Shenandoah herald. [volume] (Woodstock, Va.) 1865-1974, 1924-02-08
WOODSTOCK. gtRalNIA.
FRIDAY. FEBRUARY s. 1924.
A Sound Basis For Meeting
The Deficit


The special subcommittee ap-
pointed 10 provide a plan for
meeting the states deficit oil
approximately $l.750,000 has re-
ported a plan which we believe
presents a general basis for So
luton of the question.
The committee first provides
tor the elimination of the deficit.
including lapses of appropria-
tons. of ST.. 400, 900 for the next
two years.
Among the reductions in ap
preparations is the amount OF
$3.50. 600 for the road fund. This
will not result in loss of road
money, however, for the reduction
is offset by the recommends
tien that the tax OH Ia avy
trucks in excess of two tons
capacity be increased. This will
bring in about 1886. 900 in two
Years. No injustice will be done
by advancing this rate on tie
heavier trucks, for it is well
known that trucks of more than
two tons do excessive damage to
the roads. The rates Iecommend-
ed will bring Virginia more in
line with other states; i'll fact
the schedule recommended for
heavy trucks is considerable less
than that of North Carolina and
some other states.
The committee further recon-
mends that the gasoline tax
exemption be repealed on account
of the great abuse of this pro
vision of the gasoline tax law, as
pointed out by the secretary of
the commonwealth. This change,
it is estimated, will bring in $50,
600 more for the state highway
system and $40, 900 additional
for the feeder roads in Two years.
The committee recommends
that the frills in the school sys,
tenn be curtailed TO the extent Of
$50 600 for physical education IN
the schools which is available TO
O lily a few schools of the state.
and $4,000 for certain features
of griculturai high school work.
The general school fund, it
should be noted. is not disturbed
1t is also recommended that
fourteen bureau and agencies re-
ceiving state funds be elimina ted,
with a reduction in several other
appropriations.
Acting upon the reeommen-
dation of Auditor Moore, for the
purpose of securing additional
revenue, the committee recon-
mends that the rate on bonds
and notes be increased from SIS
cents to rs cents. This is based
on sound logic. Two years ago
the rate of $1.t0 was reduced to
IS cents on the supposition that
the low rate would induce hold.
ers of bonds and notes to report
for assessment great deal of
this class property that has been
hitherto concealed. The result.
however. has been disappointing,
and experience shows that the
owner of bond or note is no
more honest when the rate is SIS |
cents than when it is $1.1O. The
change in the law two years agoI
resulted in a loss of $1,000 600 to |
the state, and it is therefore,
only fair that this class OF |
property should bear substan-I
tial part of the deficit.
The increase of ST. on maria ge |
licenses recommended is not ob-
iectionable, and this will bring
in a revenue of $500 !
The committees report con
tains sound plan for the elimi-
nation of the deficit in the two
year period. and places the affairs
Of Virginia on a sound business
basis.
The Virginia taxpayers are de-
handing that the appropriations
be made within the revenues of
he state. The sentiment among
members of the General Assemb-::
j appears to be virtually un-
.uimous that the existing deficit
,e duly recognized in the
appropriation bill, and that ade-
,uate provision be made for its
rement.-Winciester Star.
Hon. Nehemiah Kelley, member of !
be Virginia House Of Delegates from
County was Woodstock