Nevada's budget situation explained in 100 words (and four pictures)
If you prefer lots of words and details, please read one of Geoff's recent commentaries: Tax and Spending Control could have averted fiscal crisis, Unsustainable spending increase leads to budget deficit, Nevada's budget woes are the result of increased per-capita spending, or Previously insulated public employees now feeling shockBut I understand why some people's eyes glaze over anytime there's talk about budget issues, so here's my challenge: Explain Nevada's budget situation in 100 words or less.
Here's your challenge: Stay with me for 100 words (and four pictures).
The payoff is that you'll understand Nevada's budget situation - why we're having a special session and where this approximately $890 million "deficit" came from - far better than most other citizens in the Silver State.
One hundred words, I'm serious. ... Ready? Go!
Nevada has dramatically increased general fund spending over the last 18 years. (All numbers are inflation-adjusted.) [16 words]
Spending growth isn't just a result of population growth. Nevada's legislature has increased real per-capita expenditures more than 30 percent in the last six years. [41 words]
If Nevada had enacted a Tax and Spending Control Constitutional Amendment in 1994 that limited government growth to increases in population and inflation, Nevada would have a budget surplus. [70 words]
Nevada has also spent $1.94 billion more than was budgeted in the last 16 years. [85 words]
Takeaway: Nevada's current shortfall isn't a crisis; it's the natural result of excessive spending. [99 words]
