Teachers union has signatures for Nevada tax drive

(AP) - The Nevada State Education Association has enough signatures to force the state Legislature to consider a business tax increase to fund public schools.

The secretary of state's office ruled Friday the teachers union collected nearly 107,300 valid signatures for its 2 percent business profits tax petition.

The Las Vegas Review-Journal reports that's well more than the required 72,000.

The state Supreme Court still must decide whether a 200-word petition description signed by registered voters sufficiently explains the $800 million-a-year tax measure. Justices heard arguments Wednesday.

If they OK it, the proposal will be one of the most controversial items before the Legislature.

Teachers union chief Lynn Warne says Nevadans support having corporations pay more to fund K-12 schools.

Gov. Brian Sandoval has vowed to veto any new tax.