On Monday night Gov. Kenny Guinn will deliver his State of the State address. It promises to be a somber event at the Legislative Building in Carson City in light of all the disquieting news. Nevada's economy, much like the rest of the nation, still is in the doldrums. Nevada state government is projected to face a $704 million shortfall in its budget that, on a percentage basis, is the second largest in the nation. And at a time when there is little money to go around, the state's population keeps increasing, placing an even greater strain on state government to meet even the most basic of obligations. For instance, of the $704 million deficit, more than 58 percent is due to the costs of enrollment increases in public schools and the university system.
The governor has acknowledged that taxes will have to be raised because state government can't bear any more dramatic cuts. And while he won't spell out exactly until Monday what tax increases he will propose, he has been supportive of broadening the state's tax base so that nongaming businesses will contribute more than they do now. Guinn is a Republican, so that will blunt some of the vitriolic tax-and-spend attacks that typically would be made against a Democratic governor wanting to raise taxes. But Guinn hardly has it easy. It takes a two-thirds vote in each house of the Legislature to raise taxes, and a chorus of Republicans -- especially in the Assembly -- are in no mood to raise taxes.
Guinn will have to make a persuasive case in his State of the State address -- both for the need for new revenues and why broadening the tax base is essential for long-term stability. But one speech alone will not be enough -- no matter how well it's executed. The governor, in the coming days, weeks and months, will have to use his bully pulpit effectively in continually making the case. While much of the onus rests on Guinn, the state lawmakers, too, must step up and act responsibly. Some lawmakers, hoping to derail new taxes, will do so with an eye for political advantage in the next election. That kind of political gamesmanship can't be tolerated, however. The people of this state have a responsibility, too. They will have to let their assemblymen and senators know that our state can no longer be an embarrassment, lingering at the bottom of the nation's states in how much we provide for education and other important government services. Band-Aids no longer will do; Nevada's! leaders have to be bold in fashioning a long-term commitment to funding education and social services to pay for a government that the people deserve.
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