Former Nevada Lt. Governor Comments on 2015 Legislative Session Beginning February 2nd

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

 

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"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.

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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.