Eagle River review. [volume] (Eagle River, Wis.) 1890-1927, 1923-02-15
LOOKING IN
ON THE
LEGISLATURE

and the Dahl general income tax bill
are evident in the legislature. Both
are based upon the contention that
the income tax proposals now before
the legislature would endanger in
dustry.
Senator George Czerwinski, Milwau-
kee, introduced a resolution calling
for appointment of an interim COM
mittee of three members from the
assembly and two from the senate to
study the entire tax question and re-
port to the 1925 session of the legisla-
ture. In the meantime he would have
proposed tax legislation held up.
Senator Herman Bilgrien, Iron
Ridge, announced he would have a
substitute amendment to the Severson
surtax bill, making drastic changes in
tllat proposal, which he declared to
be antagonistic to the interests Of in
dustry in Wisconsin. He said he
would oppose both the Dahl and Sever
son bills
Both moves are taken as attempts
to defeat tax legislation at the present
session of the legislature.
Ask Release of $1,5oo,ooo.
Federal aid for highway construction
to the extent of $1,50O,00O would be
made Immediately available by a bill
recommended through the joint high
way committee of the legislature.
This will enable the highway commits
sion to proceed at once with its plans
for the present year, if the bill is
passed.
Under its provisions S711.000 of
highway money now lying in the gen.
eral fund out of use will be appro-
priated to the commission for road
building in addition to $788,000 appro-
priated from the general fund in
anticipation of excess highway funds
after all expenditures legally allowed
from license fees on automobiles are
made.
Make Auto Drivers Pass Test.
The most stringent legislation yet
proposed on the control of automobile
driving for the protection of the gen
eral public was asked in bill by
Assemblyman Michael Laffy, Milwau,
kee, introduced in the legislature.
Drivers of motor vehicles would
have to pass an examination on the
operation of an automobile and the
ordinances of the city applicable to
automobile operation, before getting
a license from county clerks of the
state, who, under the direction of the
railroad commission would act as
licensing commissioners.
On each license stub would be the
signature of the person. fngerprints
and dated photograph. Before issu-
ing a license. the operator Of the car
must be insured against personal in
jury and property damage that might
be caused by his car. under terms of
the bill
Would Probe Affairs of State.
Investigation of all. state depart
fo- Soy the legfslatdl n is provided
under compulsory Interpolation
bill" introduced in the lower house by
Assemblyman Anton M Miller, Outa,
gamie county.
Under Mr. Miller's measure, all
heads of state departments would
be required to appear before the
legislature during the first five weeks
of the session and submit detailed
report as to the cost and work of
each department. Failure to appear
would render the official liable to
summary dismissal.
Has Bill to Curb High Rents.
To curb high rent charges Senator
Howard Teasdale, Sparta, introduced
bill in the state senate providing
heavy penalties for landlords who
charge unreasonable rentals.
The proposal establishes that an un-
reasonable rent is any charge in ex-
cess of 10 per. cent of the market
value of the property plus operating
costs. The actual market value is
set at not in excess of 100 per cent
of the assessed valuation.
Any landlord charging rates in ex-
cess of the maximum would be fined
$500 for each ohense.
Senate Adopts Huber Resolution.
After extended discussion, the Wis.
consin senate adopted the Huber. reso.
luton providing for an amendment to
the state constitution to establish the
initiative and referendum The vote
was 18 to II.
For the last eight years attempts
have been made to get such pro,
posed constitutional amendment be-
fore the people, following their re-
lection Of the plan at a referendum in
1914 This is the first success since
that time
BY unanimous vote William G..
Johnston post of the American Legion
of Eau Claire, voiced an indignant
protest against the bill pending before
the Wisconsin legislature providing
for the abolition of the National
Guard.
The state rural school inspection
service which costs the state $4,000
year would be abolished and the
work performed by county superin-
tendents under a bill offered by Sen
ator j. L. Barber Marathon. There
is duplication of work, he charges.
Assemblyman James Peterson,
Marinette, introduced a bill which