Mona Shield Payne/Special to the Sun
UNLV alum Frank Salvo, 34, protests education budget cuts in Nevada during a rally Sunday, March 6, in front of the Bellagio on the Las Vegas Strip.
Sunday, March 6, 2011 | 4:47 p.m.
What was billed as a funeral procession of sorts made its way from the Las Vegas Strip to the Palms hotel-casino on Sunday as about 500 people protested Gov. Brian Sandoval's proposed cuts to education — or what attendees referred to as the "death of education" in Nevada.
Although it was a student-led protest, the rally attracted parents and educators as well, many of whom carried posters bearing messages such as "Nevadans care about education! So should you, Mr. Sandoval," "What happens in Vegas matters," and "Budget cuts? Nevada bleeds."
Protesters lamented the effects cuts would have on education in Nevada, arguing for more creativity and tax increases rather than slashing the budgets of K-12 and higher education.
"No matter how many budget cuts they take from us, we will continue to rise," said Greg Ross, a Nevada State College student. "... Education, no matter what happens at the end of the day, determines the future."
The group gathered outside the Bellagio hotel-casino's fountains before marching to the Palms, urging passing motorists to honk in support along the way.
Protesters plan to descend on Carson City on March 21 to deliver the same message in-person, organizers said.
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