CARSON CITY — Governor Jim Gibbons will address Nevadans tonight (Feb. 8)  in a special State of the State Address in which he is expected to outline a plan for bringing the budget into balance.

The speech will be broadcast live at 6 p.m. on Channel 8, Channel 2, and KNPB.  The Democratic response will be delivered immediately afterwards by State Senate Majority Leader Steven Horsford.

Members of the state's Legislature will be going into special session in a few weeks to discuss the methods and means of reducing spending   Legislators must fill a gaping $800 million hole brought on by double-digit unemployment and a downturn in revenue generated from gaming and sales tax on big-ticket items – such as vehicles and boats.

Residents can expect the governor to call for layoffs of state employees and a reduction in pay for remaining state employees.

About half of the budget consists of education funding.  Nevada ranks 50^th in the nation for per-pupil spending and appears ready to defend that slot.  The governor has discussed budget cuts to both K-12 and higher education. 

Legislators are discussing the possibility of reducing the school year by ten days – a savings of $12 million per day.

The governor and legislature agree they won’t raise taxes.