Askov American. [volume] (Askov, Pine County, Minn.) 1914-current, 1931-03-26
Minnesota Legislature
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for some time against this meritorious
Legislation. If there is a single farm
er in Pine county, or for that matter,
anywhere in the state who is contri-
buting one dollar to the radio cam
paign against the state income tax it
is news to the writer. (Such cam
paigns conducted over the radio are
done at no little expense). To the
contrary, I know that hosts Of my con-
stituents are much interested in hav-
ing state income tax passed for the
purpose of securing little general
property tax relief through the med
ium of this form of taxation. Those
who have plenty but are so reluctant
to let loose of their money in the way
of paying their just share of taxation
are putting up strong fight against
the income tax.
A public hearing was held in the
Senate chamber Wednesday night on
the bill that has just been introduced.
The principal speaker was Prof. H.
Rottschaefer from the law school of
the University of Minnesota, who had
much to do with the drafting of the
bill. Mr.. Rottschaefer who has made
deep study of taxation gave a very
able address. About a dozen other
speakers were heard on the merits of
the bill, this meeting being for pro-
ponents of the tax. The next meet
ing will be for the opponents Of the
bel hok mi
from both houses will thrash out the
matter in executive session and bring
out reports to their respective houses.
Will Produce About $S,0OO,OOO.
The public hearing Wednesday eve
ming was attended by people from all
parts of the state and many good
points in behalf of this legislation
which will be a benefit to the masses,
was brought out. 1t is estimated that
the state income tax which is to be
effective this year and payments to
be made in 1882, will bring in ap-
proximately eight million dollars. The
rates will range from one to five per
cent if the present bill is not amended.
Single people will be exempted $1,000
and married people $4,000 with $500
exemption for each child. If the bill
is passed and it brings in eight mil
lion dollars to the state treasury, it
will have the effect of reducing taxes
four mills. In other words, if the
total tax rate in your district is 20
mills the state income tax would
bring it down to sc mills. That is
not as great a benefit to the people
as proponents of the legislation would
like to make it but the authors deem
it wise to not make the rates very
high during the first years of its ap-
plication. The rates can always be
changed by succeeding legislatures
and gradually the general property
taxes will be shifted more and more
to the income taxpayers.
More Votes for Repeal.
1t is to be regretted that the repeal
of the Brooks-Coleman law was not
attained in this legislative session.
AS reported in last weeks column,
the Senate killed the repeal measure
by vote of 35 to 81. The Brooks
Coleman law has a history which is
not a credit to the forces that put
it over. Governor Floyd B. Olson, in
his message to the legislature de-
clared for repeal of the law so as to
bring back home rule on this ques-
tion. While there were more votes
for repeal in this session over that of
two years ago, it, however, fell short
Of passing. The repeal proponents
feel encouraged for future repeal. The
law has been the means of raising
street car fares to high rate in the
Twin Cities.
John B. Hompe of Ottertail county.
the only Civil war veteran in the Min
nesota legislature, spoke briefly on
Friday for securing the national en-
campment of the Grand Army of the
Republic for st. Paul in 1882. He
stated that this would probably be the
last encampment in the state if Sc
cured. The House voted small ap-
preparation.
Congress Has Few Roll Calls.
Congress having adjourned the state
Legislature had visits from several of
the Minnesota congressman during the
week. Besides the two other congress-
men who spoke briefly to the legis-