On February 2, 2015,
the Nevada legislature will convene for a 120 day
period.
We at Anthem Opinions are proud to present this
commentary by a woman who I have known and respected for years...the former
Nevada Lt. Governor from 1999 to 2007.
Dick
Arendt
___________________________
"A New
Legislative Session Begins"
Lorraine Hunt
Bono
Former Nevada Lt.
Governor
The New Year has begun and soon the 2015 Nevada State Legislature
will convene for 120 days to discuss and debate issues that can affect the lives
of our citizens and our businesses for years to come.
As small business in Nevada represents 98% of
all Nevada businesses, it will be the mom and pops, young entrepreneurs,
and the working middle class they employ who will be most affected by the
actions of the Legislature.
Large corporations and big businesses have lobbyist and
infrastructure in place to influence and react to new laws and new taxes
determined by the 63 elected members of the Legislative body (21 State Senators
and 42 State Assembly members.)
Small businesses frequently are the "babies that get thrown out
with the bath water." They have little major influence in the state capital and
yet they employ and create the majority of jobs in Nevada.
With those facts in mind, it would be reasonable to assume that
successful small businesses are a key component of economic
prosperity in a state.
It would be wise for our members and newly elected members of the
legislature to prioritize the numerous requests that will be presented to them
giving serious consideration to Nevada's 98% of the job creators - small
businesses.
Two issues come to mind this session that could have serious
consequences on small businesses.
They are the discussion of raising the cap of
8% on commercial property tax and increasing the
Modified Business Tax.
Commercial Property Tax
Most small businesses lease space in small and medium commercial
centers around the state.
From Elko to Ely, Pahrump to Winimucca, Reno to Las Vegas "for
lease" signs are in abundance.
The property taxes and property tax increase are paid in most cases
by the small business tenants further increasing their cost of doing business
and staying in business.
The Modified Business Tax
The modified business tax is a payroll tax.
It is a head tax based on how many people are employed by a
business.
It does not take into consideration whether or
not a business is profitable.
It is a tax penalty paid by employers to hire people and create
jobs.
Labor intensive businesses like restaurants, landscapers, dry
cleaners, florists, day care centers and others need more employees to operate.
Many other businesses have sales that are as high or higher yet
require fewer employees lowing their payroll costs and raising their
profits.
The examples stated are just two that could seriously hurt Nevada's
small businesses. They need to be considered by responsible
legislators.
I believe our legislators are elected to pursue the visions and
ideals of Nevada's citizens.
Having lived in Nevada for decades, I would like to share with you
some basic concepts of Nevada's philosophy that has created the pioneering,
entrepreneurial spirit that has made this state great.
As many new people move to Nevada, I have observed the political
environment changing from that which drew my family here years ago when my
mother and father moved us from Niagara Falls, New York to Las Vegas to pursue
our American dream.
I would like present highlights of
"Nevada's Statewide Strategic Plan" written a few decades ago that has been a blueprint for
Nevada's success; success that has been globally envied and emulated.
I feel compelled to remind long time Nevadan's and most
importantly, new residents what has positioned Nevada in the global spotlight as
a Mecca of entrepreneurial opportunities.
The Following are excerpts referenced from
the "Nevada Statewide Strategic
Plan"
VISION
We envision a Nevada that honors and defends fundamental principles
of trust, honesty and hard work; a Nevada where all citizens are made welcome
and have the opportunity for a quality education and stable, rewarding
employment; a Nevada whose people are secure in their health, their homes and
their property; and a prosperous Nevada where families and individuals find work
meaningful, recreation plentiful, and the wonders of our natural environment
preserved.
We envision a Nevada whose government is steadfast in its values
and accountable to its people; whose citizens proudly share a common identity,
sense of community and civic mindedness.
MISSION
To enable all Nevadan's to exercise their individual rights, enjoy
equality of opportunity and accept responsibility for themselves and their
families; to preserve Nevada's cultural, historic, and environmental resources
and economic prosperity for future generations; to provide other essential
government services both efficiently and cost-effectively; and to keep
governmental intrusion in our citizens' personal lives to a
minimum.
PHILOSOPHY
Government cannot solve every problem or meet every need, so state
government should focus on its priorities and do them well.
To that end, we will be responsive to the public; prudent with its
money protective of its interest.
We will be cooperative, forthright, and
dedicated.
We will use innovation and creativity to provide the highest level
of service possible within our limited resources.
We will exhibit an abiding commitment to Nevada and the future of
its people and we will be honest and ethical in all our dealings with others.
Finally, we will promote and defend time-honored principles of
individual responsibility, common civility and compassion for
others.
GOALS
Increase the percentage of Nevadans who have access to health care
and who have health insurance.
Improve pupil achievement in elementary and secondary schools, and
increase the number of students going on to higher education in Nevada.
Protect the state's interest and competitive advantage in gaming
and tourist-related industries, and increase the share of non-gaming business in
Nevada.
Provide a tax structure that is equitable, stable, and keeps taxes
and fees to a minimum.
Foster the delivery of government services at the level closest to
the people.
Eliminate duplication of services and effort among state agencies,
while providing an environment where state agencies and employees operate more
efficiently.
Maintain lean but appropriate state staffing levels, and provide
state employees with a good working environment and a competitive wage.
Maximize the use of the Internet and other technologies to make
government more accessible and more economical.
____________
The principles espoused in The Nevada Statewide Strategic Plan
remain valid today.
They reflect the pioneer entrepreneurial spirit that allowed our
unprecedented growth to occur.
Can we improve on the plan?
Of course we can.
However, to fundamentally change it would be a disastrous mistake
for our state and for future generations.
The Honorable Lorraine T.
Hunt-Bono is a 50-year resident of Nevada. She is a prominent businesswoman,
Commissioner on the Nevada Commission on Tourism, a former Lieutenant Governor
and President of the Nevada State Senate and chair of The Nevada Business
Roundtable.
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