The Richmond palladium and sun-telegram. [volume] (Richmond, Ind.) 1907-1939, 1921-01-06
CONSOLIDATE
BOARDS, URGE
OF GOODRICH
Retiring Executive Recon-
mends Simplification Of
State Government Into Few
Departments in Message.
PROPOSES ECONOMY
(By Associated Press.)

(By Associated Press)
INDIANAPOLIS. Jan. 6.-Elimina-
tion OF the numerous state boards and
consolidation of state government in
few departments which are respon-
sible to the chief executive was sug-
gested to the Indiana General Assem-
bly, today by Governor James P. Good
rich in his farewell message. The
governor addressed his message to
Ladies and Gentlemen of the General
Assembly" thus establishing pre-
cedent. The change from Gentlemen
of the Assembly" used in previous
house of Mrs. Julia D. Nelson of Nun
county.
In addition to his request for a sim
plified form of state government the
retiring executive proposed continued
economy in state expenditures, in
creased taxes on automobiles, partic-
ularly trucks, careful scrutiny OF pleas
by public officials for increased sal
aries, generous support for the depart
ment of conservation and annual con-
struction of 400 miles of improved
highways until the state highway sys-
tenn is completed.
The governor also commented at
length on the work of the various de-
partments of the state government
and of the different institutions.
Urges Tax Check.
Regarding the tax situation he de-
clared that there should be some
authorities to issue bonds and origi-
nate tax levies.
"The revision of our tax laws has
been a lively question in Indiana" said
the governor. That the old system
was a failure was conceded by every
one. While there was in it the foun-
dation of a good law yet on account
cs faulty administration, failure to live
ub to its provisions and the lack OF
any power on the part of the commits
sion to enforce it's orders the law had
virtually become dead letter. Ev'
cry taxing official in the state was ad-
ministering it according to his person
al desires.
''This practice resulted in great in
justice and inequality in the assess
ment of property. The situation was
one that demanded the attention of the
General Assembly. The dominant
political party has promised time aft
er time to revise the law. The Cen
eral Assembly of 1919. obedient to its
promise and the mandate of the peo,
ple expressed at the polls in 1916 and
1918, revised the tax law.
Caused Extravagance.
''In the administration of this law
the total assessed valuation Of proper
ty increased from two and quarter
billions to nearly six billions of dol
lars. This increased the debt con
tracing power of the various mu
inequalities, under the constitution
nearly three times. 1t made possible
the indulgence in great extravaganza
The old tax law had statutory limi
tation as to the amount of tax that
could be levied for various public pur
poses.
Not knowing at the time the law
was passed to what extent the du
plicate would be increased. and fear
ing the result of the unlimited power
to make tax levies and contract debts
the General Assembly vested in the
Tax Board the control over tax levies
and bond issues. This placed an enor
nous amount of work and great re-
sponsibility upon the Tax Board. 1t
did not prove entirely satisfactory to
the people Both political parties de-
manded the return to what popularity
was known as home rule in the varl
GUS communities. At the special ses
sion of 1920 the control of the tax
board over tax rates and bond issues
was abolished and the local commun
tiles permitted without any limitation
whatever. to levy any amount of tax
they saw fit and to issued bonds up @
the constitutional limit. The increase
in tax rates and the tendency to mul
tiply bond issues illustrate the danger
that lies in this unrestricted privilege
Recommends Limitation.
81 am fully convinced that some
limitation must be placed upon this
mower, that it is advisable to restore
a fixed statutory limitation upon the
righ to make tax levies and to issue
bonds, or to vest in some body far re-
moved from local influences the final
appellate control over these important
functions. l recommend
therefore that while the power of the
local boards to originate tax rates and
authorize bond issues remains with
such boards that the right to review
such actions on appeal be vested IN
the state board of tax commissioners
in such manner as to afford protec
ton to the tax payers
The state should return to its pre-
war policy of living within the appro
priations made, the governor said in
Urging that no more deficiency ap
preparations be made. These, he said
invite deficits. 1t will be necessary to
make additional appropriations to en-
able state institutions to complete the
present fiscal wear, the executive said
adding that the period of RISING
prices due the war is at an end
and that prices have declined 40 per
cent within the last six months"
Tells Possibilities.
Notwithstanding considerable extra
ordinary expense during the last -four
years there was in the state treasury
on Jan. I. 1921, cash balance of
51,135.70, the governor said. This
was an increase in cash of $555.S95.47
over the balance on Jan. 1. 1917. In
cluding the Liberty Bonds in the treas
ury and the merchandise on hands and
paid for the increase will amount to
yearly one and a half million dollars,
the governor said.
ut is clear from the financial con-
ditiOn of the state" said the governor,
land having IN mind the possibility of
increasing the revenues of the state
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