If the only two current growth industries in Nevada are health care and government and the largest employers in Nevada are cutting salaries by 10 and 15 percent (not to mention employer contributions to 401K plans) as well as hourly employees work hours. The “Official” unemployment rate in Nevada in December was 9.1 percent.
The real number including people who are unemployed and don’t qualify for unemployment benefits and others who have become underemployed or are now working part time instead of full time is bumping up against 14 percent. Nevada’s population is no longer growing. Why then, is government still growing? Why should government employees be exempt from the belt tightening when, we in the private sector are not? Considering the current economic realities we are facing, the concept of adding additional tax burden in lieu of budget cuts seems a bit absurd. State Assembly members: If your household income decreases, wouldn’t the prudent thing to do be to cut your expenses? Or, will spending at the same or increased levels be likely to solve your financial hardship?
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