Column: Business tax proposal gets another look on TV show

This column ties into a live TV call-in talk show on Public Access Television, Channel 10, which will be telecast tonight between 8 and 9 o'clock.

To tax or not to tax - you decide tonight as I interview Terry Campbell of Nevada Policy Research Institute, a free enterprise think tank based in Reno. He was a three-term legislator in Oklahoma. He and his wife, Celeste, moved to Nevada 12 years ago and recently sold their business. Our subject of discussion will be the Teacher's Union Business Tax Initiative Petition.

The petition has garnered enough signatures so that it now goes to the Legislature for action, inaction or compromise. If it isn't voted into law, it will be on the ballot during the next general election.

If you're thinking "big" is synonymous with "business," that just isn't the case with this initiative. Do you sell Avon or have a small rental house? Then you're probably a "business" and would be required to file a tax return with a new state IRS agency that would be formed if this becomes law.

How would that affect new businesses that might be thinking of moving to Nevada? One of our great draws is that we have no state income tax or corporate tax.

Campbell says that this petition would lock in a failed education system and make it harder to bring about real education reform. In an "Open letter to Nevada businesses," the teachers' union states: "By supporting the Chamber's campaign (organized by a coalition of Nevada interests opposing the initiative), you run the risk of being exposed as an opponent of Nevada's public schools and Nevada's children."

Arrogant? You bet! And it's an effective scare tactic used by educrats when they want more money. Just label the opposition child haters and they'll freeze with fear!

Are you confused or raring to comment? We can accommodate you. Just call tonight between 8 and 9 at 882-2839 or e-mail me at nannettepr@uisreno.com or FAX to 882-4840 by 6 p.m. If you have questions, Terry Campbell has answers. It's happening tonight so tune in to Channel 10 for APOV, Another Point of View.