Radio ad speaks out against raising taxes

CARSON CITY — Despite what you may be hearing from Nevada legislators, raising taxes isn’t the solution to the state’s budget woes, according to a radio ad a conservative group is set to begin airing statewide today.

“It’s time for government to make the same sacrifices Nevada’s taxpayers are making,” the ad says, urging listeners to call a toll-free number that goes to a legislative switchboard.

“Call your legislator today. ...Tell them no to the billion-dollar tax hike, and yes to economic recovery.”

The ad is the first major action of the Western Alliance Fund, a new political action committee started by Reno-based Republican political consultant and lobbyist Robert Uithoven.

Uithoven said the ad would be airing on Las Vegas and Reno AM stations as well as in Elko, Winnemucca, Ely, Pahrump and Fallon. He said it will continue to air until the legislative session, or at least the budget debate, is over.

He would not disclose how much the group is spending on the ad and characterized its financial backers as “Nevada taxpayers.”

Inside the legislative building, most Republicans as well as Democrats believe some tax increases will be necessary to balance the budget. Many major business groups also back new taxes, at least in the abstract.

But “plenty of businesses and taxpayers out there have a different viewpoint than what goes on inside that cocoon,” Uithoven said. “People are only getting one side of the story in that (legislative) building.”

Contact reporter Molly Ball at mball@reviewjournal.com or 702-387-2919.