The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1929-01-10
STATE FINANCIAL STANDING
BEST IN HISTORY, JACKSON
SAYS IN FAREWELL SPEECH
taxpayers Saved Millions
During His Regime,
Asserts Governor.
LAUDS HIGHWAY BOARD
Tax Commission Also Is
Given High Praise by
Retiring Executive.

Arousing the opening session of
the seventy sixth Indiana legisla-
ture today by advocating retention
Of the primary law, although repeal
was recommended in the G. o. P.
platform and backed by the state
chairman, Governor Ed Jackson
rendered an account of his steward
ship in the form of a hail and fare
well message.
1.-THE financial condition of the
state is the best in it's history" he
told the joint assembly in the house
Of representatives. "The state now
is operating upon the best business
basis it ever has maintained"
Directing attention to the treas
ury balance and reduction in tax
rate. he said the cut to taxpayers
amounted to more than $3,500,000
annually.
Praises Tax Board
State institution property holdings
were estimated at $232,0O0,O0O, an
annual average increase being made
under his administration of S12,-
100000, he declared.
Terming the state tax board APP
peals IAN immense benefit" he
praised the boards administration.
Il recommend" he continued,
that the budget law be extended
in its scope to include in the budget
published by township trustees an
estimate of the amount Of money
required for poor relief, and that the
present unbusiness-like method OF
drawing upon county funds for this
purpose and then the following year
making a levy to reimburse the
County, be discontinued"
He gave a detailed recital of state
highway department accomplish
ments since creation of the commits
sion in 1919.
Points to Highway Work
1.-THE highway commission has Sc
lected a state road system of 4,903
miles from a total of $4,000 miles of
public highways in the state" the
Governor pointed out.
"a total of 2,218 miles has been
paved, with various types of dustless
surfaces.
WEAK and narrow country roads
and bridges have been maintained
and built up to high standard. In
fact. Indiana is the only state in
the Union maintaining its entire
system of state highways. There is
a total of 1852 miles under active
maintenance"
Accomplishments of the year we're
cited and need for greater highway
improvements stressed. The work
would be speeded by increasing mo-
tor vehicle taxes to afford the de-
partment an additional $6,000000 a
year, he asserted, and urged such
acton be taken.
1.-THE automobile registration fees
in Indiana are unreasonab1y low"
he commended, land are not based on
any scientific principles.
Would Raise Auto Fees
"The schedule for fees should be
adjusted and raised to the average
fees collected by other states. They
should reflect more nearly the road
wear, and the width of the vehicle
should be limited
by an increase in automobile
license fees equal to the average
fees collected in other states, an
increased income would be provided
of approximately S6,OOO,0OO annually.
1.-The state highway commission
with its present organization can
handle 100000 more construction
annually without increasing its
overhead"
This program has been advocated
by the Indiana Good Roads ASSocia-
ton.
"A new schedule would not be eff
fective until Jan. l, $780," he said.
ITO provide for larger program in