Some Nevada lawmakers wary of rebate

As politically popular as a tax refund may be, Nevada lawmakers have mixed views on Gov. Kenny Guinn's proposed vehicle registration rebate.

Several members of legislative money committees say they're more concerned with meeting growing demands on state government - such as education, health care and mental health services - than automatically throwing their support behind the $300 million rebate.

"After what we went through last session, I'll reserve judgment until I see his (entire) proposal," Assemblyman John Marvel, R-Battle Mountain, said. "That money might be better spent elsewhere."

Two years ago, the Legislature passed a record $833 million tax increase in response to a budget shortfall and demands that outpaced state resources. Marvel, on the Assembly's Ways and Means Committee, cast the deciding vote to end a bitter legislative standoff over the new taxes.

But this year, the Legislature is faced with a $312 million revenue surplus, fueled mostly by stronger-than-expected sales taxes and a booming real estate market.

The surplus has prompted Guinn to propose refunding the state's vehicle owners their 2004 registration fees, saying it's the fairest way to give money back to taxpayers.

Assemblywoman Sheila Leslie, D-Reno, also on Ways and Means, said she hasn't heard much support among her constituents.

"So far, in my district, people aren't thrilled with the idea," she said. "I've had many more constituents call me and say they would rather reinvest the money in education or health care.

Guinn spokesman Greg Bortolin said the governor has addressed education and other needs, as well as the rebate. Guinn plans to present his budget priorities in the State of the State address Jan. 24.

The idea enjoys strong support among some lawmakers, notably state Sen. Bob Beers, R-Las Vegas, who has a similar proposal.

"It doesn't matter whose idea it was, what matters is what's good for the people of the state," said Beers, a leader in the fight against the 2003 tax increase.

Assembly Speaker Richard Perkins, D-Henderson, also supports the measure.

"Our first responsibility is to take care of education needs, our kids and seniors," he said. "But certainly with such a huge surplus, some of that money should be returned to the citizens."