State Senate Republicans dig in against tax increases

Nevada’s 10 Republican state senators once again pledged to support Gov. Brian Sandoval’s proposal to balance the general fund budget without raising taxes, this time with their signatures.

A letter sent Wednesday to Sandoval and signed by all 10 Republican senators, including previously wavering Sen. Dean Rhoads, R-Tuscarora, promises, “unwavering support for your plan to balance the budget while fighting job-killing taxes.”

The letter is significant in that it shows for the time being Democrats have no path in the Legislature to achieve the two-thirds support they would need to either override Sandoval’s budget in favor of their own plan or add taxes to increase spending on education or social services.

Democrats’ hold a legislative advantage of 11-10 in the Senate and 26-16 in the Assembly, meaning they would need unanimity in their own party plus three Republicans from the Senate and two in the Assembly to increase any taxes or override a gubernatorial veto.

"We must stand strong and stand together on our core beliefs," the Republicans wrote, adding, "We appreciate your honesty, sincerity and leadership and we stand ready and committed to working with you through the difficult challenges ahead."

The strengthening unity of Senate Republicans in opposing tax increases is frustrating to Democrats who say Sandoval’s proposed budget that limits general fund spending to about $5.8 billion from 2011-13 is unacceptable.

Sandoval’s spending proposal is about 6.4 percent lower than 2009-11 levels and critics say cuts revenue for education and social services to unacceptable levels.

“How much louder can you say ‘no’,” said Sen. Sheila Leslie, D-Reno. “I don’t find that very helpful. Just repeating ‘no’ doesn’t get us any closer to a solution.”

Sandoval responded to Senate Republicans' letter: "Governor Sandoval appreciates the show of solidarity and pledges to continue to support Senate Republicans in their endeavors. Just as we are standing together on taxes, we will work together on education reform, job creation and government reform efforts."