Enlarge By Jason Bean, Las Vegas Review-Journal Nevadans wait in line last month in Las Vegas after an amnesty is offered on unpaid traffic tickets. Cash-strapped states and local governments are trying to lure in overdue fines and taxes by offering scofflaws amnesty and threatening a dose of public humiliation. At least six states — Connecticut, Massachusetts, Virginia, Alabama, Nevada and Oklahoma — have offered to waive or reduce penalties, interest or fees on delinquent taxes. Louisiana and New Jersey are considering the idea. Michigan Gov. Jennifer Granholm, a Democrat, wants to "cyber-shame" tax deadbeats by posting their names on a state website. She needs legislators' approval. Nevada's state controller, Democrat Kim Wallin, wants an online "wall of shame" and proposes barring tax dodgers from registering cars until they pay up. The Legislature is considering the plan. "If everybody pays their fair share, we may not have to raise taxes on those who do pay their taxes," Wallin says. Nevada has a $981 million shortfall in its current $5.8 billion budget, Wallin says. Amnesty is happening more often because states and cities are desperate to close budget holes, says Verenda Smith of the Federation of Tax Administrators. Tax collectors don't like it, she says, because it encourages people not to pay on time and irritates responsible taxpayers who don't like to see scofflaws get a pass. Some communities turn to deadbeat drivers for revenue. Brookhaven, N.Y., and the Las Vegas Township Justice Court, which covers the Strip and unincorporated areas surrounding Las Vegas, offer amnesty on unpaid tickets. Bert Waisanen, a fiscal analyst with the National Conference of State Legislatures, says officials like amnesty because it produces quick cash. This year, he says, they may not collect as much because of the recession. "If you don't have it, will you pay it?" Waisanen asks. Tax amnesty in Oklahoma from September through November netted $115 million, $81 million more than expected, says Paula Ross, spokeswoman for the state Tax Commission. The revenue helped the state avoid a shortfall this year, budget director Brandy Manek says. The Las Vegas Township Justice Court collected $14 million from December through Feb. 13, which will help Clark County close a $54 million shortfall this year, county spokesman Dan Kulin says. Brookhaven on New York's Long Island offers a 50% reduction on outstanding parking tickets until May 15. The town expects to collect half of $1 million in unpaid tickets, says Councilwoman Jane Bonner, a Republican, who proposed the deal. "It's like a half-off sale," Bonner says. "We want the dollar, but we're not getting the dollar. Fifty cents is better than nothing." Guidelines: You share in the USA TODAY community, so please keep your comments smart and civil. Don't attack other readers personally, and keep your language decent. Use the "Report Abuse" button to make a difference. You share in the USA TODAY community, so please keep your comments smart and civil. Don't attack other readers personally, and keep your language decent. Use the "Report Abuse" button to make a difference. Read more