May 16, 2003

Nevada's tax problem was readily apparent in the early 1980's. Though some changes were made such as shifting the tax burden from property taxes to sales and gaming , the problem was never solved. It was ignored.

Repeated cuts to state programs and agency budgets would be a "wake-up" call for most people. Not for our legislators.

At each session in the past twenty plus years, the legislature had the opportunity and duty to be fiscally responsible but it was not. Politics and platitudes got in the way. Repeatedly saying, "No more taxes." and "Trim the fat."  never solves revenue problems.

Every legislator, present and past, no matter what political party, deserves the blame. They have added programs without thinking of the long-term consequences.  After all this time, there is no excuse for being unprepared to deal with and solve the tax crisis this session.

We need common sense and sincere effort from our legislators but they are unwilling to provide that.

Even now, with less than three weeks to the end of the session they are still pondering, ciphering, spewing platitudes and adding programs. They have recently proposed a budget bigger than the governor's with no money to pay for it!

Normally, a predicament like this would generate a sense of duty and responsibility. Not for our legislators.

"Trimming the fat" should start at the legislature. We must reduce their benefits, cut back their programs such as softball games, out source their security and secretarial needs and most importantly, lay them all off ..... permanently.