The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1933-01-18
ALABAMANS IN
DRIVE TO CUT
STATES COSTS
Citizens for Committee of
500 to Help Solve
Fiscal Ills.
BY CHARLES EDMUNDSON
Times STAFF Writer

BIRMINGHAM. Ala. Jan. 18.-
Representative citizens throughout
Alabama, aroused at the apparent
inability of Governor B. M. Miller's
administration TO balance the state
budget and support public educa-
ton under present strained condi-
lions, have formed a committee of
500 to evolve a program to solve
the states fiscal ills.
This committe, which within a
month has assumed a recognized
position of influence throughout the
state, had its inception in a small
group of younger business men of
Birmingham.
Last fall, this group formed a club
to study the states affairs. with a
view to working out an integrated
tax program, and laying plans for
the future industrial and agricul-
tural development Of the state.
Soon they saw a field for imme-
date usefulness. Influential busi-
ness forces. controlling a large
block of votes in the legislature.
hopelessly were deadlocked with
Governor Miller over financial poll
cies.
Organize Leading Citizens
The most pressing problem was
the funding of the states floating
debt, estimated at between $4,000
600 and $20,OOOOOO. A special ses-
sion of the legislature last sum-
mer submitted to the people a debt
funding bond issue of $4,000 900,
but it was opposed by business in
terestS. and overwhelming was lost.
Similarly an income tax amend
ment which failed to Stipulate
limit was defeated in a referendum.
The business group cOntended that
rates in excess of per cent would
mean industrial suicide for the
state, and that it was unsound in
that no constitutional limit was
provided to prevent an increase in
the rates by future legislatures.
The group of young men there
upon decided to organize leading
citizens throughout the state. with
the idea of proceeding on fair and
earnest basis that would minimize
opposition to the program agreed
on.
No difficult was experienced in
getting outstanding business, in
dustrial and legal figures to serve.
Benjamin Russell, textile manu-
facturer Of Alexander City, was
chosen chairman of the committee.
Detectives Were Announced.
The following detectives were an
nounced:
l. A fund for funding and paying
outstanding warrants (the floating
debit.
2. A report on the desirability of
suSpending new highway conStruc-
ton in the interest of operating the
schools, one-SiXth of which are
closed on account of insufficient
funds.
3. A comparison of reductions in
salaries and other expenses of the
state with those taken in the
average private business.
4. Determination of the desira-
bility of recapturing l cent of the
Scent state gasoline levy from the
county governments and using it
to keep the schools open.
5. A report on the possibility of
lowering the high per capital con-
vict cost.
6. A decision as to the most
available form of additional taxa
ton, in event the investigation
should prove economy alone to be
insufficient to balance the budget.
Special Session Called
Since the committee began work,
Governor Miller has called another
special session of the legislature to
meet Jan. 81 Indications are that
the administration and business
leaders will be able to get to-
gether on bond or interest-bear-
ing warrant issue, which will prob
ably be about $3,0OOOO0 less than
the one previously submitted
Chances also appear good for
agreement on a moderate income
tax, with a limit written into the
constitutional amendment
At the last special session Of
the legislature, economy measures
totaling more than 100000 were
put into effect, but further econo-
mics will be considered at the
coming session.