White Bluffs spokesman. [volume] (White Bluffs, Wash.) 1907-1938, 1933-03-23
OPEN SEASON ON TAXPAYERS

OPEN SEASON ON TAXPAYERS
From the varied comments now being made
about the recent session of our states legislature
it is going to be some time before we can actually
find out what happened, and how much of the leg
isatlon was good and how much not good.
During the session apparently nothing
being done in what the lobbyists and observers
thought the proper manner. Now, however, re-
ports neither definite nor 80 caustic. In one
paper we read that taxes were cut; in another
discover that the taxpayers have been called
upon to pay such exorbitant taxes. We read that
the school system is now being run economically
and efficiently; next we find that the schools are
most voracious tax-eaters. Much has been said of
the dangerous types of legislation enacted how
that sinister triumverate of s'beer, boxing and
betting" showed all other considerations to one
side; and so on. 10 say that there is very wide
difference of opinion concerning the recent legis
latlon is to put it very mildly.
Actual accomplishments of the legislature
how many dollars the taxpayers will be out, or
how these new bills will affect us as Individuals
are now almost impossible to measure but we
might look at few of the outstanding bills and
report their surface appearance:
S.H.B III. The Road Bill eliminates the road
and bridge levy of four mills and distributes more
OF the gas tax money to the county. It provides
for more complete state control of the roads of
this state, and saves the taxpyer quite bit of
money.
S.B. 1919. The Bone Power Bill permits munci-
pal power plants to reach beyond their city limits
and sell power to anyone wanting it. BY providing
for the wishes of the territory to be served, the
legislature removed few of the confscatory
phases which were most objectionable
H.B 80. This bill, by healthy tax on business
and consumers, will enable 300 schools that might
have closed to remain open, and 500 others that
might have been forced to shorten their session, to
operate full time Our solons didn't consider that
the same number of business houses might close
This bill makes the ''barefoot schoolboy'' a re-
atty.
You may be surprised, but we can now have
boxing In this state! Heretofore the law has not
permitted such exhibitions, believe it or not. The
state s proceeds from these new boxing shows will
be paid into the Old Age Pension fund.
The stigma of illegality has also been removed
from horse racing. The state controls the betting.
1t you or bank poker game for a profit of per
cent, or faro or roulette game for the same mar
gln we are committing crime The state, how
ever, backs the ponies for 10 per cent All in the
name OF law and order and the Old Age Pension.
H.B. 1853, the $10,O0000O bond issue for emer-
gency unemployment must still pass the acid test
OF the Supreme Court If the Court holds that
there is no insurrecton at the present time the
bond issue will probably be lost to the unemployed
The legislation of laws is but one phase of our
state government. Administration of these laws
IS another, and perhaps more important, phase.
10 date, Governor Martin has shown unusual
ability IN the administration of the bills passed
The boards and commissions appointed by him
represent the finest men available. His game COM
MISSION race track commission and others indi-
cate that these laws will be administered fairly
efficiently and to the welfare of the entire state
lection of Crops duction the wire worm and