The Telegraph-courier. [volume] (Kenosha, Wis.) 1888-1946, 1912-12-12
TO TAMPER WITH INCOME TAX
Leaders of Party Already Have Plans
for Amendments to the Law Which
viii Cut Out Some of the Most
Objectionable Features


ed upon to deal with such big meas
ures as workmen's compensation, and
state aid to highways, which made the
last session notable, present signs
point to the certainty of many pro-
posals for new legislation. Prepare
tory work looking to the introduc-
ton of bills of large Importance is
being done.
There is, apparently, no intention
by friends of the income tax princi-
pie, who are supposed to be in the
majority, to change the law in any
essential particular. That amend
ments to rid it of certain obnoxious
features will be offered is absolutely
certain, however, although the exact
nature of the changes is not known.
The tax commission, as well as the
governor, admit that a shorter return,
'shorn Of many of the present in
quisitorial" requirements, is under
consideration. The notary's signature
to the return may also be done away
with. 1t is probable the commission
will propose that persons unaffected
by the income tax law may be per
mitted to make a declaration without
appearing before the assessor. Other
suggested changes include increase in
the exemptions and REIMBURSEMENT
of exemptions for persons dependent
upon taxpayers for support.
Prof. d. 0. Kinsman, an economist
we'll known for his study Of taxation,
proposes a change whereby the por-
tion of the tax accruing to the state
be reduced from ten to five per cent,
in view of the large returns from the
tax.
The special Investigating commit
tee delegated by the last legislature
to make an exhaustive probe into the
fire insurance rates and conditions in
Wisconsin is preparing it's report, to-
gether with bills for introduction, but
what their nature will be has not been
divulged. Another form of insurance
will undoubtedly be urged for adop-.
ton by the lawmakers. This is sick
ness insurance, with the state acting
as surety. The republican party of
the state is already pledged to put
occupational diseases under the work
men S compensation law, and in view
of this fact sickness insurance is re-
garded as not very far off. Still an
other proposal for insurance legisla-
ton is that suggested by Insurance
Commissioner Fl. L. Ekern, whereby a
tenant must pay the city the entire
cost of putting out a fire in the build
ing he occupies, unless the fire was
due to some defect in the building, in
which case the expense devolves upon
the owner. This is the plan in vogue
in Germany.
Probably no one subject will de-
mand more attention from the law
makers than reform in the admins
tration of rural schools. Extensive
Investigations into this field have been
made in the last year by the state
board of public affairs and by COM
mittee of fifteen appointed by State
Superintendent G. T. Cary. One
change recommended by the former
agency is the election of county
board of education. improvements in
the normal school curriculums and
methods of teaching will also be urged
by the board Of public affairs. Some
studies may be dropped, and others
substituted. More efficiency in tru-
ancy departments is also proposed.
Serious consideration will be given
to appeals of Gamers and candy
manufacturers, among others for less
rigid laws on the employment of wom-
en-. The state industrial commission
is believed to be in sympathy with
the manufacturers on this point, and
will probably recommend amend
ments to the ffty-fve hour-a- week law
to permit women labor at such sea-
sonal times as it is absolutely neces-
sary to work overtime to prevent crops
from spelling. It is said that in the
candy business even the women them
selves favor being allowed to work
overtime for short periods.
Home rule for cities, which passed
at the last session, but was unconsti-
tutional will assuredly come up again.
A resolution to amend the constitu-
ton by providing for municipal home
rule was passed at the last session, and
it is believed to be certain that the
next legislature will submit it to pop
ular vote in November, 1914 All the
leading political parties have endors
ed home rule in their platforms.
~ xx-r. - 4 = 8