Sandoval hits back at agency over funding

By Cy Ryan

Monday, March 7, 2011 | 7:26 p.m.

CARSON CITY – The administration of Gov. Brian Sandoval is accusing the head of the Clark County Family Services Department of spreading misinformation.

Tom Morton, who oversees the county agency, told a legislative budget subcommittee Friday that the state has cut $7 million in support for children. He said the reduction, including cuts from the federal government, totals $11 million.

But Mike Willden, director of the state Department of Health and Human Services, told a news conference Monday there hasn't been a reduction in state support for child services in Clark County.

He said the state support the coming fiscal year is $42.7 million, compared to $41.3 million in the present year.

Willden also disputed that the federal government was reducing support for the agency.

Dale Erquiaga, senior adviser to the governor, told a news conference that Sandoval would be willing to talk with local government officials if they want to raise taxes to support those services.

At the Friday hearing, state legislators criticized the budget, saying it would have to be beefed up. Sen. Sheila Leslie, D-Reno, said it was the worst she has seen.

Assemblywoman April Mastroluca, D-Las Vegas, and the chairwoman of the budget subcommittee, said funding would have to be augmented.