The circle banner. [volume] (Circle, Mont.) 1914-1939, 1919-03-14
18TH ASSEMBLY
ENDS SESSIONS
MANY IMPORTANT MEASURES
ARE YET IN HANDS OF THE
GOVERNOR
EFFICIENCY BILL is PASSED
Commission viii Conduct Thorough
investigation of State Government
and Report to Special Session
of Legislature

| and Report to Special Session
of Legislature
IIeIena.-Althougli the Sixteenth leg
islative assembly has officially come
| o. an end, it is difficult at this time
|. give the outstanding features of
he session from the standpoint of leg
islation enacted for the reason that d
number of the more important meas
ures are in the hands of the governor
for his approval or disapproval.
Concededly the most important meas
ure TO run the legislative gantlet and
which has the assurance of executive
approval is the efficiency bill. This
provides for the creation of commits
sion of three members to be paid $40
day for time actually expended, to
conduct a thorough and painstaking
investigation into the conduct of the
state government with the view of
eliminating wastes. extravagances and
duplicated efforts in the various state
offices, boards, commissions, and
agencies.
Report to Extra Session.
1t has been instructed to submit it's
report at the earliest possible date,
and the governor has stated to the
legislature that he will summon a
special session to correct the evils if
such action is deemed necessary. The
several reports of the joint probe com
mittee have indicated beyond perad-
venture that there is splendid field
for operation.
Furthermore, the commission is en-
powered to act in the interest of
economy and efficiency wherever pos
sible to do so under existing laws. This
board is also entrusted with an investi-
CATION into the high cost of living and
requested to make recommendations
thereon to the proposed extra session.
1t is cOnservatively estimated that
saving of several hundred thousand
dollars year will be effected in the
cost of state government, despite the
increases given a number of state en-
ployes to offset the added cost of
living.
Tax Measures Important.
The so-called tax measures, based
on the findings of the body created two
years ago, also take high rank among
the important legislation enacted, in
asmuch as it is believed Il system has
been devised for bringing about an
equalization of the tax burden. Gov
ernor Stewart vetoed one of the bills
named a commission, the functions of
which could at best be only advisory.
One of the bills provides for a perma-
nent tax commission, but as this in
wolves change in the constitution,
the question will be determined at a
special election to be held in Septem-
ber If the people determine that
snch a commission shall be created, |
the members then will De named by
the governor.
Grain Inspection.
One of the most important bills en- |
acted into law is that providing for |
grain grading and inspection, and the |
measure, now awaiting the signature |
of the governor, will unquestiGnably re-
move one of the chief complaints of |
The law is patterned after that of
which is regarded as the
most satisfactory from the viewpoint
Of the producer, as well as affording
protection indirectly to the consumer.
Both houses have also passed the
measure giving the state utility COM
mission control over flour mills and
elevators, much after the fashion in
which it regulates street railways,
heating plants, water works and the +
ike. In essence, it provides for the
allowance of a reasonable return on
he investment, and is designed to pre-
rent ''profiteering in flour and mill
;tuffs.
Primary Law Amended.
The legislature has also provided
% as to remove the obnoxious features
# the present statutes. 1t provides
or return of the convention system
n the election of state officials and ,
representatives in the national con- {
ress. However, the bill carries a ref !
rendum clause, meaning that the .
leasure must be approved by the peo- /
lie before it becomes effective. 1t will {
lso be submitted at the special cleo 1
on in September, provided it receives {
he approval of the governor. 8
The legislature has taken broad |
linded view on the prohibition ques- 2
on, in that while enacting legislation I
'oking to the total determination of