Askov American. [volume] (Askov, Pine County, Minn.) 1914-current, 1939-04-20
The Legislative
Session

Every two years Minnesota people
are held in suspense during the latter
months of the winter while their
legislature is in session. Business and
industry are practically on a stand
still because of the uncertainty of
what the lawmakers will do which
might affect future operations. Farm
ers and labor hold their breaths for
that long anticipated awakening in
some little way which will tend to
better their lot Then, when the ses-
sion is over and the legislators go
home to look over their achievements,
new life becomes in evidence, as in
an audience after an orator has ceased
his eloquence.
So it is with the present situation.
We have had legislative session
and its achievements were in doubt
even into the closing night-Tuesday
Even yet they are in doubt, for some
mighty questionable things have taken
place. Some doubtful compromises
have been reached, but all in all,
maybe it has been worthwhile, time
will tell
From the state government angle,
a reorganization bill was passed That
may make for more economical
government if it is used correctly.
Truly we can stand for better bust
ness management in our governmental
affairs.
Then there is the civil service for
state employees which we have heard
so much about for the past two or
three years and which is sorely
needed. A civil service bill has been
passed, but many opponents of the
bill have pointed out its weaknesses,
which are many. The fair working
of the law will have to be trusted to
the Governor AS we understand the
final form of the bill, the Governor
will need have to be remindful of
his campaign promises to make it
fair to present deserving state en-
ployes.
Election laws have been revised
which set the date of the primary
election in September instead of in
June as in the past That law might
be controversial. Some opinion has
it that it will operate more fair for
everyone and others say that it will
act in favor of the candidate with
little funds, we shall see.
The legislature appropriated $75,-
100000 and maintained the present
10-mill state tax levy. The appro-
priation represents 100000 cut
from the last appropriation, but prac-
tically all of that is at the expense
of relief. However, one redeeming
feature is that state aid appropria-
ton for schools was increased 81 $780,
900 over what it has been. That
should aid local school districts.
For agriculture the legislature
passed measures to eradicate Bangs
disease and to dispose of Rural Credit
lands. 1t passed the 10-percent
mark-up bill which includes neces-
sites of life-not so good.
For business it changed the unem-
ployment tax law to exempt en-
ployers of eight or less in cities of
less than 10000 and to lower the
rate paid by those who have good
employment records.
The tax situation for the future
as left by the legislature will see
the continuance of the Accent gas
tax until Sept. l, 1910. Also an
increase in iron ore taxes was passed.
The labor situation will be gov
erned by Labor Relations act. Labor
fought various bills before the legis-
lators and did not like the final pas
sage, but the original bill was toned
down considerably. It seems to be
designed as retaliatory measure
toward certain racketeering and ham,
pering of free use of places of en-
ployment and highways which have
been in evidence the past few years.
A bill was also passed which provides
for a six-months exemption from
garnishment after leaving relief.
For conservation nonresident fish
ing licenses were reduced from 81 to
So, which might be good for the re-
sort business but mighty unhealthy
for the fish in Minnesota lakes. 1t
passed a classification bill in regards
to the delinquent tax land problem.
Many accomplishments, but neither
YOU nor we can tell the workings
of them until time aids us. We do
know that politics will have to be
forgotten by those in charge OF the
operation of the state government II
the people as whole are to be happy
under any system of laws.