Nevada Candidates Asked to Sign ‘No New Tax’ Pledge

A citizens group headed by a former assemblyman is circulating questionnaires to all 1992 Nevada legislative candidates asking how they stand on tax issues and also asking them to sign “no new tax” pledges.

Bruce Bogaert of Sparks-based “Speak Out Taxpayers!” says his group is giving the candidates a chance to sign the pledge and then will let voters in their districts “know that they have committed to oppose any new and increased taxes.”

“The tax and spend mentality of the Legislature and governor have jeopardized the financial stability of our state,” Bogaert added in a statement. “We need to cut taxes and encourage business and individuals to spend their own money to stimulate the economy.”

The pledge is part of a national effort organized by “Americans for Tax Reform.” Bogaert said he hopes to have responses in hand by Aug. 1.

The questionnaires ask the candidates how they would vote on measures that would require a public vote before new taxes could be imposed or would require a two-thirds vote rather than a simple majority of the Legislature on tax plans.

The candidates also are being asked whether they support repeal of the business tax passed by the 1991 Legislature, and whether they would vote to eliminate ‘triggers” and other forms of state worker pay hikes based on projected revenues.

Bogaert also circulated a copy of his group’s “report card” on Gov. Bob Miller and incumbent legislators based on their tax-related actions during the 1991 session.

Miller got an “F.” Bogaert said the governor promoted and signed several “tax-and-spend” bills including the business levy, state worker pay hikes and higher gasoline tax and license fees.

Several state Assembly and Senate members also got a failing grade. The highest grade, an A+, went to Assemblywoman Pat Little (D-North Las Vegas), who voted against all tax-raising proposals last year.