Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1919-02-03
TEXT OF FIRST STATE BUDGET EVER
PREPARED IN ILLINOIS FOR GUIDING
LEGISLATURE MADE PUBLIC BY LOWDEN

Springfield, Feb. 3.-The text OF
The first state budget ever prepared
n Illinois for the guidance of the
legislature in the appropriation of
state funds has been maze public
by Governor Frank o. Low
den. The budget was prepared by
the finance department under the
direction of Director Omar H.
Wright, in accordance with +ae pro-
visions of the state administrative
code
In the budget the legislature will
Ind detailed suggestions for appro-
priations to meet the needs of ev-
cry department of the state govern
lent during the two years begin
ming July l, next. The recommen-
cations are based upon a careful
study of the needs of the depart
Ihents which has been made since
July 1, 1917. when the administra-
i've code went into effect.
Aside from the detailed recon-
mendations for appropriations, the
budget contains a number of sug-
gestiOns for legislation. Among
these are the following:
The levying of an excise tax on
corporations and the modifying and
increasing of Inheritance tax rates.
Lump sum appropriations for
salaries and wages instead of the
rigid itemized appropriation method
pursued heretofore.
Greater latitude for Department.
IN fixing salaries.
The standardization of employ
ment in the state service.
Making of appropriations for the
blennium in state of specifying
that certain sums can be spent dur
ing the first year" and other sums
during 1.-The second year"
The division of appropriations
into standardized classifcations.
A decrease in the number of ap-
preparation acts.
The enactment Of a comprehen-
sive financial code, embracing
number of reforms in the financial
management of the state govern
rtent.
In presenting the budget to the
governor for transmission to the
legislature, Mr. Wright explains
that the final figures containing the
L
rent represent the combined judg-
:nent of the heads of other depart
1Ients under the civil administra-
i've code, who have coOperated IN,
the formation of the budget.
Recommendation for expendi-
lures have been made on the prin-
ciple of their relative Importance
to the general administrative poll
ries to be executed during the next
b;ennium." Mr.. Wright says. Fol
lowing that principle, requests for
funds were submitted to a critical
analysis and careful comparison.
Heads of departments were called
into conference. Divergent views
v ere harmonized. The general
needs of the state were discussed
and particular requests were
weighed in view Of the general re-
quirements. AS a result. the plan
herewith submitted will meet the
needs of the state for the next two
years, unless the state through leg
islatiOn to be adopted at the pres
ent session expands its func-
lions and increases administrative
duties"
The proposed finance code, Mr..
Wright believes, should contain
provisions which will give the state
an administration in greater har-
mony with general business prac-
tices. The code. it is stated, should
embOdy the following principles,
practically all of which are now in
Operation but which should be en-
acted into law:
/ A change of the commence
nent of the fiscal year from the
first day of October to the first day
Of July.
2 A provision for departmental
allotment of funds before an appro-
priation becomes available for ex-
penditure.
g. The establishment of an in
dustrial working capital fund for
state penal institutions.