Tyrus W. Cobb: So where's the alternative budget plan?

The state is facing a difficult financial crisis, with a deficit that may approach $3 billion. Gov. Brian Sandoval has forwarded an austerity budget that reflects the revenue estimates provided by the Economic Forum, about $5.4 billion over the next biennium. He has committed not to raise taxes or fees; thus, his budget calls for significant reductions in the proposed spending levels submitted by the state agencies.

The Democrat-dominated Legislature is debating Sandoval's proposed budget, with a focus to date largely on holding hearings that allow the agencies to proclaim how badly they will be hurt by the fiscal limitations. K-12 education claims that our miserable graduation rates and test scores will only get worse; Higher Ed cries that it will have to raise tuition, possibly close colleges, and eliminate popular courses; Health and Human Services laments that the cuts will mean drastic reductions of services for the poor, the disabled, the elderly and the indigent. All are right.

Senate Majority Leader Steven Horsford and Assembly Speaker John Oceguera have led a chorus of protests that find fertile ground in the media. They have railed against the severity of the governor's reductions and proclaimed that they will offer an alternative that saves education and protects the most vulnerable. They have hinted that the counter-proposal will be a 50-50 mix of reductions and "new revenues."

Having such an alternative budget would be most welcome. It would permit the citizens of the state to debate the relative value of spending reductions against new taxes. Arguments can be made for both, and we need to hear and evaluate them.

Alas, we might ask, where is the counter-budget that might enlighten such a discussion? To date, nowhere to be seen. And there is no reason for that. While the opponents of the governor's proposals say they must seriously evaluate the executive branch's budget before responding, in fact there is little reason for a delay. The tactic preferred in the past and likely to be repeated here is to procrastinate until the last minute, while holding ever more hearings and firing off plaintive cries. Unfortunately we likely will not get an alternative budget until a few hours before the Legislature is slated to adjourn.

That is an abdication of responsibility. We have had no shortage of tax studies over the years suggesting alternative revenue sources. We have had extensive debates in past Legislative sessions regarding the pros and cons of various revenue alternatives. The leadership on both sides of the aisle is well versed in budget intricacies, spending variables and suggested new taxes. All we ask is for those slamming Sandoval's proposals to come forward with their own specific reductions and tax plan so that the citizens can conduct an informed debate.

I call upon the Democratic leadership in the Legislature, and the pundits in the media who lambast Sandoval's austerity budget, to produce their own counter-proposal. And to do it in a timely manner, not in the last hours of the Legislative session.

• Dr. Tyrus W. Cobb of Reno served as director of Soviet and European Affairs and as special assistant to President Reagan.