The diamond drill., 1921-01-01
LEGISLATORS MUST FIGHT TO
KEEP DOWN TAXES
MANY SCHEMES SUGGESTED
More Quacks in Tax Doctors Than
in Amy Other Line of the Sick
HeaIers' Profession

The members Of the state legisla-
ture who meet at Lansing next week
will not lack assistance in their work
Of planning for tax reductions. judg-
ing from the many suggestions that
appear in the press OF Michigan from
all over the state. There are more
quack remedies put out to cure the
ills Of the state than emanate from
any prize cure-all headquarters in
the average decade. Someway, II
seems that about half OF our voting
population has a pet scheme 10 re-
duce taxation.
When the accounts are all cast up.
IL is quite probable that the tax bud
get will be increased instead OF d.
minished for most OF those having
remedies have them for the other fell
lows department and at the same
time has a plan up his sleeve to in
crease the outgo in his own immed-
late sphere.
Board Mergers Mentioned
One of the plans most frequently
mentioned is that OF consolidating
boards or commissions. The state
police and the state game and fish
department IS slated for a consolida-
ton which means that the advocates
Of a retention OF the state police have
taken 20 beating around Robin Hoods
barn in an effort to save their pet for
their own pet reasons
This state police eats up close to a
million OF the states money and the
fish and game department also bites
out big chunk. Much OF the sup
port OF the latter comes from fees
received. however. SO that IT may be
said to be in part self sustaining.
The state representatives are just
now getting into print with pro-
ncuncements in favor OF elimination
Of boards, etc.
John w. Smith, a senator from De-
troit. stated in letter that he Is in
favor OF eliminating number OF
boards and commissions in interest OF
economy. He also stated he is in
favor broadening the powers and re-
sponsibility OF the budget commits
sion. He said he expected 20 intro
duce bill permitting the county of
Wayne TO certify 10 abstracts.
A. w. Miles OF Big Rapids. repre-
sentative from Mecosta county. fay-
ors abolition OF the state boxing
commission and the state utilities
commission. He declared he favored
elimination of about half OF the
boards and commissions connected
with the state government.
Must Reduce Taxes
David Leedy OF Scottville. repre-
sentative from Mason county, is one
of those on record as fayoring a de-
crease in state taxes
"State taoes have become a real
burden" Mr. Leedy said. ANY ac-
tion 70 reduce them should De com
mended. Reduced taxation Is the
need o. the hour"
The next legislature will carry
heavy responsibilities. due TO the de-
manda OF the various state institu-
iions and state interests. and IL i'm
presses me that members OF the
legislature can serve their state in
no small degree by limiting legisla-
tson." said George G. Hunter. a 81.
Johns attorney. who will represent
Clinton county In the lower. house.
Outside OF the paid commissions,
such as the Utilities and few other
salaried boards at Lansing. most Of
the states boards work for nothing.
The prison boards. the boards of cor
rective and eieemoysnary institutions
all work without compensation so
that there IL little TO save by cutting
on boards.
The fact is that the state has been
letting its plant get behind during
the past fve years owing TO the high
cost OF. materials and az a result
lot OF catching up must be done. II
II "a not done by this Legislature II
must be done by some subsequent
legislature. For example. Jackson
prison has got behind and 80 has the
state university. The prison asks
for $1,000. 1000 and the university for
IS 500 600. Some time. some day.
this eleven million must be invested.
Says Prison wm Pay