Gibbons decries closed-door discussions about raising taxes, promises veto

CARSON CITY -- Legislative leaders working on a plan for more than $1 billion in new revenue from various sources were criticized Wednesday by Gov. Jim Gibbons for making "covert deals" behind closed doors to raise taxes.

Gibbons, repeating his threat to veto any new or higher taxes to balance the lawmakers' nearly $7 billion budget for the next two fiscal years, also urged people to call or e-mail their senators or Assembly members to say they're opposed to such increases.

"The state Senate and the state Assembly are controlled by liberal legislators who have promised to pass a budget filled with new taxes," Gibbons stated, adding that tax increases "will kill jobs and crush the economy at a time when we are supposed to be trying to create new jobs and stimulate the economy."

The Republican governor said "a handful" of lawmakers "are making covert deals to raise taxes in Nevada."