Chad Lundquist/Nevada Appeal
CARSON CITY (AP) - Nevada Budget Director Andrew Clinger says any decision on whether a special legislative session is needed to balance the state's books won't be made until the end of the month, at the earliest.
Clinger on Tuesday said Gov. Jim Gibbons will wait at least until a full quarter of revenue reports is in before deciding if a special session is necessary.
September's taxable sales report will be released later this month. August marked the 10th straight month of double-digit declines. September's casino win report released Tuesday showed gambling revenue fell 9 percent from the same month a year ago.
Officials also want to analyze revenue from new fees and taxes imposed by the 2009 Legislature.
In other budget news: A new report says Nevada shares many of the economic pitfalls that have crushed California's economy, including restrictive laws and political discourse that make it difficult to respond to fiscal crises.
The study released Wednesday by the Pew Center on the States lists Nevada as one of nine states heading toward similar economic disaster as that of California.
Among other things, the report says Nevada's economy is too dependent on tourism and gambling, but those revenues don't keep pace with the rising cost of services.
Additionally, it noted that ballot initiatives approved by voters to restrict or block tax increases tie legislators' hands in dealing quickly with fiscal problems.