Ways to improve budget, public health

Leopold A. Potsiadlo, Las Vegas

Tuesday, July 15, 2008 | 2:01 a.m.

Nevada is struggling to find ways to improve its budget and would like to improve the health of its citizens. Here are several suggestions:

• Raise the taxes on casinos. Why should they be protected with low taxes?

• As clearly stated in a June 25 editorial in the Las Vegas Sun, “Up in smoke,” the “Health District and courts must find a way to enforce Nevada’s Clean Indoor Air Act.” Fines would reduce smoking in the establishments affected, fewer people would be smoking there, some would even drop the habit, and others would be protected from secondhand smoke.

• If necessary, raise the state taxes on cigarettes by $2 a pack and proportionately on cigars, tobacco and smoking implements. That may induce smokers to quit when whey finally realize their smoking habit is too expensive and dangerous to their health. Various costs for all would eventually be reduced, and the health of many improved.

• Identify all the California and other out-of-state-registered auto owners who live here, work here and send children to schools here; have them register their cars here, as required by state law.

Curtail the use of cell phones by drivers. Many states and cities have taken action on this controversial subject. Surveys have found that the use of cell phones while driving is extremely dangerous, especially among teen drivers. There would be fewer accidents, lives would be saved, injuries reduced, costs of repairs reduced, less time would be spent in hospitals, there would be fewer accident investigations and other savings because of safe driving.

Enacting legislation on any of these suggestions remains a dream in this town. Why? This is Las Vegas, Baby!