Governor's bill advances to Senate floor

The Finance Committee agreed to restore AB660 to its original language as requested by Gov. Kenny Guinn. Under the bill, Guinn would set staffers' pay rather than see lawmakers determine the salaries.

Under the bill, all staffers would become non-classified, which clears the way for higher salaries if warranted but also removes job security provided by the classified status that most state workers have.

Guinn argued for the measure, saying he wants to run his office differently than his predecessor and he needs the flexibility to hire the right people.

Some legislators questioned whether the bill would allow a staff member to earn salaries as high as $300,000, and that led to an amendment capping the pay. But that provision was scrapped by the Finance Committee's action.

Sen. Bob Coffin, D-Las Vegas, was the only committee member to oppose the motion that sent the bill to the Senate floor for a final vote.

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