Two Nevada lawmakers call for tax hikes

LAS VEGAS (AP) - Two Democratic state lawmakers have broken ranks with their leadership by calling for tax increases to deal with the state's $881 million budget shortfall.

State Sen. Bob Coffin and Assemblywoman Peggy Pierce acknowledge budget cuts will be needed to cover the deficit, but say they won't be enough.

The Las Vegas lawmakers differ on how to raise the revenues. Pierce supports a broad-based business tax on profits, while Coffin favors an increase in the sales tax.

Pierce says Nevada has the second- or third-lowest tax burden in the nation, and has already cut the budget too much.

The two top Democratic legislative leaders, Senate Majority Leader Steven Horsford and Assembly Speaker Barbara Buckley, oppose tax increases.