This just in from NewsCarsonCity.com:

Governor Jim Gibbons, who for months on end has been repeating his mantra of “no new taxes” has been confronted with what many economists and government financial experts call the “point of no return” on even just basic state services like medicaid, mental health care for the seriously disturbed and running safe prisons. Gibbons told reporters in a meeting of his financial advisers today that Nevada is bleeding profusely and that tax revenues are plunging.

Possible new tax sources could include a first-ever corporate income tax, expanded sales taxes on services, like car repairs, dry cleaning, and more. Higher fees to register and transfer ownership of cars and trucks. A temporary state-wide boost to the sales tax. A shorter work week for state workers, bonding for the rest of the state’s tobacco settlement fund and other options.

Gas prices are currently down, but I don’t expect this to last. In fact, it will not be surprising to see shortages in 2009! And according to the above article, it looks like cost of ownership for cars will almost certainly rise in the coming months here in Nevada. Obviously driving less and eliminating a new car purchase will save you a lot of money down the road. Keep your old car going, and figure out ways to utilize your bicycle more. Bicycle purchase, repair, and maintenance will cost you far less than the cheapest Hybrid automobile, and besides, cycling is way more fun.

The “shorter work week for state workers” is also of special interest to me, since this may directly affect me and many of my cycling brethren. I’m already running pretty lean on the finances, but I suppose I could get by with a little less. It seems there is always some place to trim the fat. I’m not sure how many hours would be cut, but the thought of extra hours for a bike ride could be a silver lining. Mutli-hour Friday afternoon bike rides anyone?