margins tax.

Sen. Ben Kieckhefer, chairman of the Finance Committee, said Schwartz’s proposed budget “undermines the fiscal ability of the governor.”

Senate Majority Leader Michael Roberson, R-Las Vegas, said Schwartz was “hijacking” the budget process and questioned the treasurer’s authority to bring the alternative spending and tax plan.

Although Nevada law does not give the treasurer the ability to create a budget, Schwartz said he interpreted a portion of the Nevada Revised Statutes governing the treasurer’s office to “provide information” to the Legislature when required.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.