Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1925-03-19

The cutting out OF large part of
proposed new building projects was
voluntarily agreed to by heads of COM
mittees who met Wednesday evening
with the appropriations and financial
affairs committee of the Legislature.
A striking example of such cut was
the original proposal of s250,0O0 for
new buildings for the State Reform
atory for Men at South Windham,
which by new plan worked out by
the trustees has been reduced to $751;
600.
THE question of economy should be
governed by money available" de-
clared Governor Brewster, who was
invited to address the conference by
Senator Wadsworth of Kennebec,
chairman Of the appropriations COM
mittee.
The governor declared that the
State should adopt the same policy
Of economy that had been carried out
by President Coolidge and had result
ed in the reductions in expense which
had been explained by General Lord
on his recent visit here.
A reduction of 100000 in the rail-
road tax whether new plan of taxa
ton was adopted or not, and a $780,
600 deficiency, made the State $780,
600 in the hole" said the governor, "a
serious situation which requires cut
ting corners pretty close.
Economy is made necessary both
by the condition of the treasury and
the attitude of the popular mind which
makes necessary a return to pretty
frugal living" the governor declared
He spoke of plans which would reduce
the overhead in the executive DEPART
ment 1900 and in the education de-
partment $4,000.
Present Tax Rate Can Be Maintained
The present tax rate can be main
tanned if no new construction pro-
gram is maintained. Reasonable
provision can be made for all of the
needs of the State departments and
institutions which are commonly
cared for, together with appropria-
tions for the University of Maine and
the academies which are usually
made, without increasing the tax
rate. Embracing upon any program
of new construction for the inStltu-
tions will raise the tax rate to APP
proximateIy eight mills, instead OF
the present 6 Sd mills. Those points
were brought out at the committee
conference.
Chairman WadswOrth Explains
Matter
1t was explained by Senator
Wadsworth of Kennebec, the chair
man of the appropriations commit
tee, that existing departments and
institutions of the State could be
maintained at their present stand
ards, the tax rate kept at its present
level and the existing deficiency
made. Any new construction pro-
gram will involve an increase in the
State tax of approximately 70 per
cent.
It was pointed out that there were
undoubtedly needs in connection
with the various institutions in the
State and that there was no need 70
question the sincerity of anyone VINO
advocated building program at TINS
time. On the other hand there was
emphasized the need felt by every
citizen Of the United States OF not
increasing the tax burden.
For 100 years, with approximately
our present population, Maine has
existed without the new construction
which is proposed, it was explained.
In addition during the past two
years very extensive development has
been carried out at various institu-
tions, both by legislative acts and
from the contingent fund, so that
the institutions were never so we'll
equipped to render efficient service
as they are today.
The Legislature, as representatives
OF the people, have the opportunity.
it was explained, to determine
whether the rate shall be kept from
increasing at this time, or whether
expansion of existing facilities by
new construction shall be carried
out In the coming year.