Sandoval signs order to spur business in Nevada

CARSON CITY -- Moments after being sworn into office Monday, Gov. Brian Sandoval signed an executive order that he said will help show prospective businesses that Nevada is a business-friendly state.

"The key is getting people back to work," said Sandoval as he signed an order suspending any new executive branch regulations until 2012.

Sandoval said he wants to show business owners considering Nevada that the state will not impose any additional regulations or costs that would dissuade them from moving here.

"The worse thing that could happen is raising taxes in our state," he said.

In the meantime, he wants state agencies to review regulations and rescind those that harm businesses.

His order will not affect new regulations needed to protect the health and safety of Nevadans.

While reporters crowded around him, Sandoval also said the next state budget will be based on the $5.33 billion in tax revenue projections made by the Economic Forum and nothing more. The forum of five business leaders, by law, determines how much money the state will have available to spend in each two-year budget cycle.

"The state has only so much money to spend," he added.

In addition, Sandoval signed an executive order that prohibits any state official from accepting gifts or compensation from any companies doing business with the state.

The order covers not only state employees, but Sandoval, his staff and members of his Cabinet. Food may be accepted, but only if it is part of a meal.

The father of three school-age children, Sandoval also issued a proclamation calling on parents to dedicate at least 30 minutes every evening reading with their children in their homes.

Sandoval said this unbinding proclamation is part of his effort to improve education and ensure all children read at grade level.

He said he and his family -- which includes 6-year-old daughter Marissa -- moved into the Governor's Mansion on Sunday night.

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