THE LOWDEN LINE

Nevada, like many other states, is facing a severe economic downturn. It is important that we share in the responsibility to protect the taxpayers during these very difficult times. Nevada’s working families are paying high gas bills and grocery bills. Many have lost their homes to foreclosure. And, throughout most of our economic sectors, many are losing their health care benefits … or worse, their jobs.

If we squeeze the taxpayers any further, we will not have the ability to provide our state with the revenues it needs to fund our essential services. If Nevadans are not working, they are not generating income. If they are not generating income, they are unable to spend money and pay taxes. Worse, they become more dependent on government programs at a time revenues are already down.

During these difficult times, it would send a horrible and defeating message to provide our state employees with a nearly 10 percent pay increase, while others are losing their homes, health care and jobs. We have to do all we can to ensure that we fight our way out of these times together, so that we can once again all share in the prosperity Nevada knows best. That prosperity has been felt throughout Nevada over the last several decades with enormous population growth, job growth, improved quality of life and affordability for new families to arrive, work, prosper and retire here.

Now is not the time to make matters worse for our taxpayers by unfairly and irresponsibly benefitting the government employees who work for them. Now is the time for our leaders to show working families just where they stand. It’s ‘put-up or shut-up’ time for our state leaders, and hardworking families will be watching.”