Askov American. [volume] (Askov, Pine County, Minn.) 1914-current, 1935-12-26
LAWMAKERS
TAKE RECESS
No Social Security or Eco
nomic Legislation Yet
Passed.
Conference Committee VIII
Possibly Draft Final Old
Age Pension Bill.
BY HJALMAR PETERSEN,
Lieutenant Governor of Minnesota

Lieutenant Governor of Minnesota.
week of Dec. 16 to 2D
This weekly summary OF the special
session is written on Thursday after
noon, the thirteenth day OF the ses-
sion, and a prediction is made at this
time that no legislation looking to
the solution of the social and eco
nomic ills of Minnesota will be en-
acted prior to the Christmas recess.
1t is, however, almost impossible to
write an interesting review when
nothing of interest has developed.
host of good bills embodying needed
legislation, including tax reforms and
revenue raising measures, have been
introduced in both Houses. The lower
house is considering some OF these
bills in committee, but to date iden-
teal bills in the Senate are still in
the hands of the Rules committee.
A revised corporate excess tax bill,
a progressive measure which would
produce a return running into sew
eral millions each year. lies dormant
in committee. A special message OF
Governor Olson asked the LEGISLATURE
to urge the federal government to go
ahead with the projected purchase
of state lands in the Quetico-Superior
area in northern Minnesota. Resolu-
lions in both Houses, dealing with the
same matter, were referred to the
Rules committees.
$50 A Month Pension.
The old age pension bill approved
by the Senate Public Welfare COM
mittee provides for maximum pen
sions Of $50 a month and sets up
fund Of 100000 to pay the counties
share of the costs in counties where
tax delinquency exceeds 300. No ap-
preparation has been decided on, but
1t is estimated that the sum required
would be in the neighborhood OF
100000, not including federal aid.
The difference between the House and
Senate bills over the amount of coun-
ty participation will most likely send
the bill to conference before final
passage.
Out Of the Senate Labor committee
came the report that sponsors OF con-
flicting unemployment compensation
bills have reached an agreement on
all but three points: employe contri-
buttons, method of administration.
and whether employers of one or
more, four or more. or eight or more
persons shall be covered by the act.
The relief crisis in the three large
Of hD CO. IN NlinnoaNn1fc
Paul and Duluth, is distinctly an is
sue at this time. Representatives
from these cities have made known
their needs to the Legislature. Some
thing must be done. Relief funds are
exhausted or nearly so and all three
cities have reached their limit Of
bonded Indebtedness. A committee
composed of House and Senate mem
bers was named to go to WASHINGTON
and explain the crisis that has de-
veloped in the state since the with
drawal Of direct federal aid. The
committee will be supported in its
plea for additional funds by represen-
tatives from the cities and counties
that are seeking special aid.
NOtuIuk DCuultc ACCVmpiISuCue
The inactive attitude of the Legis-
lature at the close of three weeks is
causing no end Of criticism and even
the members are beginning to show
their irritation Senator Ruotsinoja
OF Meeker county. exasperated to the
nth degree. Thursday, just before ad-
journment, with whitening sarcasm
chided the obstructionists in the up
per house who dilly dallied away too
much time in argument over the hOl-
iday recess. The senator made his
point on the Thursday morning ses-
sion. while as a matter Of fact he
might have included in his remarks
week Of the session was drawing to
a close and nothing definite had been
accomplished.
Individually. the legislators are as
sembled here ready and willing to
sacrifice their time. without compen-
sation. in the interest of social secur-
ity and other necessary legislation
but collectively. under reactionary
leadership, supported by reactionary
majority. they are bound and gagged
and nothing so far has been accom-
plished.
Public Hearing on Tax Matters.
An interesting and instructive pub
lie hearing was conducted in the
House Chamber when Commissioner
George F.. Gage and the special rep
resentative, W. A. Anderson. Of the
Tax Commission. stressed the need
for the strengthening and supplement
ing OF existing tax laws. Mr.. Gage
explained the abuses and the tax