In Nevada a Senate committee is keeping alive some bills that will raise the tax dollars for the state. On Thursday the Senate Revenue Committee exempted several measures from a ‘vote or die’ deadline on Friday.
Out of the proposals due for extended consideration some that stand out are a resolution to cap mining taxes and a bill that sends a portion of tax revenue to state coffers from the Clark and Washoe counties.
It was felt by the legislators that they needed extra time to consider these measures. These involve a lot of money that could prompt layoffs in county governments and these say that they are already operating with low manpower. In particular the counties of Clark and Washoe would bring the state over $644 million that is direly required by the county governments.
Clark County Commissioner Susan Brager said to the legislators that they recognized that the legislators were in a very difficult position, but they asked that the legislators recognize that they were in a very difficult position as well. City and county employees are already taking pay cuts and basic services could become even more understaffed.
The lawmakers are still considering a change from the 5% capped mining taxes for the state of Nevada as well. The tax rates have been in effect since 1864 and now the state would like to also cut into a piece of the action with the booming mining industry. However changing the rules would need the approval of the measure in two consecutive sessions.