Nevada Republicans Vow to Block Tax Increases

Nevada Democrats have taken steps to prepare for tax increases, a move that Republicans, including Gov. Brian Sandoval, have vowed to block.

Democrats have agreed to many of the reforms that Sandoval and Republican legislators are pushing, including changes on consultant contracts, government spending on nonprofits, and creating forced savings for education, the Las Vegas Sun reported Tuesday.

Nev. Gov. Brian Sandoval

They’re even considering issues such as ending teacher tenure and reducing retirement benefits, which angers many of their supporters.

But Democrats also see a time when they will ask for tax increases.

“That’s what we actually have to do,” Assembly Speaker John Oceguera, a Las Vegas Democrat, told the newspaper. “The public is demanding that we look at government spending, that we eliminate waste, be more accountable. And then, I think when we do those things, if there’s a need for revenue, they will say OK.”

Conservative groups and the governor welcome the reforms but are adamant in standing against tax increases.