2009 Legislative Blog

My day is almost over. It was my turn to testify in front of the Joint Taxation meeting at around 7 pm.

I had been proceeded by several folks, including representatives from the Nevada Manufacturing Association, the Nevada Motor Transport Association, the Las Vegas and Henderson Chambers and the brothel owners. The Retail Association followed me.

Most of our messages struck the same theme: Our members are hurting, so be very aware of the consequences of your actions this session.

I discussed the 60 retail closures in Washoe County last year, the commercial vacancy rates at 20 year highs, IGT's layoffs and Moana Nursery's struggles.

I presented the same message that we have been presenting since session started: Until long-term spending reforms are implemented, we will not support any tax increases.

If we do nothing this session to deal with the SAGE Commission recommendations, PERS/PEBP reform, prevailing wage, etc. then the problem will only get worse as we move forward.

If we raise taxes now and do nothing on the issues mentioned above, our hole will continue to get deeper and we will have to have more cuts and more tax increases as we move forward.

Our members need tax stability so that they can plan their own budgets.

I did receive a fairly warm reception from the Committee, although after almost 5 hours of testimony, everyone was tired and were ready to end the day.

If you have any stories that you can share with me regarding how you have had to deal with the current economic conditions, click on the e-mail link on this page and drop me a line. It is always more meaningful to bring real stories to the table in a hearing room.

And so we move forward with less than 90 days to go...