Democrats’ control means change will be harder in Nevada

Tackling the costs of public employee pensions, salaries and benefits will be even harder in Nevada because -- unlike in Ohio or Wisconsin -- Democrats control both houses of the Legislature.

For instance, last fall a board that oversees the health plan for state employees took some modest cost-saving steps concerning benefits and out-of-pocket costs for active workers, retirees and dependents.

But on Wednesday, Democrats on both the Assembly Ways and Means and Senate Finance committees raised concerns that those changes "would be particularly harsh to lower wage earners," The Associated Press reported.

Whether lawmakers mount a push to overturn the reforms remains to be seen. But make no mistake: Even the slightest change to the status quo will bring thundering opposition from the government unions. Who in Carson City will have the courage to stand up to the wrath?

We'll find out soon enough.