Gov. Miller Improves Libertarian Grade From F to B

The 1996 report card on the nation's governors, prepared by the Washington-based Cato Institute,gives Miller a grade of B. That's up from a D in 1994 and an F in 1992.

Miller, through spokesman Richard Urey, said the Cato Institute is a notoriously hard grader of politicians and he accepts the grade because of its tough standards.

"Frankly, I think an A would have been in order," Miller said. "We remain among the very lowest of states in both personal and corporate tax burden. We also have seen a rapid increase in personal income."

"Taken together, I think it adds up to an A, but I can live with a B from this institute," he added.

Miller got low grades previously because of his budgets and tax hikes.

The report notes Nevada's economy has exploded during Miller's 7 1/2 years as governor, adding more than 250,000 new residents. That's twice the rate of increase of the next largest gainer, Idaho.

While Miller has never sought an income tax - cited as a key reason for Nevada's bustling economy - the report says he did approve increases in sales and fuel taxes in 1991.

The document also says Miller has streamlined state agencies and has pushed through a work-based welfare program "that shows some promise."

Miller's overall score was 54. The highest score for a governor elected before 1993 was 69 for Steve Merrill of New Hampshire, and the highest score for any governor was the 80 that New York Gov. George Pataki received.

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