Guinn reacts to Gibbons' jab at proposed tax hike

Republican Gov. Kenny Guinn, quick to challenge legislative criticism of his $1 billion Nevada tax plan, avoided any public grumbling Friday about U.S. Rep. Jim Gibbons' jabs at the proposal.

Gibbons, also a Republican, said Thursday that Guinn had "not yet made his case" that new and increased taxes are needed. In a speech to lawmakers, he also said government should "discipline" its spending before seeking more taxes from citizens.

Asked whether Gibbons, a former state legislator just elected to his fourth term in Congress, was out of line, Guinn spokesman Greg Bortolin said, "I'm not going there."

"The governor feels that, of course, we haven't made our case because there hasn't even been a bill draft (of the tax plan) submitted yet," Bortolin added.

"This is the third week of the session and it's a 120-day session," he said. "And during the course of the entire session the governor will make his case."

Bortolin also said Guinn has clearly shown there's a looming $704 million revenue shortfall, and now it's up to lawmakers to decide on a solution.

Guinn was critical of Assemblyman Bob Beers, R-Las Vegas, an early critic of the governor's tax plan. But Bortolin said Beers differed from Gibbons in contending Nevada's need for more revenue hadn't been proven.

"Some legislators are questioning our data and whether there is a need, and I think that's where the governor draws the line," he added.

Bortolin also said Guinn agrees with Gibbons on the need for fiscal responsibility and limited government "and he has demonstrated that during the last four years with budget cuts and position freezes."

"This state has not had a tax increase since 1991," Bortolin said, adding that the governor came up with his tax proposal "after he had exhausted every other option."

Bortolin also said Gibbons was the author of a requirement for a two-thirds majority vote on any tax hike approved by lawmakers, "and the congressman's bill will assure that any tax that is passed will pass the muster that he was talking about last night."

Gibbons mentioned the two-thirds vote requirement, saying he was happy to have placed the "hurdle" before the 2003 Legislature.

"It's going to force the government to do what it wouldn't otherwise do," Gibbons said. "Prioritize its spending, cut where it can, and then after it has reached the conclusion of no other alternative, ask for the taxpayers to help."