Sunday, July 13, 2003
Copyright © Las Vegas Review-Journal

EDITORIAL: Message to Democrats: Don't overreach

Legislative Democrats had best tread lightly in the wake of last week's daft state Supreme Court decision on taxes (see above). Judging by the response we've received (a portion of which appears on the opposite page), voters are in no mood to tolerate those who embrace the notion that constitutional limitations may be suspended when deemed inconvenient.

And as Review-Journal poll results reveal, big spenders demanding the imposition of huge new levies on the local supermarket or financial institution -- while passing over the gaming industry and developers -- march well outside the mainstream of Nevada political opinion.

Any effort by Assembly Majority Leader Richard Perkins to overreach now that the court has ruled the Legislature may ignore the supermajority requirement for tax increases will certainly have political ramifications. Even Mr. Perkins acknowledged such: " Are there people doing back flips in support of (higher taxes)?" he said. "No. It's just a matter of counting votes. There's no perfect tax."

In the meantime, who could blame Assembly Republicans if they stood up and walked out of the legislative halls rather than be a party to this charade? They must remain resolute, and force the pro-tax forces to impose their plan in violation of the supermajority requirement.

And keep in mind, the Supreme Court justices did not rule the Gibbons Tax Restraint provisions are unconstitutional. The state constitution, therefore, still demands that any new taxes be approved by a two-thirds legislative majority. If any new taxes are imposed by a simple majority, they are unconstitutional. Those subject to paying them should and must contest the legality of such assessments.