WASHINGTON, D.C. - Americans for Tax Reform (ATR) opposes the budget proposals of both the Assembly and Senate of the state of Nevada as each seeks to increase taxes by more than $800 million over the next two years.

The Assembly's proposal would increase taxes by $1.6 billion while the Senate seeks an $828 million increase, although the House has indicated a willingness to compromise at $900 million. Governor Kenny Guinn (R) has promised to veto any budget that contains a tax increase of less than $704 million. Massive spending increases are also being considered along with the tax increases. In fact, the Governor's budget increases spending by 25%.

"Nevermind that Nevada will receive $96.7 million from the federal bailout provision contained within the tax cut that President Bush signed into law today. Why not reduce the tax increase proposals by that much, cut a little more spending, and call it a day?

"I am appalled by the tax increase proposals in both houses of Nevada's legislature," commented Grover Norquist, President of ATR. "I strongly encourage every member of the legislature to sign the Taxpayer Protection Pledge, reject tax increases and cut spending."

The following legislators have signed the Pledge promising to "oppose and vote against any and all efforts to increase taxes" in Nevada:

1. David Goldwater (H-10)
2. Sharron Angle (H-26)
3. Don Gustavson (H-30)
4. John Carpenter (H-33)
5. J. Harry Mortenson (H-42)

Various proposed tax increases include:

· Business license tax rate increase of $100 (House) or $50 (Senate), assessed annually
· Cigarette tax increase of 50c/pack (House) or 35c/pack (Senate)
· Distilled spirits tax increase of 50% (in House and Senate)
· Gaming tax increase of 0.25% per tier (House) or the creation of a new tier >$1 million at 6.75% (Senate)
· Live entertainment tax of 10% (House) or 5% (Senate)
· Unified Business Tax (House) or Universal Business Tax (Senate), both versions of a gross receipts tax