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Two state agencies refuse to cooperate with budget committee
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CARSON CITY -- At the direction of Gov. Jim Gibbons, two state agencies refused Wednesday to provide information to a legislative committee that is reviewing their budgets to determine whether funding can be cut or should be increased.
Sen. Joyce Woodhouse, D-Henderson, said the Housing Division and the Medicaid Compliance Unit refused to answer questions that legislative staff has posed about their budgets. They skipped a Wednesday meeting of the Legislative Committee for the Fundamental Review of State Agencies. Woodhouse, who is seeking re-election, leads the committee.
"They are under the direct control of the governor's office and have been directed not to cooperate," she said.
Assembly Majority Leader John Oceguera, D-Las Vegas, said late Wednesday that he wrote the administration again asking for budget information and awaits a response.
"I think the administration wants to cut state government, but then they are too busy to help us (identify budget reductions)," he said.
Legislative leaders have discussed issuing subpoenas to compel compliance, which "remains an option," Oceguera said.
Gibbons contends the committee lacks legal authority to compel agencies to provide information outside of legislative sessions. He argues legislators already have all of the budget information they need. Members of his staff say legislators have sought ridiculous information, such as what happened to a police dog during a 12-week period when it was deemed not fit for service.
Woodhouse began Wednesday's meeting by citing state law that gives the Legislature authority to compel agency cooperation in budget reviews.
Past governors did not challenge the Legislature's attempts to review agency spending.
But Gibbons has argued that the 21-member Interim Finance Committee, which makes decisions for the 63-member Legislature when it is not in session, is not a constitutional entity. His argument is not a new one, but the interim committee's authority has never been challenged in court.
"All government agencies should be willing to account for the dollars they spend," Woodhouse said. "Like all Nevada families, we must do more with less."
But Robin Reedy, Gibbons' chief of staff, said the administration has asked the committee for proof of its authority to demand information from state agencies between sessions. She said she has not received any such explanation.
"This is all a waste of time," she said. "It is the waste of a committee. Rather than answering us, they would rather say, 'Boo-hoo, the executive branch is holding us up.' "
Daniel Burns, Gibbons' spokesman, called Woodhouse's appointment as chairwoman of the committee an "election-year stunt" to improve her chances of re-election against Republican Michael Roberson.
He said the state agencies Wednesday were "too busy" finding housing for people and administering Medicaid to answer "ridiculous questions."
The Division of Parole and Probation in July refused to attend a meeting of Woodhouse's committee. Housing Division Administrator Chas Horsey did not attend the July meeting and was requested to show up Wednesday.
Contact Capital Bureau Chief Ed Vogel at evogel@reviewjournal.com or 775-687-3901.
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If they're covering anything up, it's more likely their incompetence than malfeasance. Most likely, quintessential republican obstructionist strategy. Swear up one side and down the other You have the People's Best Interests at Heart in a time of budget crisis. When asked to share your budgets, REFUSE. Makes those considering crossing the aisle to vote Sandoval if this would be HIS strategy? Or is this just Gibbons' last pathetic gaspings as his fingers are pried off the state's strings...Reedy's "boo-hoo"?...good Lord, good riddance...
Priceless.... fire the Bafoons !
FIRE THE LEAD PEOPLE IN THOSE UNITS..........
GROW BALLS / DO IT
The interim committees have a goal of nitpicking and harassing. (Or, I should say their staff's do.)
What is the significance of what did the dog do while injured? The better question would be how much did it cost for the dog to be out of service? (If the amount is first thought to be significant.)
Our legislators need to grow up. Quit listening to their petty, infantile, overpaid staff and start acting like mature stewards of the peoples' money.
iamretired: There is ample arrogance on both sides of the isle. Simply put, the Aristocracy in this country is out of control. With any luck at all, November will be a reality check to all of them.
Gibbons is the worst governor, Nevada has ever had. This is pure republican arrogance, remember this when you vote, vote for Rory Reid! The republicans think that can do whatever they want! No doubt Gibbons ordered or had someone order to not cooperate! I am surprised he wasn't busy texting some bimbo, instead of creating more chaos!
Way to go, Gov! That bunch of ding dong legi-clowns don't really want the info. They already plan on massive tax increases next session. Time is on your side.
Somebody (or more than one body) is/are definately hiding SOMETHING here. All I can say is I am Damn glad that Gibbons is on his way out......I am personally sick of seeing his idiotic face.
@Inebriated,
And if it was Legislature asking for the information, that statute might have some relevance. But it wasn't. It was a committee that was operating outside the appointed time for the Legislature to be in session. Thus, no authority. They can ask, sure. But they can't compel.
ELIZABETH, ARE YOU DATING THE GOVERNOR? THIS CLOWN HAS BEEN WRONG SINCE THE FIRST DAY HE WAS SWORN INTO OFFICE! YOU GO AHEAD AND BACK THE UNDERDOG. WOODHOUSE BEGAN THE MEETING BY CITING THE STATE LAW THAT GIVE THE LEGISLATURE THE AUTHORITY...