Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1925-03-20
Urges Act to Fix
State Contingent
Fund to 100000

The advisability Of passing the act
establishing a State contingent limit
ed to the amount Of $500 600 and Gre
ating a surplus revenue account, was
discussed before the committee an ap-
preparations and financial affairs of
the Legislature at the hearing held
Thursday afternoon by William s. Lin
nell Of Portland, member of the gov
ernor's council
Mr.. Linnell pointed out that there
would be danger in a bill that provid-
ed for straight repeal Of the contin-
gent fund for that would leave no
provision for emergencies. He de-
clared that under the law as 1t Is to-
day the contingent fund grew ire
mendously, but under the proposed law
it will be limited so that not more
than 100000 can be expended in any
one year. and any amount of unex-
pended appropriations for departments
over the sum Of 100000 would go
into the surplus revenue account.
Questioned by Senator Wadsworth
Of Kennebec, chairman Of the commit
tee. why this surplus should 90 into
separate account rather than into the
general treasury fund, Councillor Lin
nell said that If put with the general
funds IL would be lost sight of,
whereas if put in separate fund IT
could he scrutiniZed by the next ses-
sions Of the Legislature and each
Legislature would know what 1t had
to start with.
Councillor Linnell also spoke in be-
half Of the act amending the act re-
lating to worlimens compensation and
defining "employe" The act provides
that in the first instance the contin-
gent fund shall be reimbursed to the
amount Of payment to State en-
ploye for wor.men's compensation
charging the same to the appropria-
tion for the maintenance Of the de-
partment or institution in which the
person receiving such payment Is en-
ployed and crediting such amount
again to the contingent fund.
That the State has been loose In the
system of paying compensation was
the argument advanced by Councillor
Linnell in support Of the measure. He
said that there is little system to see
II a man receiving compensation has
got on his feet again and under the
present arrangement not cent Is
charged against the department. 1t
all comes out of the contingent fund.
at seems as If It should be charged
to the departments" said Mr.. Lin
nell. ut is our suggestion for the
contingent fund to take care OF the
claims and to have the amounts
charged back to the departments.
Mr.. Iinnell suggested an amendment
bv which such claims should not De
maid from the contingent fund but that
q separate fund be established for the
payment Of such compensation ~hlch
ranges from $4,000 to $4,000 year.
Regarding Soldiers Bonus Act
State Auditor F. D. Hayford appear
ed in support OF the act providing
that any surplus left from the sale or
soldiers bonus bonds not needed 10
nav such bonus claims may he trans
ferred to a special fund created TO re-
tire such bonds.
Auditor Hayford said that there IS
now to the credit Of the soldiers DO
nua bonds $4,000, representing the
remaining balance Of the $S.ooo'ooo
bond issue. 1t IS estimated that 800
more claims may have to be paid OF
a total amount Of 100000. Thus with
the amount remaining in the account
IL will be necessary to appropriate
1885, 900 to take care Of these claims
instead of appropriating 100000. so
that s115,ooO can 60 into the retire.
ment account.
Mr. Hayford said that there are
now s2,400,0G0 Of these bonds out
standing and the bond Issue VIII pc
out of the way in period OF 10 years