End of session games kept the Senate in session through most of the night Wednesday, culminating in a 2:30 a.m. floor session where public education funding was approved on a party line vote.
Under Nevada's Constitution, education must be funded before any other parts of the budget. That vote sends the bill containing nearly $2.8 billion in General Fund money to the governor for his signature.
The negotiations soured late Wednesday when Republicans refused to vote on the compromise tax increase plan until the bills changing public employee retirement and benefits were approved. The problem centered around a report Democrats had pulled back on part of the benefits deal, angering Republicans.
Sen. Warren hardy, R-Las Vegas, said the benefits and retirement changes go hand in hand with the tax plan.
After several hours of no action, Majority Leader Steven Horsford, D-Las Vegas, demanded a vote and, when Republicans balked, issued a Call of the House, forcing all senators to the floor.
They passed a number of bills but with tempers flaring, they were unable to get the necessary 14 votes on the tax package. They finally adjourned about 4 a.m.
Lawmakers returned this morning to try again to resolve differences and get the tax and budget plan approved. They have to finish critical parts of the package today or tomorrow in order to get the bills to Gov. Jim Gibbons' desk.
Their deadline is driven by Gibbons' promise to veto any tax increases since the governor has five days " not counting Sunday " to sign, veto or allow a bill to become law. In order to override that veto, lawmakers must still be n session after that veto so they can vote to override. Otherwise, Gibbons could send them back to finish the budget in a special session without the option of raising taxes.
Contact reporter Geoff Dornan at gdornan@nevadaappeal.com or 687-8750.
Comments
Use the comment form below to begin a discussion about this content.
Sign in to comment