• Carson Now on Facebook
  • Follow Carson Now on Twitter
  • Follow Carson Now by RSS
  • Follow Carson Now by Email

Business Group Sees Tax Hike On Horizon, Opposes Idea Of Major Overhaul Of Nevada Revenue Structure

By Nevada News Bureau staff
CARSON CITY – The head of Nevada’s Retail Association says a tax increase will likely be needed to balance the state budget next year, and expanding the sales tax to include at least some services is one place to look.
But Mary Lau, president and chief executive officer of the Retail Association of Nevada, said it is not the time for Nevada policymakers to look at a major revamping of the state’s tax structure.
“To try to switch an entire tax system, I will agree with the people that were polled, it is not the time to do an entire tax restructuring or anything else because guess what, the other states that have those other programs are equally in trouble,� she said.
Lau made her comments during an interview Monday with Jon Ralston on the Face To Face television program. She was interviewed following the Retail Association’s release of a poll conducted on behalf of the group looking at Nevada political races and the public’s views on issues including whether taxes should be increased.
The poll was conducted by Public Opinion Strategies pollster Glen Bolger.
The poll shows that only 1 percent of those interviewed support a tax increase on small business, 5 percent support a tax increase on large businesses, 11 percent on casinos, 5 percent on mining companies, 12 percent on the rich and 1 percent on the middle class. Seventeen percent said taxes should be raised on everyone.
Support for raising taxes on everyone was lower than in previous polls however.
Lau said the change is a reflection of the current economy.
“A reflection of we don’t have a job, we don’t have any money therefore how are we going to pay,� she said.
Lau said a tax increase, even if it is only the continuation of a package of revenues hiked by the Legislature in 2009 and scheduled to sunset on June 30, 2011, is likely. The state budget cannot be balanced without a tax increase, she said.
There are areas the state hasn’t taxed, such as services, Lau said. An examination of tax abatements and exclusions the Legislature has put in place over the years is also needed, she said.
Both major party candidates for governor have rejected the idea of tax increases to balance the state budget, although many legislative leaders have said new revenues will likely be necessary.
Lau agreed that a discussion of taxes won’t come until after the Legislature first looks at reforms and efficiencies in state spending.
Audio clips:
Retail Association Chief Mary Lau says now is not the time to revamp Nevada’s tax structure:
092810Lau1 :12 equally in trouble.”
Lau says the economy has dampened public support for a tax increase:
092810Lau2 :11 to sound bites.”
Lau says taxing services and eliminating exemptions is one place for Legislature to look for new revenue:
092810Lau3 :05 of the services.”

No related posts.

Top Stories

... or see all stories

Join the Senator Youth Football Camp for K-8th graders. $80 covers 3-nights of camp from 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m., June 17, 18, and 19. Led by the CHS high school coaches and players, children will learn techniques for all positions, play games, and compete.

Carson High School Wrestling invites you to our annual Golf Tournament on June 15th, 2024, at Silver Oak Golf Course in Carson City. This event is crucial for our program's success as it serves as our main fundraiser.

Spring is in the air and with it, babies! Several new foals have been spotted among herds in Mound House and Dayton. Photos submitted by Gary K. Gundlach.

In April Carson City Moose Lodge #2709 selected its officers for 2024. Jeff Williams is the new President, Rosemarie Menapace, Vice President, David Wroth, Sgt of Arms, Ron Rehn, Chaplain, Nathan Rakestraw, Treasurer, Allen Gosselin, Secretary.

On a sunny Saturday morning, 100 volunteer participants fanned out across Lake Tahoe’s South Shore to take water quality samples from 34 streams, creeks, ponds, and lakes to monitor the health of the Truckee River watershed and Lake Tahoe as part of the 24th annual Snapshot Day. They were joined by teams doing the same tests simultaneously in other regions of the watershed.

Just before noon on Tuesday a crash with injuries was reported on the I-580 on ramp from N. Carson Street.

According to dispatch there are two vehicles involved, one of which was towing a trailer.

Injuries have been reported and the number two lane is blocked.

Traffic cameras show vehicles are moving slowly but are able to get through to Washoe Valley.

Motorists must use caution in the area.

Reminder: Wednesday, May 15, will be Minimum / Early Release Days for all schools in the Carson City School District. Educators utilize this time for professional learning while students have the remainder of the day off.

Looking for programs to make your child’s summer more exciting and educational?
Why not enroll your children in Western Nevada College Continuing Education’s iLead and Summer Sports Camps?

Throughout Northern Nevada, seniors are finding fulfillment and purpose through giving back to their communities. Volunteerism among seniors in Northern Nevada isn't just an act of kindness; it's a pathway to enhanced well-being, social connection, and a legacy of service.

The Carson High School (CHS) Navy Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps (NJROTC) recognized Cadet Chief Petty Officer Vivi Mellow as its “Cadet of the Year” during its annual awards ceremony last Thursday in the Morse Burley Gymnasium at Carson High.

