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Opinion
Nov. 06, 2007
Copyright © Las Vegas Review-Journal

How much money is enough for state?

By BOB BEERS
SPECIAL TO THE REVIEW-JOURNAL

One year ago today, Nevada's voters elected a new chief executive to lead our state.

As somebody who participated in that race, I remember it well. Throughout the campaign, voters were subjected to a lot of promises and platitudes, from all sides, on all issues, from all five major candidates. But one candidate won that race, and he won primarily on a single promise, covering a single issue.

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    • Gov. Jim Gibbons pledged to Nevada's voters -- Republicans, Democrats and independents -- that he would not raise our taxes. Ultimately, he earned enough votes to win the campaign.

    Just weeks into office, at the start of the 2007 legislative session, many lawmakers complained about our state's fiscal situation. Never mind that we started this year's legislative session with more than $300 million in surplus revenues, following a 2005 session where we had a surplus of more than $600 million. To some, it wasn't enough. Will it ever be?

    Using data from the National Governor's Association, Americans for Tax Reform published a study earlier this year on which states had raised or lowered taxes the most from 2002 through 2007. Only four states had raised taxes by more than $1,000 per person during this period. Nevada was the second highest, at $1,110.32.

    Still, some say that government simply isn't spending enough, so we must tax people more. In fact, some of the principals at Wednesday's budget meeting in Carson City will advocate the same thing. It's no wonder taxpayers think government is so far out of touch.

    Across America, other state governments are committing the ultimate budget blunder. As governments find themselves unable to stop wanting to spend more than they collect, no matter how much they collect, they are raising taxes on an already over-taxed, over-regulated citizenry. Nevada has benefited tremendously from the bad policies of other state governments. See California. Our economic growth, strength and resiliency hasn't happened by accident. Nevadans are choosing to make their homes here because, unlike other states, we promise low and stable taxes and a more sensible regulatory environment.

    Are we prepared to turn our backs on the very model that has worked so well for so long?

    Some who will attend Wednesday's meeting have argued that the time has come again to raise taxes. As the vice chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, I strongly disagree.

    While it is true that tax revenues are coming in slightly below expectations, it is also true that demand for government services is coming in below expectations. For example, population growth, school head counts and university enrollments are all coming in below expectations as well.

    Today, Nevadans are facing the highest unemployment rate since the months following the terrorist attacks of 9/11. State government spending is already swollen from just five years ago. Home resales are down by a third from just one year ago. We are also entering the holiday season -- a time when economists and investors carefully gauge consumer confidence. With all of the media focusing on Nevada's budget situation, are we prepared to add another financial burden to the dinner-table discussions of Nevada taxpayers by threatening higher taxes?

    As a participant in Wednesday's meeting, I will be well-prepared to argue the contrary.

    The doctor's credo is to do no harm. I would recommend that Nevada's elected officials also adopt this credo as we enter these important budgetary discussions.

    Bob Beers is a Republican state senator representing Las Vegas' District 6.



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    T.M. Andrewnovitz wrote on November 10, 2007 12:43 AM: When it comes to Politics, Bob Beers know what he is talking about.

    We are over taxed, and we need some spending cuts in this state of Nevada.

    Enough is enough! What are the politicians trying to do, Tax us out of existence? Did i say that? :-)

    Bob Beerss trying to help the people of Nevada save their money. The Democrats want every penny that we earn, or close to it.

    Elect a Democrat, watch your taxes go up, and your quality of life go down.
    It has happened before and will happen again.

    Again, "My Openion."


    douglas wrote on November 06, 2007 11:24 PM: the state subsidizes many programs at the county and local level which are being sucked dry by infiltrators. or is there zero aid in any form from state [and federal] agencies to for example, schools ? how many new schools, additional teachers wouldn't be needed if the infiltrators were returned to their legal residences ?

    worse, those infiltrators who do not pay various taxes and licensing fees, remit their "underground" wages to their countries of legal residence.


    willy wrote on November 06, 2007 10:52 PM: Sorry to tell you this Douglas, but a state that relies on sales tax and property tax for most of its revenues comes out far ahead when "infiltrators" are living here. The state which lose out are those with high dependence on income taxes since these people are usually low paid and might not show up on the tax rolls at all. Nevada should come out far ahead since illegals have to pay sales tax and wherever they are living is creating property tax.

    So if you kick the "infiltrators" out you will find an even bigger shortage of tax revenue.


    douglas wrote on November 06, 2007 06:14 PM: if the illegal infiltrators were quickly removed from the health care, educational, judicial, and penal systems, there might be another state budget surplus.

    seems, to me that the "progressives" who support open borders, amnesty for infiltrators, plus freebie health care, education, and resident tuition for these infiltrators should make up that budget deficit. out of their pockets, not those of the honest public.


    Beytovin wrote on November 06, 2007 12:33 PM: Until I can find another one (honest pol.), I have to take this rare opportunity to agree with Mark. Let's just hope that more time in Cartoon Junction doesn't sour him too badly, or worse.


    Mark wrote on November 06, 2007 06:46 AM: Bob Beers is the only decent politician in NV.


    Doug wrote on November 06, 2007 06:43 AM: Carl G and Bob B,to start with ,why does the state need to hire an outside auditor to perform a self evaluation on the role of Government? What will this evaluation accomplish? We don't need to spend money for someone to tell us the spending is out of control.How and what they are spending it spending it on is another issue. We have a bunch of unscrupululous politicians running this state to the beat of the gaming
    industries wants and needs. Mr. Beers,it's a lot to late for you to try to save your and your parties bacon, as the people are tired of the political rhetoric, that will be dealt with at election time.


    x wrote on November 06, 2007 05:00 AM: x


    Kim wrote on November 06, 2007 04:59 AM: WOW!
    Now they want to raise taxes AGAIN!!!
    What ever happenned to the money from the Cop Sales Tax? There's a lot of money floating in that system and we now see that those people are getting pay raises instead of putting where it was supposed to go. The voters were stupid to believe Bill Young in the first place.
    Gibbons although is a deadbeat Governor is right to cut taxes and start laying off these blood suckers of the system.
    The problem is he is picking and choosing who gets cut. It needs to be accross the board if its going to be fair and work to the benefit of the people.


    Carl G wrote on November 06, 2007 04:50 AM: As a Budget Coordinator for the state and a former IRS Agent, I understand all too well the lingo Senator Beers speaks. I propose a self evaluation on the role of Government be conducted by an outside agency before any new taxes are to be considered. There is far too much waiste in this government and its' priorities are out of wack. A freeze on new taxes is in order. Kudoz to Senator Beers, a good steward of our precious resources.