Taxpayer workout: Money is tight in Carson City — or is it?

Every precious penny will matter during the 2011 Legislature. That’s the assurance Nevada taxpayers have received from legislative leaders who, in making the case for tax increases, argue that budget frills are long gone and a bare-bones government will be dismembered by further spending cuts.

But cries of a full-fledged budget crisis ring hollow when lawmakers can afford to splurge on exercise equipment and office remodeling — while spurning calls for the creation of a spending-reduction committee.

Assembly Speaker John Oceguera, who strongly advocates increasing state revenues, spent more than $60,000 in taxpayer money to open a workout room in the Legislative Building and add a conference room to his office.

The Las Vegas Democrat justified the expenditures because lawmakers saved $550,000 by not printing bill drafts on paper. That move eliminated 27 temporary positions and freed up the office space those workers used.

But the whole point of identifying efficiencies and making corresponding cuts is to save money, not find new ways to spend it. Nevada households that have suffered financial hardship aren’t treating themselves to new gym memberships as a reward for canceling cable TV. Not when they can take a jog around the block or do push-ups on their own.

“In the past we’ve had issues with people and health issues,” Mr. Oceguera said. “We thought it was a worthwhile expense to keep our people healthy.”

Fine. But for less than $6,700, Mr. Oceguera could have purchased year-long memberships for all 42 Assembly members at the new Fitness for $10 health club in downtown Carson City. The 20,000-square-foot facility has “a huge selection of selectorized machines, tons of free weights and so much cardio equipment that you will never have to wait in line.” It even opens at 4 a.m.!

As for Mr. Oceguera’s office improvements, was it really necessary for him to spend another $30,000 creating a private space within a private space?

These expenditures, first reported by Nevada conservative activist Chuck Muth, fly in the face of claims that the state has no fat left to cut. And they look silly considering Mr. Oceguera and Senate Majority Leader Steven Horsford, D-Las Vegas, have failed to create a joint legislative committee to identify budget reductions that both parties agree will have to be made.

We need our leaders to exercise wise spending priorities — not exercise on our dime. Because every precious penny will matter. Won’t it?