FISH will be closing ticket sales for the Historic Prison Breakout to benefit FISH at 4:30 PM on Friday May 17, 2024.

Are you ready for a unique summer camp experience, designed exclusively for adults? Sierra Nevada Journeys has just the thing! This perfect unwinding weekend awaits you, with no responsibilities other than showing up with your friends.

Join us from August 16 - 18, 2024, for a weekend in the mountains, free from all of those responsibilities.

With Nevada’s primary elections approaching, the Nevada Department of Transportation (NDOT) reminds community members that political signage is not allowed on state highway property.

Federal regulations and Nevada state law prohibit political and advertising signage on public highway property, including but not limited to political signs, yard sale/event signs, and realtor or business signage.

It is important to know that state road property often extends beyond the roadside, fence line, or sidewalk of interstates, freeways, highways, and urban state roads/streets.

The application deadline for Mile High Band Association’s 2024 Jazz & Beyond Festival art contest is Friday, May 31. Northern Nevada artists, including teachers and students are invited to apply, and participation is free.

Selected entries in the competition will be used to promote the festival, and the winning entry will be featured on the festival’s advertising poster and program cover. Festival T-shirts may also feature the winning design.

The Sierra Nevada section of the Society of Women Engineers recognized several Carson City students and one teacher at the 2024 Night of STEM Star Awards in Reno, Friday, April 26.

The honorees were recognized for displaying remarkable talent and commitment in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM). These young scholars not only excelled academically but also engaged in innovative projects and extracurricular activities that have enhanced their learning and impacted their community.

I usually whistle past the obituaries, but Larry Young caught my eye. He was a scientist who discovered Love Potion Number Nine. Yes, Larry unearthed a chemical that heightens desire, not that the world needs it. A drug that would diminish desire might do the world more good in the long run.

Today was a very productive day working in the yard. The cold weather kept me in far too long recently. I wanted to be outside. The temperature was perfect with a bright blue sky and little wind.

A local couple's efforts to get the flag on C-Hill in Carson City repaired is well underway, with the president of the C-Hill Foundation working on getting the needed material.

As the summer sun begins to heat up, so does the excitement at Dayton Pop Warner as local athletes gear up for a two-day strength and conditioning camp.

Sunday in Carson City brought out a black bear with a shiny brown coat that lumbered through a yard in early morning light, probably looking for breakfast.

Here is the Carson City area road report for the week of May 13-19, 2024. Closures are expected at the following locations due to road and utility work:

“Kids to Parks Day is a national day of outdoor play celebrated annually on the third Saturday of May. The day connects kids and families with their local, state, and national parks and public lands through thousands of park events that promote discovery and exploration in the great outdoors.” – National Park Trust

The wait is finally over. The second annual Mark Twain Days Festival returns to Carson City and Virginia City this weekend! Enjoy themed train rides, concerts, literature, book sales, kid's stories, and so much more all throughout the capital city and Virginia City.

Let's take a look at the full list of events for the weekend.

The Misfits Theater Group presents its 2024 Spring Production: Gold Casino or Bar Be Tender on the weekends of May 18-19 and May 24, 25 and 26, 2024.

UNR Extension Native Plant Sale

UNR Extension Master Gardeners of Douglas County are hosting a Native plant sale on Saturday, May 18 at the River Fork Ranch (The Nature Conservancy) located at 381 Genoa Ln. Minden, NV.

The event is from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Carson High Youth Tennis Clinic

CHS Youth Tennis is hosting a clinic June 17, 18, 19, 20 from 8:00 AM to 11:30 AM. It's being hosted at the high school at 1111 Saliman Rd. Carson City NV

Please click to expand the flyer for sign up options.

Free History Slide Show: Reflections of Lake Tahoe Tuesday May 14, 1:30pm, at the Carson City Senior Center.

Using extensive research and seldom seen photographs, local authors and historians David and Gayle Woodruff take a look back at the many people and events that have affected this magnificent Sierra Nevada gem over the years.

From industrial powerhouse of the Comstock Lode to the many efforts to create a Lake Tahoe National Park, the varied tales of “Big Blue’s” history are unique, interesting, and often amusing.

In an extremely rare display of colors, the aurora borealis was spotted throughout Northern Nevada Friday night as captured by multiple Carson Now readers. Click on each photo to expand.

This spectacular display is caused by a severe solar storm that is expected to continue through the weekend.

After review of the Nevada Department of Wildlife’s recommendations and consideration by County Advisory Board’s to Manage Wildlife, the Nevada Board of Wildlife Commissioners has approved big game tag quotas for the upcoming 2024-2025 hunting season.

Once again our cat of the week is the winner of our Whisker Wednesday contest at Catmandu. Meet Cutie Pie. While she loves to be called Cutie, you can also call her Pie for short.