Nevada
Without any discussion, the Assembly voted 36-6 at 11:47 p.m. Sunday to collect $620 million in additional taxes over the next two years by extending four taxes that otherwise would have expired June 30.
Nevada mining companies will have fewer tax deductions and more government oversight under a bill that moved Sunday in the Legislature. Senate Bill 493 was one of two controversial mining-related measures that Democrats pushed to rein in what they perceive to be an industry that pays too few taxes.
The five budget bills that fund state government and education for the next two years received final approval Sunday in the Legislature and will be forwarded to Gov. Brian Sandoval to be signed into law.
With the Assembly’s passage Saturday of a $2.2 billion two-year public education spending bill, Clark County schools might avoid laying off teachers or increasing class sizes, a top administrator said.
The Senate on a 15-6 vote Saturday approved the first three of five budget bills needed to fund state government over the next two years.
To avoid losing some tax deductions, the mining industry worked Saturday to negotiate a deal with lawmakers to make a one-time $24 million payment to the state.
Drivers in Nevada would no longer be allowed to text or talk on hand-held cellphones under a bill sent Saturday to Republican Gov. Brian Sandoval.
Some local small-business owners are set to receive a tax break under a budget proposal before the state Legislature. The spending bill calls for the elimination of Nevada’s modified business tax for companies making $250,000 a year or less.
The Impact Nevada TV program for this weekend examines the past week — and upcoming final days — in the 2011 Legislature session. (5:30 p.m., Ch. 8).
A pair of last minute bills that could divert tax money to privately run sports stadiums had a rough landing in the Nevada Legislature.
Depending on your viewpoint, the 10 or so Republicans who this weekend will vote against reauthorizing the $620 million in taxes that are part of Gov. Brian Sandoval’s budget plan are either heroes or villains.