Gibbons plans 50 percent cuts

State government sources say some state agencies are being told by the governor’s budget operation to prepare budgets for the Nevada Legislature that cut agencies in half. Previously, agencies had been told to cut by 34 percent, and before that it was 14 percent. “We’re to a point now where we’re no longer cutting to balance the budget,” said one official. “Now we’re doing it as part of [Gov. Jim] Gibbons’ political agenda.”

Legislative fiscal officials have not been informed by Gibbons or his aides of the new 50 percent cut plans. When agency chiefs were queried by legislative aides, they “did say they are preparing different scenarios, including closing down facilities and combining [functions],” according to one lawmaker.