Politics and Government

CARSON CITY — Amid concern that legal action could put state spending in the red again, Gov. Jim Gibbons today signed the bill that reduces spending by state agencies, raises fees and makes other changes to cover a revenue shortfall of more than $800 million.

CARSON CITY — Gov. Jim Gibbons said Tuesday that he already has begun talking with legislative leaders about potential cuts that might be necessary because of declining tax revenue and could require action in a special legislative session.

CARSON CITY — A disgusted county lobbyist said Monday that the University Medical Center will go another $40 million in the red and smaller counties like Lincoln could go bankrupt because of the Legislature’s decision taking $50 million that rightfully belongs to counties and hospitals.

CARSON CITY — After hours of closed-door meetings, frustrated legislators called it a night Monday, having failed to reach accord on the higher education budget.

CARSON CITY — A bill to let voters decide whether to legalize a state lottery appears to be dead after the chairman of the Senate committee in control of the bill said members do not want to conduct a hearing on it.

CARSON CITY — Nevada lawmakers start the 11th week of their 2009 session on Monday by reviewing a plan that could hold down state costs by keeping some probation violators from serving more prison time.

There’s a $3 billion hole in the Nevada budget. Or is it $2.2 billion?

CARSON CITY — Republican Gov. Jim Gibbons’ announcement that he’ll let a hotel room tax increase take effect without his signature has prompted state Senate leaders to accuse him of misleading them and being a political coward.