Meanwhile …

Nevada's legislative Democrats announced last week they'll form their own panel to study state spending.

Senate Majority Leader Steven Horsford, D-Las Vegas, said the committee will examine agency budgets to better prepare lawmakers for the 2011 session.

Of course, this will be about the third or fourth or fifth -- pick a number -- "panel" that has looked at state spending over the past two decades.

Meanwhile, last week the Legislature's Interim Finance Committee approved a "wellness program" to encourage healthy behavior among state workers. The $3.2 million cost will be paid for out of the Public Employees Benefits Program, financed by taxpayers.

Let's hope Mr. Horsford's new panel can come up with a good place to start.