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Casino Exec: Nevada Businesses Must Support Taxes

"`If a business ... can't pay ... to support our schools, hospitals and senior centers, they shouldn't be doing business here in the first place,' Lanni told about 1,000 people at an annual economic conference.

"…Lanni was one of several speakers at Preview Las Vegas who attempted to spell out the financial future of Las Vegas and Nevada during presentations at Cox Pavilion. Experts spoke about a range of subjects, from marketing Las Vegas to international travelers to staying fresh with sexy new commercials.

"…Lanni repeatedly has backed Gov. Kenny Guinn's proposal for a 0.25 percent gross receipts tax on annual business revenues above $450,000. That means starting in July 2005 a business with annual revenues of $1 million would pay about $1,375 a year in additional taxes.

"…Lanni said the gambling industry is saddled with majority of the state's taxes. MGM Mirage is the Nevada's single-largest taxpayer and paid more than $300 million in taxes to state and local government last year. Lanni said that MGM contributed 9 percent to the state's general fund in fiscal 2002.

"…Lanni singled out large corporations that pay taxes in other states but not Nevada. These corporations are claiming that any new taxes would mean raising prices for consumers.

"Lanni said that argument doesn't have a `scintilla of truth' in it.

"…Alan Feldman, MGM Mirage spokesman, said that Lanni would continue to help lead a very public fight in favor of the gross receipts tax…"

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