Nev. Republicans Demand Major Changes to Extend Taxes

Nevada Republican lawmakers demanded major changes to state and local governments that must be made before they would consider extending taxes scheduled to expire, the Las Vegas Sun reported Thursday.

Assembly Minority Leader Pete Goicoechea, a Republican from Eureka, told the newspaper the broad changes the GOP wants to see happen.

His caucus is pushing for changes in public employee collective bargaining rules; adjusting prevailing wages on public works projects; pushing conservative education reforms, including school vouchers; requiring public employees to pay toward their pensions and health benefits; and changes in the law to protect builders from lawsuits.

“This is part of an endgame,” said Goicoechea, referring to the negotiating that’s expected with Democrats in order to pass a state budget.

Goicoechea said Republicans won’t consider raising taxes, but under the right circumstances, could extend taxes passed in 2009 that are scheduled to expire June 30.