Askov American. [volume] (Askov, Pine County, Minn.) 1914-current, 1940-02-15

Oh Tic ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS SO-
called county-aid roads-which re-
ceive one-third of the state gas tax
To neglect our highways is poor econ
omy.
Oil Industry Benefits.
Minnesota's outdoor paradise OF
woodlands and more than 10000
lakes, is a great attraction to vaca-
ton seekers. The tourist trade is
now one of the states foremost
sources of income. With well-main-
tanned highways, and good publicity
through the medium of tourist bu-
reau head with ability, experience
and wide acquaintanceship, such as
we had in Ed Shave, visitors to Min
nesota for rest and vacation will in
crease and make for added business
The general welfare of the state is
adversely affected by 1c reduction
in gas tax, amounting to over S., 000,-
900. 1t means less employment on
road work, inadequate highway main
tenance and no economy realized.
1t was the large oil companies who
worked for the gas tax reduction
Through their lobbyists, they argued
that the public would benefit by a
lower gas tax. Yes, they will lower
the price of gas when the tax re-
duction takes effect September 1,
1910. But, my prediction is that the
price reduction will be only tenn
porary, and that the oil companies
will be the ultimate beneficiaries
The reduction of 1c on the gas tax
will, in my opinion, result in SIS, 000,-
600 gift to the oil industry.
The price of gasoline was much
higher when there was little or nc
tax on it, and the price was lowered
when the tax was applied. Illogical
as it may seem, as the tax went up
! the price went down. Ask any oil
company that has been in business
20 years or more.
DiscOurages Home Owning.
There is considerable discussion al
present about old age assistance OF
pension, and naturally we are inter-
ested in how it affects our counties
and the state.
The Minnesota homestead lien law
actually repeats old age pension as far
as home owners are concerned. 1t is
a bad law, in that it discriminates
against such of our citizens as have
labored for a lifetime to save and
build homes. These home owning
citizens do not any longer receive
monthly pension, but, instead are
given monthly small loan, for which
they must give the state lien on their
property, to be paid after death, or the
property taken over by the state But
the old people who have no homes
still receive the monthly old age pen
sion, and neither they, nor their chill
dren have to make any repaymentS
The persons who have acquired no
property receive higher pension
than those owning their own homes
Thus, the homestead lien law is a
monthly small loan law for the home
owners, while we continue with a
pension act for those who have no
property.
This is bad legislation in that il
penalties the thrift and frugality that
has been an outstanding trait of our
pioneers and builders. The state
should never do anything which
makes homecoming less attractive
nor should it strike hardest at those
who are the least able to defend
themselves, the aged. 1t is ruthless
law, and decidedly unfair in its ap-
plication. But, this is not the only
objection to the law, although it is g
major one.
Not Good Business for State.
Fourteen states, including Mime
sofa, have mandatory lien law
today. From monies collected under
the Minnesota Lien Act, one-half goe:
back to the federal government, the
state gets one-third, and the respec.
tive county one-sixth. In other words
the "a states and the federal gov.
eminent, which have no mandator,
lien laws, are beneficiaries to the ex
tent of the money turned over to tn,
federal government from collection
on liens in Minnesota and the othe
Is states with like law.
!. Is that good business for Mime
sofa? Is it keeping money here il
the state where it belongs? Out o
every one hundred dollars collected
on liens, fifty dollars leaves the stat
and goes to help pay old age assist
ance in the "a states wise enough t
impose no such law.
. To illustrate, take our neighbo
) state of Illinois, one of the "a state
J which has no mandatory lien law
. 139, 900 persons receive old age assist