Governor Jim Gibbons today announced that Major Derek Routt of Las Vegas, a Nevada Air National Guard Pilot currently assigned to the 65th Aggressor Squadron at Nellis Air Force Base, has been selected as a pilot member and the operations officer of the United States Air Force Flight Demonstration Squadron, also know as The USAF Thunderbirds.

“This is the first time ever that an Air National Guard Pilot has been chosen to fly with this prestigious team, and it is only fitting that a Nevada guardsman was the first one selected,” the Governor said. “As the commander-in-chief of the Nevada Guard, I am so proud of Major Routt and the entire Nevada Air Guard. As a former fighter pilot myself, I know how good you have to be to be a Thunderbird. Our guardsmen are the best of the best.”

Major Routt started his career in the active duty as a nuclear missile launch officer in Air Force Space Command. He then cross-trained to aviation where he has had tours in Japan, Florida, Texas and Nevada as an F-15 and F-16 fighter pilot. Major Routt transitioned to the Nevada Air National Guard in 2006 and is currently a flight examiner flying F-15s with the 65th Aggressor Squadron and 232 Operations Squadron, Nellis AFB.

“This is a tremendous opportunity for both myself and the National Guard,” Routt said. “I can’t begin to explain the feeling of pride I have in my selection as a Thunderbird. I’d like to thank the entire leadership of the National Guard for all their support.”

The Nevada Air National Guard is made up of three major units. The two located in Reno are the 152 Air Wing (AW) and the 152 Intel Squadron (IS), and the one in Clark County is the Total Force 232 Operations Squadron (OS) located at both Nellis and Creech AFB.

“I would also like to thank Brigadier General Stephen L. Hoog, the commander of the Air Warfare Center at Nellis, and Lt. Gen. Craig McKinley, the Director of the Air National Guard, both of whom are tremendous military leaders,” the Governor said.

Tax Amnesty Set To Begin July 1st

Governor Jim Gibbons’ tax amnesty program, designed to generate additional revenue for the state’s General Fund, is scheduled to take effect July 1 following the unanimous approval of the Nevada Tax Commission.

The program will temporarily give delinquent taxpayers the opportunity to pay taxes they owe the state without penalties or interest. The amnesty will apply to sales and use tax, modified business tax and business license fees. There is currently a delinquent balance of about $76 million for these three revenue sources.

“Providing a temporary incentive for businesses to balance their ledger with the state is a proven revenue generator, which is much needed during this difficult fiscal time,” the Governor said. “All the revenue we collect during this amnesty minimizes the effect the economic downturn will have on state services.”

With the Tax Commission’s approval today, the Governor is scheduled to sign the emergency regulations finalizing the amnesty program later this month. The regulations will take effect July 1 and last through Sept. 30.

The two most recent widespread tax amnesty programs generated substantial revenue for the state. The most recent was in 2002 and brought in more than $7.3 million. A similar amnesty program in 1993 generated more than $2.8 million in revenue.

The amnesty program is designed to have an immediate and long-term benefit for state revenues. Aside from brining in revenue that is already owed the state, it will also entice newer businesses not yet registered to comply with state law, adding new sources of ongoing revenue.

“This is a one-shot opportunity for businesses delinquent in their taxes to get square with the state,” the Governor said. “The penalties and interest the state is waiving can be substantial, so I hope these business owners realize and take advantage of the opportunity before them.”