Maryland independent. [volume] (Port Tobacco, Md.) 1874-current, 1920-02-20
STATE
CAPITAL

Annapolis
The state tax rate can be cut to ap-
proximately two cents less on the hun
dred dollars than it is at present in
the opinion Of Governor Richie. This
was the main feature of the Governors
explanatory remarks when he ap-
peared before the Senate and House
In joint session to explain the details
of his budget bill.
In purely practical way the Coy
ernor's address to the legislators
showed that in the preparation OF the
budget there has been very thorough
going over of the entire conduct Of
the states financial affairs for many
years back. To this comprehensive
survey is due in some measure the
conclusion that notwithstanding
steadily mounting costs Of everything
and the need of increasing salaries Of
state officials II the state is to hold
competent employees in competition
with private concerns, no jump in the
rate of taxation is considered neces-
sary for either of the two fiscal years
Just ahead.
Several causes contribute to fnan-
cial conditions making this possible.
first, when the present fiscal year
ends on October 81 a fiscal balance
in the treasury of approximately
s1,000,000: second, large increases
in motor vehicle license incomes for
1921 and 1922; third, the increased
state taxable basis. and fourth, the
road construction program the ad-
ministratlon has in view.
AS compared to total estimated re.
eeipts Of S11,2O7 500 for 1920. the
Governors summary, embodied in
the budget, shows an estimated in
come for 1921 OF s14.2S2.5 .536.19. The
total revenue expected for 1922, in
Guiding an estimated fiscal balance
Of $685., s,S40.sS. is figured ait yl4s1S,-
0T199.
The estimated increase for 1921
over 1920 is s3,O24.936. 1t is on this
estimated increase that Governor
Ritebie bases his recommendation for
lowered tax rate.
The Governors plan, as shown by
his budget, is to do away with all
construction of state buildings out
Of direct taxation. The budget shows
a cutting Of practically all Of the
requests for appropriations for build
ings, but there is in contemplation
a state institutional building loan of
s1.40O 900.
Estimated expenditures, according
to the budget. for 1920 total $11, ,076..
Isl, as compared to s1s,533,7O5 for
1921.
While the Governor has provided
general increases in salaries. the de-
tailed figures Of the budget showing
the amounts requested by the vari-
Gus departments as we'll as the
amounts allowed by the Governor
demonstrate the very general use of
the pruning knife.
The Governor provides in his
budget $4,000 to be expended under
his own direction for a survey of the
various departments, boards and in
stitutions.
The appropriation for salaries and
expenses of the central purchasing
agency contemplated in administra-
tion legislation. yet to be passed. is
$4,000. The allowance for the state
employment commissioners depart
ment, which will administer the merit
system. is $4,000 for each OF the two
dscal years.
The budget shows. in providing a
s2S,500 appropriation, that the heat
ing. plumbing and fire prevention sys-
tenn Of the state buildings at Annap-
oils is in such serious condition that
a breakdown might occur at any time
and that there ds no proper fire pro-
lection now afforded.
Provision for compiling in perma-
nent form the records Of Maryland's
soldiers and war women along the
lines of the bill recently introduced
by the administration is made
through an appropriation OF $4,000.
To take care of deficits in the ex-
penses OF the present session Of the
legislature, due to oversights in the
last budget and to increases In costs.
an appropriation of S25,299 is made.
The Frick bill on racing follows the
hof f-H-