CARSON CITY, Nev. (AP) — Nevada's Democratic state Senate leader is disputing the validity of the Republican state treasurer's aggressive tactics to increase participation in certain education programs.
Republican State Treasurer Dan Schwartz told lawmakers Thursday that he acted within his authority when he defied them and offered incentives for state-backed college investment funds.
Senate Majority Leader Aaron Ford says he believes Schwartz abused his discretion this month by offering $200 bonuses to parents of kindergarteners who open an account.
Lawmakers told him not to do that in June.
But Schwartz says he didn't need the Legislature's permission because the change was approved by a state board he chairs and did not require additional funds.
Ford says he won't seek action against Schwartz, but the treasurer's decisions hurt the legislative budget process and intra-governmental trust.