New Britain herald., 1919-05-09
GENERAL ASSEMBLIES RECORD.

H GENERAL ASSEMBLY'S RECORD.
 An impartial survey of the lcsis- lation enacted by the General As sembly which closed it's books yes terday, is satisfying. Tn the big things, the legislature responded to the desires of the commonwealth and ! enough laws of real importance were passed to overbalance any minor mis- takes that might have been made.
 New statutes cover wide hcld from the amelioration of conditions affecting the people of the state to the safeguarding of the nation, as much as one state can safeguard group of states.
 From the standpoint of the average Connecticut family, probably the most important measure passed was the amendment to the Workmen's Com pensation Act so that occupational diseases come under the scope of the law. For this, labor has striven for years and the unions are said to feel that Connecticut now ranks highest in the country in respect to compen- sation legislation.
 Another measure that will make life easier is that which awards state aid to widows and their children. This is in line with progressive thought. It is, an idea which d few years ago would have been laughed out of court as revolutionary. Although many men who fought in the war may not regard with favor the law establishing permanent fund for their relief, there is much common sense to be found in the measure Under it's terms, the state is authorized to invest $2,5O0,0O0 in federal bonds or notes, the income to be devoted to the relief of soldiers, sailors or marines or their depend- cnts. It was feared that the lcgis- lature did not intend to recognize the ex-service men. Unlike most last minute laws, much can be said com plimcntary to this one.
 Acute interest was shown in the educational situation by the passage of two laws. one to rcorganizc the state board of education and the other to provide for an increase in the salaries of teachers. The former establishes a, board of education of nine members and abolishcs tho pres ent commissions which has fallen into disreputc. The teachers salaries law provides for the appropriation by the state of $3 for every pupil In average attendance in every city and town. It is believed that this of $100 a year for all teachers. A bill closely associated with education is that appropriating $100,000 to be expended during the next two years for Americanization under the direc- ton of the state board of education
 The so-called red flag" law will make it a serious offense for any per son to display the red flag for the pul pOSS O1 1uClIlng or enCOura Slng disorders.
 By overriding Governor Holcom b's veto on the liberal Sunday bill, Ae Legislature proved it was peoples body. The public in general favored this legislation.
 Much of 1he credit for the As wembly's record should go to Senator George W. Klett of this city, chair man of the judiciary committee and Republican floor leader. Senator Klett has completed three terms in the upper house and during that time he has not missed a single day at the three regular and two special sessions, He was instrum ental in the passage of many important measures and his aggressive leadership was re- sponsible for the early adjournment.
 Representatives Edward F. Hall and Richard Covert of this city also lived up to the best traditions of the sscommunity and were regarded by their fellow members as important cogs to the legislative machinery.
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 "OPEN, PUBLIC SESSIONS"