Nevada
CARSON CITY — Emotional Democrats all but surrendered hope for new taxes Tuesday as they dramatically slashed their state spending wish list.
The endgame is near in the Nevada Legislature. With two weeks to go before the 2011 session adjourns, most of the action will be taking place in behind-the-scenes huddles as lawmakers try to strike deals to bring the session to a close.
With Nevada educators and some lawmakers seeking new revenue to fund public education, Democratic legislators have proposed a new 1 percent tax on a wide range of services, from hair salons to plumbing repairs, landscaping and diaper services. And, possibly, even brothels.
CARSON CITY — A Senate committee on Friday passed a bill clarifying what mining companies are allowed to deduct from net proceeds taxes and offered amendments on another bill to clarify how the proposed margin tax on businesses would be calculated for the mining and casino industries.