Legislators decide to extend warranties on computers

CARSON CITY -- Assemblywoman Francis Allen convinced members of a legislative subcommittee Wednesday that it made better sense financially to extend the warranties on their computers rather than to buy new $1,500 laptops.

"I'm a warranty gal," said Allen, R-Las Vegas, who spent 12 hours in jail over the weekend on charges she stabbed her husband with a steak knife. "I always do extended warranties."

No lawmakers at the meeting commented on her arrest.

Allen, speaking from Las Vegas via teleconference, suggested legislators spend slightly more than $16,000 to extend the warranties for another two years on their 63 laptop computers.

Most have 4-year-old 15-inch or 17-inch IBM or Dell computers. A few have newer Sony models.

With the warranties, legislators can have their computers fixed or replaced when needed, rather than spending money on new computers at a time when state government budgets are being cut by nearly $1 billion because of the economic slowdown.

Members of the Legislature's Information Technology Subcommittee acknowledged that buying computers now would be a political liability.

"We don't have money to buy new ones," said Sen. Bob Coffin, D-Las Vegas. "In the face of the shortfall, we would be embarrassed if we did."

Added Assemblyman Mo Denis, D-Las Vegas, "It would be difficult to justify new laptops in the climate we are in."

Legislators also have 10 spare computers that they could be assigned if their laptops broke.

During the brief subcommittee meeting, Coffin found models of the laptops being used by many legislators were selling for $342 each on eBay.

Denis, a smile on his face, noted that last year he stood in line early at a store and was able to buy a laptop for a little more than $100.

Contact Capital Bureau Chief Ed Vogel at evogel@reviewjournal.com or 775-687-3901.