(Carson City, NV) – Senate Republicans released the following statement on today’s oral arguments before the Nevada Supreme Court regarding unconstitutional tax increases passed by Nevada Democrats in the 2019 Legislative Session.
The District Court ruling in September of 2020 was clear, Senate Bill 542 and Senate Bill 551 violated the Nevada Constitution. A simple majority vote cannot raise taxes. The majority party violated this longstanding constitutional protection, overwhelmingly approved by voters in two general elections.
“The Democrat Majority acted recklessly when passing legislation without the constitutionally required two-thirds majority vote. Their efforts to establish a new precedent of a simple majority to raise revenue had to be challenged,” said Senate Minority Leader James Settelmeyer, R – Gardnerville. “The two-thirds requirement, enacted by the citizens of Nevada, has become a platform for bi-partisan negotiations and resolutions between the two parties. I am confident the Supreme Court will recognize the historical significance of this provision and uphold the District Court ruling.”