Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1920-11-17

Thirty millions of dollars is the
modest sum Of money that State de-
partments and public and private in
stitutions are asking the 1921 Legis-
lature 10 appropriate for their use.
No. 1t isn't quite that; to be exact,
tic amount is sae,S09,ss5.5S. The use
of.the 50 cents is regarded as prob
lematical. This sum, it should be
understood is not for two years, but
is; for two and half years, because,
bg;;. law enacted at the session of the
changed from Dec. 81 to June 80. The
Legislature that convencs in 1921
Will therefore. be called on to make
appropriations for two and half
Years instead Of for The usual two
,ears that como under the iurvieV of
legislators. a
Governor Carl r.. Milhken an
nounced Tuesday morning that the
sam of SO, 500. 1888 is the exact sum
total that has been presented to the
newly created. Budget Commission
which on "Wednesday and Thursday
XIII finish series OF ten hearings in
aly parts of the State. The new
c1mmission is composed OF the out
going Governor. the State. treasurer,
tiie State auditor. the Senate chair
man and the House chairman OF the
legislative committee on appropr1a-
lions and financial affairs.
This commission will hold its last
hearing in the State House on
Wednesday and Thursday when in
situations in Kennebec and Somerset
counties will be given a chance to
explain the estimates they have al
yaady filed. In addition to these, all
department heads will appear and
Governor Milliken has further sent u
letter to every member of the incom-
ing Legislature inviting him to at
tend so that he may be familiar with
tho financial demands.
Alfsb of the hearings held by the
Budget Commission have, been un-
Usually. well attended and Governor
elect Frederic Fl. Parkhurst has Been
present at many of them and has
aaUwn an unusual interest IN the pro-
ckedings.
In his letter inviting members of
The incoming Legislature stO attend
,Ite hearing here this week, Governor
Akl.iken, after giving the amount re-
avcsted. for State institutions and de-
paFfments, says:
NThe total prospective revenue on
the basis OF the last complete year
adj estimating an increase of about
sJe, 00e, 900 in the State valuation, is
oIly $17.112.5199o. The deficit
aiflounting to $l2.6S7.31295 must be
eliminated either by decreases from
requested appropriation or by in
cueases in taxes.
s..Thee members of the committee
earnestly desire your help and urge
yat to be present at Augusta during
tne hearings Wednesday. Thursday
aIxl possibly Friday. Then we shall
Want your suggestions as to where
preposed appropriation can be re-
t,iGed or taxes increased"
rTherc is no appropriation to pay
the expenses OF new or old Legislative
snesnbers to u hearing of this kind"
sad Governor Milliken Tuesday
morning In discussing this matter,
bit feel that there will be large
REPRESENTATION OF Legislative mem
BETS. With the amount Of money re-
QSHsted, it seems unusually important
tilt the new and old members be on
k3{hd to help solve the situation.
III is interesting to note just what
tl4se figures mean. To, grant the
aAounts requested on a State vaIua-
ii3 Increased by $4,000 900 would
ne&essitate an increase in the tax
rafe ofsover ten mills each. year. In
otter words. instead of having a tax