Legislators attack Gibbons order

Legislators in both parties have objected to Gov. Gibbons’ written order to state agencies that they not supply information to lawmakers without first clearing it with him, a new policy first disclosed on the RN&R Newsview blog. The order was issued after legislators declined to allow the governor to use the legislative bill-drafting office.

The lawmakers use information from state agencies in studies of state problems conducted between regular legislative sessions, reporting back to the full legislature with recommendations for changes in the law. They also get information from agencies on behalf of constituents.

Assembly Republican floor leader Heidi Gansert of Washoe County wrote to Gov. Gibbons: “These difficult economic times require more communication and cooperation between the branches, not less. Further, your directive hampers the openness and transparency in government.”

In an interview with David McGrath Schwartz of the Las Vegas Sun, Senate GOP floor leader William Raggio said, “It’s essential that legislators have access to information in those departments without some difficult way to obtain it.”