Fiscal Responsibility
The state budget is no different from our household budget, except for its size. That means managers cannot spend more than is legally available or that which has not been approved by the Legislature and Governor. We have seen large yearly increases over the past years at all levels of government spending, principally due to the unsustainable performance of the national, regional, and local economies. The increases have been because of robust sales within our region, by local consumption, and because of out-of-town visitors.
The bust of the local, regional, and national housing bubble has dramatically affected the ability of local governments to provide previous service levels. Washoe County is no different. However, as the Chairman of the Board of County Commissioners, I have for the last 3 years, required that each department prepare and present detailed budget presentations during the month of March. The propose of these presentations is to ensure that each department knows where every dime of your hard earned tax dollars are being spent, and to insure that each dollar is needed in that service or program. I have recommended that zero based budgeting be established in Washoe County and would propose the same for the State of Nevada.
Government must live within its means and balance its checkbook, as each of us in our home must do. When we do, we must set priorities. The SAGE (the spending and government efficiency) commission has recommended many such priorities as well as efficiencies in state government. my pledge to the citizens of Senate District 2 and all of Nevada is to continue to review and evaluate all programs for the most efficient ways to deliver only that programs and services that we need and not one dime more!