Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1920-02-20
Tho Budget System in Practice


CUCCESSFUL working OF the budget
~ system is reflected in the presentation
OF the appropriations bill to the General AS
sembly at u date only little beyond the mid
way mark Of the session, we'll as in the
intelligent manner in which the Finance Com
mitteeS of the two branches have been en-
abled to handle their complicated problem OF
making the States monetary needs come with
in the estimated revenues for the ensuing
two years. The Governors recommendations
in the main have been closely adhered to,
and the fact that the committees have en-
larged upon his figures to the extent of $324.-
504 is Offset largely by the statement Of the
Auditor that what seems a threatened deficit
will be met by increased taxes not included
in the estimates used basis by the Gov
crnor, and may be converted into n comfort
able surplus. 1t may be that the appropria-
tons recommended in the committee report
will be found susceptible to further trimming
on the part OF the Senate and House, and it
would be desirable TO keep the figures within
the limits fixed by the Governor. \ tendency
to enlarge them and overrun his suggested
appropriations more than has been done by
the committees would meet the public dis
approval as threatening the budget system
with disaster, and portending reversion to
the former chaotic and unsatisfactory APP
preparation methods.
While tho whole the work of the
FINANCE Committees is commondable, the
wisdom OF some OF the changes from the
Governors program are open to question.
y case in point is the elimination OF his
appropriation of $780, 900 for the erection OF
new lime-grinding plant Such plant is
urgently needed for the rejuvenation and
reclamation of Virginias farming lands, and
the money thus expended would represent
sound investment to be repaid many fold i'll
increased production. The money thus
trimmed from the budget is turned over to
the States educational institutions, whose
appropriations have been increased materi-.
ally The Governors figures for the schools
had been carefully worked out, and the ad-
visibility of increasing them at the expense
of the farms is likely TO be vigorously dis
puted.
For the State Department of Prohibition
$4,000 for the two years is provided as
against double that amount asked for by the
commissioners and the failure to recommend
any fixed amount by the Governor. Inasmuch
as the Assembly has voted to continue the
department for two years more, funds for
its maintenance must be provided. The
amount decided on may be considered a fair
compromise between advocates Of the sum
sought by DR.. Peters and those who believe
the department unnecessary to a rigid en-
forcement OF the States antiliquor laws
Whether the Governor will consider it
reasonable as suggested in his message
TO the Assembly, will be seen later.
For the two years the expenses Of the State
provided for in the report total S22,4SS,-
Obo.7O. 1t seems immense sum, and it is
the largest appropriation measure ever framed
IN Virginia. But Virginia is rapidly de-
veloping State and its expenditures keep pace
Win It's growth. In view OF the abnormal
times and conditions the amount cannot be
said to be excessive while thanks TO the
budget system, there is plenty Of time in
which the lawmakers can consider the report
intelligently and thoroughly, and act on it
after mature judgment, making unnecessary
the eleventh-hour scramble in the midst Of
which former sessions have adjourned.