Albuquerque morning journal. [volume] (Albuquerque, N.M.) 1903-1926, 1914-02-08
Governor Mcdonald, in Able Statement
ReUie0s Entire State Tax Situation

petent men 10 60 into the counties and
obtain such information for the board
as may be necessary to enable it 70
make a better and fairer assessment. !
further recommended that the legisla-
ture provide a tax commission 20 take
up the whole tax question In order 70
got the best possible solution that
might be practicable and feasible for
New Mexlco
I'm response 10 my recommendations
we obtained $500 for the state board
Of equalization, no increase Of the
boards powers to meet the emergency
Of the situation, and no tax commits
sion. Instead we have an amendment
60 the constitution presented to be-
voted on at the next election, that
would do away with the board Of
equalization with nothing to take It's
place, and also eliminate several other
provisions Of the revenue chapter Of
the state constitution.
There Is no reason that ] can see
why county taxes should be much
more than Ia 1912 The fact is, they
should be less for tho average tax
payer unless the county commission
rrs have failed to reduce the levles
as valuations increased School taxes
ana road taxes are, / believe, gem
orally higher all over the state than
"A few years ago. This comes from a
proper ana laudablo desire for bet
ter schools ANA better roads. Tho
small taxpayer feels the increase on
account OF tho exemption change.
Formerly many escaped taxation en-
tlrcly By reason Of taking 5000 from
a low valuation
Tho cause Of Increased state taxes
over territorial results from the fact
that tho federal government formerly
paid the expenses Of tho legislature,
which amounted to about $4,000,
for the two sessions recently held. and
the following salaries and expenses
were paid tho same way or were pro-
yldod IN addition TO those formerly
paid supreme court, $4,000, district
courts. SiO.5O0; corporation commits
Sion $4,000. and other salaries ana
expenses, $4,000,
The increase in appropriations
provided by the legislature for cduca-
lonnl institutions is $4,000 more than
for 1911 tho last year Of the terri
tory The San Diego exposition APP
preparation is $4,000. for two years,
end there Is 5000 each year for the
state fair
"The governor does not make the
appropriations, lie can veto separate
items, hut cannot cut out part Of any
tom without taking an.
Tho first state legislature provided
for Issuing 100000 certificates Of
Indebtedness. the fun limit allowed by
law, TO meet deficiencies already ex-
isting under the territory and created
under state government the first year.
vs. reason OF the fiilure OF Approprla-
lions made by the last territorial leg
stature 90 meet increased expenses
under The state government These
certificates at the rate of 10000 each
year with accrued interest must nov
be paid as well as similar certificates
issued Ia 1903. There was also ap-
propriated in 1913 To- pay defloien-
cica occurring chiefly before state
hood ~ about s35,oQ0 The appro-
spriation for interest and sinking fund
VA 1912 WINS SaO,e00s Tor interest and
sinking fund IN 1918, $4,000.
Under the State constitution the taN
levy for state purposes, being salaries.
expenses, etc, and ail extraordinary
appropriations, Is limited TO four mills,
which includes the ono mill for roads.
The valuation for 1918 ats fixed by
The state board If equalization. with
this levy VIII fan short of the neces-
sary revenue to meet The demand
This is the only trouble with our
revenues That levy win not produce
the funds required What is TO be
doneP Increase the levy? That will
require a constitutional amendment
Increase the valuation of property for
assessment Is New Mexico not worth