Lawmakers fill social calendar

CARSON CITY -- The social calendar for the Nevada Legislature is nearly filled for its opening month.

Drinks and hors d'oeuvres will be flowing freely as lobbyists and special-interest groups wine and dine lawmakers.

Carson City hosts the first party Tuesday with a reception at the Carson Nugget. It's traditional for the city to honor the lawmakers, whose presence brings increased spending to the merchants. But the city has always used the opportunity to try to wrangle a little state money for special projects.

This year, the city would like to see $5 million restored to reconstruct the V&T Railroad, a tourist line that runs between Virginia City and Carson City. The 1997 Legislature set aside the money to match other donations, but Gov. Kenny Guinn, facing a shortfall in the state's budget, has proposed putting the money back in the treasury.

City officials also want to make sure the state Transportation Department keeps a planned bypass around the area on schedule in as part of their efforts to relieve downtown traffic jams.

The Nevada Mining Association, always worried about increased taxes and tighter environmental regulations, follows with a reception Wednesday for lawmakers and their staff.

Thursday turns out to be a full day for legislators. The Nevada Press Association, which is pushing an open-records law, hosts a luncheon at the Ormsby House. At 5 p.m. there's a reception at the state library and archives for an art opening. At 6 p.m. the Nevada Credit Union League puts on a reception at the Nugget.

The first week closes with a Girls & Women's Sports Day Luncheon on Friday.

Among the others hosting cocktail parties or dinners in the first month are the Nevada State Chamber of Commerce; the University of Nevada, Reno; the Department of Museums, Library & Arts; Women's Lobby; the Nevada Manufacturers Association; the Utility Shareholders; the Commission on Tourism; the Nevada Supreme Court; and the Nevada Taxpayers Association.

Two years ago, lobbyists reported spending $69,454, of which $48,498 went for group events such as receptions and dinners. Of the total, legislators were direct beneficiaries of $20,959 worth of food and drinks.

At many of the receptions, guests or legislative staff outnumbered the lawmakers. Of the $20,959, $13,967 went for drinks and dinner for the 42 Assembly members and $6,992 was spent on senators. That averages $333 per lawmaker.

Lobbyists must report the amount spent and the names of legislators the money was spent on. The requirement has resulted in some lawmakers avoiding the parties so their name won't show up in print. Two years ago, Sen. Ray Shaffer, D-North Las Vegas, received the most in drinks and meals at $1,532 followed by Sen. Mike Schneider, D-Las Vegas, at $889.

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