Thursday, March 20, 1997 | 11:59 a.m.
CARSON CITY -- If legislators can buy expensive computers for themselves, they should spend money to place computers in classrooms, Gov. Bob Miller said.
Miller toured Advance Technologies Academy in Las Vegas Wednesday to view the school's state-of-the-art computer program. He also used the visit, and a similar tour Tuesday of a school in Sparks, to promote his plan to spend $35 million to begin placing computers in Nevada classrooms.
"Obviously, the legislators realize the importance themselves because they all have them," Miller said in an interview after touring the school.
For the first time, lawmakers are using custom laptop computers, which include CD-ROMs and wireless modems. The computers and software, purchased from Indiana-based Pythia Corporation, cost $700,000.
Miller has proposed spending $35 million now for a $175 million program to put a computer in every classroom. Nevada ranks 36 nationally in the number of students who have access to a computer, said Miller's press secretary, Richard Urey.
Miller's proposal has come under fire from critics who say he's underestimating the expense.
Senate Majority Leader Bill Raggio, R-Reno, said research shows the program will cost $233 million by 2003.
Raggio has said that Miller, who can't serve another term after 1999, will be out of office, while the state is financing a costly program Miller started. Sen. Jon Porter, R-Boulder City, proposes leasing computers so the state won't be stuck with obsolete equipment.
Miller contends that Nevada will lag in technology education if the Legislature doesn't approve his plan.
"That $35 million is a starting point to get our students computers," he said.
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