The Telegraph-courier. [volume] (Kenosha, Wis.) 1888-1946, 1923-03-08
STATE SENATORS
MUST BE SHOWN
Opposition to Dahl Tax
Bill is Indicated Among
the Senators.
DANGER TO FARMER
(By Associated Press)

by Associated Press)
Madison, Wis. - The state senate
is taking ''show me" attitude on the
tax question, with the result that any
prediction conserving the outcome of
revenue legislation presented to that
body is at this time impossible. Thor
ough discussion and study is going to
precede any vote on the Dahl gener-
al income tax bill or the Severson in
come surtax, in the senate.
Hasty action of the assembly in
pushing through the Dahl bill by an
overwhelming majority has not tend
ed to influence senators in their
stand. While many are prepared to
vote for either of the two bills before
the session without amendment, the
senators holding the balance of pow
er say that before they vote they
must be shown what effect their vote
will have an industry in general and
on farmers and small merchants in
particular.
The proposed repeal of the personal
property tax Offset to the income tax
hangs in the balance in the upper
house, se-~sr5 hzaaua 81 .asae.t
AS one influential administration
senator says, 81 will have to be shown
that repeal of the personal property
offset will be, of direct benefit to the
farmer and to the merchant before
can vote for it. This appears to me
as practical question, not as one to
be passed on simply as policy. If
it will injure industry I wish to know
because it is not my intention to vote
for a proposal which will unnecessar-
lily burden any person or class"
Many Senators Take Position.
Other senators holding control in
the upper house due to the close di-
visions on tax questions, take the
same position. They tend to favor
the Severson surtax bill in prefer
ence to the Dahl bill. This measure
is far from dead, despite reports that
the governor has decided to-back the
Dahl bill.
Following amendment by the as
sembly putting exemptions back to
their present rate under the existing
income tax law, rates in that measure
will be reduced before finally acted
upon.
A move is on foot in the senate,
backed by Senator w. A. Titus, Fond
du Lac, for definite curtailment of
governmental expenditures. A reso-
luton prepared by him and now be-
ing signed by senators says:
"As progressive senators of Wis
consin, we stand for the fullest read
justment and equalization of tax bur-
dens, but we are unalterably opposed
to any net increase in the total
amount of money raised by taxation.
1--WE believe that state expend-
itures should be cut many millions of
dollars during the coming biennium,
and that it is the duty of the legisla-
ture to make it possible for the adj
ministration to carry out it's avowed,
policy of retrenchment and economy.
Therefore, with the single exception
of appropriations for state charges
and state charitable and training in
situations for the unfortunate, we
shall look with disfavor upon any
general appropriation bills unless the
total shows a marked reduction as
compared with the 1922 expend-
lures"
Senator Titus says that he must be
shown how much money the proposed
tax bills will raise before voting for
them. We want to be sure that there
will be no opportunity for taxes that
raise more money than absolutely
necessary to operate the state gov
eminent and state institutions.
Other senators take the same stand.
They are considering the whole ques-1
tion thoroughly before taking any ac-
ton. -
Senator Severson's surtax bill is be-
fore the finance committee and will De
reported to the floor in a few days.
He expects that it will come out for
passage and the legislature be given
an opportunity to act on both pro-
posals.