State Employee News Updates – May 10 through the 16th

It is wait and see time right now. Budgets are are almost closed but the “back room deals” are progressing out of public view.  Contrary to what some news outlets say in Las Vegas, this is typical for every session.  Deals are also made in Carson City restaurants and at private gatherings in the area. I am not saying it is right but it is “the process” and has been working this way for many decades.

They should know better than to imply the Democrats are doing something wrong. When Republicans were in control, they did the same thing. I guess their reporters (and editors) don’t have any real world experience with the Legislature, maybe they should get some before writing articles “about the process”. BTW: These same people criticize state employees for their ‘lavish salaries” and support every effort to reduce state employee salaries and benefits.

Expect a lot of rhetoric after a higher education funding plan is approved. New taxes and a promised veto will drive this.

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Here are some updates relating to state employee benefits and salaries:

    Ed Vogel, LV Rev Jr.: “Lawmakers’ plan would increase four taxes” – May 16, 2009   

    David McGrath Schwartz: “Tax plan still being hashed out” – May 16, 2009 

    Cy Ryan: “Committees resolve budget differences ahead of tax discussion” – May 16, 2009    

    Anjeanette Damon, Reno Gaz Jr.: “More details come to light on lawmakers’ tax plan” – May 16, 2009    

    Jon Ralston, LV Sun: “E-ticket to doom and gloom” – May 15, 2009

    Geoff Dronam, NV Appeal: “Proposed business tax rolled out” – May 15, 2009

    Las Vegas Gleaner: “Why Us?” – May 14, 2009    

    KLAS-TV: “Governor Gibbons Speaks Out Against Tax Increases” – May 14, 2009

    Molly Ball, LV Rev Jr.: “Legislative panel begins long-awaited tax hike hearing” – May 14, 2009

    Anjeanette Damon, Reno Gaz Jr: ” So… about that tax agreement” – May 14, 2009   

   Richard Lake, LV rev Jr.: “UNLV community breathes a sigh of relief ” – May 14, 2009

    Anjeanette Damon, Reno Gaz Jr: “Deal on tax package nearly brokered“ – May 14, 2009

   Molly Ball, LV Rev Jr.: “BUDGET NEGOTIATIONS: With spending plan set, lawmakers address question of how to pay to it” – May 14, 2009

   J. Patrick Coolican and Emily Richmond, LV Sun: “Think tank’s Freedom Budget balances budget with deep cuts in education” – May 14, 2009

   David McGrath Schwartz, LV Sun: “Buckley pitches new tax plan to bridge revenue gap” – May 14, 2009   

    Editorial, LV Rev Jr.: “Cuts? What cuts? Despite squawking, state budget will continue to grow” – May 14, 2009    

    Molly Ball, LV Rev Jr: “Conservative group set to air anti-tax radio ad” – May 14, 2009“  - May 14, 2009

    Guy Clifton, Reno Gaz Jr.: “State budget: Long-standing programs, services might fade away” – May 13, 2009

    Reno Gaz Jr.: “Gibbons calls on Nevada Legislature to be more open in discussing tax hikes“- May 13, 2009

    LV Gleaner: “Fainthearted opposition may pass up opportunity to weaken tinpot regime” – May 13, 2009    

    Jon Ralston, LV Sun: “If Legislature weren’t in such a fix” – May 13, 2009  

    J. Patrick Coolican and David McGrath Schwartz, LV Sun:“Party in power’s tension heating up” – May 13, 2009

    Geoff Dornan, NV Appeal: “$330 million restored to university budgets” – May 13, 2009

    Anjeanette Damon, Reno Gaz Jr.: “Nevada lawmakers reduce higher education cuts to 12.5 percent” – May 13, 2009

    David McGrath Schwartz, LV Sun: “As budget clock ticks, easy part still isn’t done” – May 12, 2009

    Anjeanette Damon, Reno Gaz Jr.: “Deal brokered on higher education funding” – May 12, 2009  

    Geoff Dornan, NV Appeal: “Senate majority leader Horsford holding up university budget ” - May 12, 2009  

    LV Rev Jr. Editorial: “Lawmakers making deals in shadows” – May 12, 2009

    Anjeanette Damon, Reno Gaz Jr.:Buckley: Assembly Democrats and Senate Republicans agree on higher ed; Horsford doesn’t – May 12, 2009    

    Molly Ball, LV Rev Jr.: “GOP’s Raggio holds the key to tax increase” – May 11, 2009  

    Anjeanette Damon, Reno Gaz Jr.:  ”Core group meeting melts down again” – May 11, 2009

   Cathy Bussewitz, AP Writer, SF Gate: “Lawmakers try to wrap up higher education budget” – May 11, 2009

    Ed Vogel, LV Rev Jr.: “BALANCING ACTS: Nevada is not alone — budget shortfalls force cuts, take hikes in all but     three states” – May 11, 2009

    Jon Ralston, LV Sun: “Finally, after more than three months, the tax discussion …   ” – May 11, 2009

    Ashley Powers: “Prison laborers boost Nev. town” – May 10, 2009

    Jon Ralston: “Listening in on a super-secret discussion on taxes” – May 10, 2009    

    Frank Geary, LV Rev Jr.: “SALARIES QUESTIONED: Pay for government workers in Nevada are straining budgets” – May 10, 2009

    Glenn Cook: “Budget deal looks like suicide pact” – May 10, 2009