Democratic lawmakers on Monday took unprecedented steps to control the role of the executive branch, according to lawmakers from both parties. During a meeting of the Interim Finance Committee — which exists so changes in the budget can be made when the Legislature is not in session — lawmakers rejected a plan by Gov. Jim Gibbons’ administration for how to spend some of the federal stimulus money and stripped from his office a newly created position to oversee spending of Nevada’s $1.5 billion allotment.
The Legislature was assertive during its regular session, which ended June 1, making wholesale changes in the budget and overriding Gibbons’ veto of lawmakers’ spending and tax plans. Gibbons was a rare presence in the Legislative Building and had little communication even with Republican leaders.
This week’s actions made it clear that just because the part-time Legislature is out of session, it won’t grant Gibbons carte blanche. [...]
“Unfortunately, there are a lot of distractions in the governor’s office,” said Senate Majority Leader Steven Horsford, D-Las Vegas. “Whether it’s the transiency of staff, or the personal matters that distract the governor. What the public needs is leadership.”
And really, it's about damn time. Democrats in Carson City need to keep growing that spine and stand up for what's right and what's necessary. It's too bad they didn't do more of this when the full Legislature was in session, but at least we're finally getting some grown-up leadership now.
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