Gibbons Replies to Critics

Nevada Gov. Jim Gibbons Wednesday issued a news release responding to what he described as criticism of budget cut proposals he made earlier in the week, in advance of the Legislature's special session next week.

Highlights of the proposal include 10% across-the-board cuts to most departments, which will mean the monthly unpaid furlough day most employees are already required to take will be for 10 hours instead of 8, effectively cutting pay even more.

"This problem is fixable and I have presented a plan to fix it," Gibbons said in a news release. "If anyone else has any ideas on how to fix it, I am listening."

The Republican governor enters the special session faced with Democratic majorities in both houses, while he seeks re-election to the governor's office after a rocky first term.

Gibbons insists that he will not support any tax increases in the special session, and said his proposals to reduce tax deductions for mining companies and to require businesses to charge sales tax on Internet sales don't count.

"I do not view these proposals as tax increases," he said, "It is a fairness issue to make sure no business gets special treatment."

Gibbons said his plan will close an $890 million gap over the next 16-and-a-half months, out of a biennial general fund budget of about $6 billion.

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