Nevada Senate Majority Leader Steven Horsford’s Statement Regarding State Budget
Source: Senate Majority Leader Steven Horsford
May 4, 2009 - 7:52:52 PM
(Carson City) -- Today, the Nevada Legislature's Joint Committee of Senate Finance and Assembly Ways and Means took the first of many difficult steps they must take in this legislative session to produce a constitutionally mandated balanced budget. The committee voted to recommend a 4% reduction of state support of K-12 and Higher Education , along with mandatory one day a month furloughs for all state employees. By contrast, the Governor's proposal now includes 12% cuts or higher.
"Nevada faces a more than $2 billion budget gap, requiring significant across - the - board cuts and requiring the legislature to raise enough revenue to balance the budget as constitutionally required. Our sole goal in this process will to protect the education system of Nevada at all costs. As we begin to look at what the cuts will look like, it is clear that no one will escape some form of budget cut. Education will face some cuts. State employees will face cuts. Healthcare, transportation and public safety will face cuts. None of this is easy but we have a responsibility to make the tough decisions needed to balance the budget. That is the job we were elected to do.
"Today, we recommended measures that are the equivalent of a 4% cut for school districts and Higher Education. We also recommended a cut for state employees to come in the form of a one unpaid day per month furlough to be taken throughout the year. In an effort to provide retirement security for those state workers who provide critical services to the constituents of Nevada, the State will maintain the contribution to PERS. In addition, we will add a provision that should the economy improve, State employee salaries will be restored. As for the school districts’ cuts, elected local school boards will decide how best to make cuts in a manner that least affects classrooms. They will know best how to do make this possible.
"This is the first of many options that are on the table as we move forward in responsibly balancing the budget. This is a very tough time and a tough job. But it is what we were sent here to do."
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