Progressive group petitioning for new tax structure

ProgressNow Nevada, a newly formed online liberal advocacy group, is asking its members to voice their support for an overhaul of Nevada's tax structure.

The group sent out an e-mail this morning headlined, "Tell lawmakers to fix the tax system!!" The letter slams Republicans for first opposing the federal stimulus bill, then complaining that Nevada isn't benefiting enough.

But the $1.5 billion that's coming to the state must not obscure the need for a better revenue system for Nevada state government, the letter argues.

"Nevada's tax structure is broken. Growth has never paid for growth. And there is no quick fix of federal money that will solve this problem," it says. "Tell lawmakers that you want Nevada to be on the cutting edge of the economic rebound. Tell them you don't want to forever play catch up in good times and face destroying cuts in crises like these."

Supporters are asked to fill out an e-mail form to sign the petition electronically. Copies will then be printed out and delivered to the Legislature.

ProgressNow was started a few weeks ago by former Review-Journal columnist Erin Neff. It's a local branch of a network that has other state organizations.