The Waterbury Democrat., 1939-05-23

Oppose Liquor Tax
 The conference also opposes in creases in liquor, cigarette and amusement taxes, and tolls on high ways and bridges, claiming that the burden of such taxes will fall most heavily "on the masses of the people,.
 A public statement was issued by the conference today through David Hedley, executive secretary.
 The statement of the Connecticut Conference on Social and Labor Leg isaltion follows:
 The statements mad by Governor Baldwin over the radio May IS climaxed whole series of speeches, press releases and other indications that the entire program of Social Legislation which the people of our state have won in past years, to- gether with the program they hoped to see enacted this term, is most gravely threatened. Only the de- termined action of the people them selves can prevent these threats from going through.
 What did Governor Baldwin actu- ally propose? He placed before the state this alternative. Either, cut down our social services, or intro duce new taxes. We all know already where Governor Baldwin himself stands on this choice. He has himself told us in his execu- tive budget that he would cut serv- ices to the bone.
 But the citizens of Connecticut have shown that they are opposed to these cuts. In hearings on Edu- cation, on the highways, on Unem- ployment, and Workmen's Compen- sation and Old Age Assistance, they have sent their spokesmen by hun dreds and even by thousands to urge the enactment of more liberal laws in these respects. The people reject Governor Baldwin'S first alterna- tive.
 The Connecticut Conference on Social and Labor Legislation has no hesitation in expressing its agree ment that the budget should be balanced. We recognize that to do this more money will have to be raised. But not by the kind of taxes which are being prominently men, tioned in the press. But not by the kind of taxes which are being prom inently mentioned in the press, toll on roads and bridges, heavier taxes on gasoline, liquor, or amusements. These would all be taxes that would fall most heavily on the masses of the people, and the masses cannot afford to pay them. What is needed is a State Income Tax, levied on those with over $2,500 a year, and graduated to fall more heavily on the more wealthy. Such a tax can easily raise $5,000,00 and will fall upon those most able to pay, the recipients of rents, dividends, inter- est, and royalties. who according to Commerce Department figures col lected $318,0o0,O00 in Connecticut in 1887.
 Such tax would be progressive. It would come from those who can afford to pay; it would balance our budget and save our social services. We may well ask why did Governor Baldwin not come out for such a tax? Can he deny that it would be the most equitable tax that could be levied? This is the solution that the people want.
 Every organization, every indi- vidual that desires more and not less social legislation for Connecti- cut should write at once to their local state senator and representa- tive, to Senator Wheeler of the Ap- propriations Committee, and to Gov- ernor Baldwin, urging that the state retain and expand its social serv- ices and balance its budget in 'enacting graduated state income tax.
 If possible, arrange to send a delegation to join with the repre- sentatives of many other groups who will meet in the Old Senate Cham Der at the State Capitol, Hartford, Il a. m., Wednesday, May 24th, to discuss these problems at a short meeting and then to speak with leg islative leaders and give them our