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State Senator Wants Panel to Review Nevada Casino Taxes26 October 2001CARSON CITY, Nevada –– As reported by the Associated Press: “State Sen. Joe Neal wants a legislative advisory panel on taxes to review taxes paid by Nevada's casino industry, saying the clubs will use the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks as an excuse to fight any tax rate hikes. ”…Neal, who has tried in recent years to raise the gambling tax from its 6.25 percent rate, said Thursday the terrorist attacks will be used by the industry as an `escape clause’ to avoid a tax increase in the 2003 Legislature. ”…Former Clark County Finance Director Guy Hobbs, a member of the advisory committee, said an analysis in the two weeks after the attacks showed $240 million in lost revenue in southern Nevada, including $67 million in lost taxable retail spending by visitors. He said the economy has rebounded somewhat. ”But Neal said casino properties moved too quickly to lay off an estimated 15,000 workers after the attacks. ”The state and local governments have needs, particularly in the areas of roads and schools, that require more tax support, he said. ”…Gov. Kenny Guinn said in July he will not offer any specifics in the way of tax increases until after the November 2002 election. Guinn is running for a second term. ”Las Vegas city fiscal expert Marvin Leavitt, a member of the technical advisory panel, said gambling taxes could be included in the panel's review. ”…Issues would include the stability of the revenues, including property, gaming and sales taxes, Leavitt said…” |