The star-independent. [volume] (Harrisburg, Pa.) 1904-1917, 1915-04-16
tentative PLANS MADE FOR
S6.40O.00O MORE REVENUE
Governor and Men at Head of Finance
Committees of Legislature Evolve
Methods of Obtaining Funds to or
set Decrease In States Receipts

II have had conference with the
joint legislative committee, the chair
men of the Appropriations Committees
and the men at the head of the finance
committees, - said Governor Brumbaugh
last night, ''the object being to raise
more revenue. Several propositions
have been tentatively approved that
will bring in about s6, 100000 more an
| nually, and we hope SO TO arrange
things that we can save a goodly sum
by economy in State matters.
| The Governor s idea is that as the
income of the State faces a decrease the
Legislature should enact laws to correct
conditions. Further the Governor de-
| sires that there shall be funds availabel
for the SS,500,000 which the new
Sproul bill would appropriate for the
current two years work on highway
maintenance.
As tabulated by Attorney General
Brown, the approximate reeeipts yearly
from the new revenue raisers would be:
New anthracite tax, $4,600,000.
Fifty per cent. increase in automo-
bile license. fees, 100000.
Tax on stock transfers, 100000.
I
expenses, 100000. Total, S6,400,-
| 000.
As to the bill providing for tax on
anthracite there is difference of opin-
ion as to the percentage which should
be returned to the coal counties. For
that reason conference will be held
next Tuesday at which representatives
of the coal counties will discuss the
matter with administration officials. The
present bill provides that the State
shall retain &c 2-S per cent. The coun-
ties want at least a $3.50 division. 1t
is suggested as a compromise that the
State retain 60 per cent. and the coun-
ties receive 40 per cent, with the State
paving the l per cent. for cost of col
leetions.
The stock transfer tax contemplates
a tax of two cents on each 500 share
transferred. New York receives So
600, 600 annually from this source. Then
it is proposed that an escheat bin be
passed under the terms of which all un-
claimed moneys in banks would become
the property of the State after ten
years. This, of course. is an unknown
quantity, 'but it is believed that there
are millions of such funds throughout
the State. The bill requires the officers
of the banks to inform the State of all
unclaimed funds. And when the Attor-
ney Generals office is reorganized into
a Department of Justice with all attor-
news employed by the Commonwealth
working under the direction of the At
torney General, it is believed that
escheats may be more readily and
quickly realized.
The plan TO have the State carry
its own insuranee>in all State property
will save 100000 annually in pre-
miums. The bill to oblige relatives of
so-called INDECENT insane to bear the
expenses of maintaining the patients
will, when enacted, open up a fruitful
field for saving expenses. AS it is now
the State pays $3.50 a week for the
keepingNof each INDECENT insane person.
Often these patients have relatives who
could well afford to pay the charges.
Ohio realizes 100000 annually from
this source.
Last week bill was offered doubling
the fees of automobile licenses. Such a
protest was made that it is proposed to
compromise on a fifty per cent. increase.
While no serious consideration is be-
ing given the subject at this time, it has
been proposed that the State realize
revenues from a State tax on real es-
tate. The value of real estate in Penn
sylvania is estimated to be $5,332,-
133.902. A one per cent. tax on that
would supply s5,000,000 year.