Got a chance to chat with Senate Majority Leader Stephen Horsford post-adjournment last night along with other journalists.  Some of his comments were a repetition of things said in recent weeks.  Here are a few snippets and quotes that were/are interesting and/or new:

– Horsford acknowledged that much of yesterday’s testimony was a “retreading” of what was heard at the Las Vegas and Reno Town Hall meetings as well as at the IFC and Ways and Means meetings last week.  Said info bears repeating so all 63 legislators are fully informed and involved.

– He questioned why Race to Top not included in the governor’s original proclamation since it means $150M in federal funds to education.

– Said “we do not want to be here one extra day” (answering question about likely length of session).

– Said “I want to give credit where credit is due. The governor has restored $27 million in “worst of the worst” cuts.  But there is $30 to 40 million more we think should be added back in.”

– When asked (by Sebelius) if InsureNet has been ruled out (as has been rumored):  “Yes, I think that is a fair assessment.  The two problems with InsureNet are having cameras all over the state, so, a “Big Brother” type thing, that Nevadans will not like…and the fact that this company has no agreement with any other state.  Why should Nevada be a guinea pig on a risky scheme?”

– Ditto question on mining taxes.  Horsford said there are constitutional and legal issues with mining taxes and/or plan for deduction reductions.  Said they are looking at raising existing fees, or adding new fees, that would amount to “more than we would have with the deductions proposal.”

– Said the biggest breakthrough is the governor’s agreement to scale back on education cuts.

– Criticized the governor’s proposal to raise quarterly payments (from $25 to $75) for the Nevada Check-up program and/or to raise fees on veterans.  Referenced governor Gibbons’ oft repeated statements that he will go along with tax/fee increases IF the industries in question agreed to them, and then said: “My constituents were not asked if THEY agreed to increases in fees.”