The Waterbury Democrat., 1941-01-29
REFORM PLANS OF GOV. HURLEY
Continued from Page D

The public utilities bill provided for periodic comprehensive auditS and valuations of each company the burden of proof on changes in rates to be upon the utilities con- cerns. The measure also provided for hearings on rates. upon petition by 50 customers of any utilities company.
 Another bill eliminated the neces- sity of approval at a second annual municipal election where any town, city or borough desired to construct, purchase or maintain gas or cleo trio plant. -
 A measure amending the work mems compensation act was pro- posed, providing for a weekly pay ment of two dollars for each minor child, or widower.
 Unemployment comp e Il a ti on changes reduced the waiting period to one week, provided for maximum weekly payments of $20 and mini- mum of six dollars, and extended the benefits to 20, instead of 16 weeks.
 Enabling legislation was sub- mitted solely to permit the forma- ton of voluntary cooperators to ex- tend rural electrifcation.
 Another bill suggested a public hearing in the town affected where any upper revision is to be made in public utilities or charges.
 Two alternate bills were offered on the appointment of states att ! torneys. One provided states at- torney be appointed in each Con- gressional district. The other sug- gested appointment of one for each county. But both measures pro- hibited these prosecutors from en- gazing in private practice or poli- tical activity.
 Still another bill increased the share of Connecticut banks from one-half to two- thirds of the cost of a state inspection. This would allow an additional inspection necessary under the governors | program"
 l A savings bank life insurance bill was proposed, with no policy to be more than $l,0OO and no person tc be issued more than 5000 from separate banks.
 A final bill provided for estab- lishment of conservation districts to prevent soil erosion and to pro- vide soil conservation.
 A administration bill or savings bank life insurance was submitted by Sen. Walter F. Bar rett, D., Bridgeport, which followed the same pattern to provide pro- lection to low-income workers.
 Rent Contract Board
 Hartford, Conn. Jan. 29-(UP- Sen. Frank R. Murphy, D., Hart ford. introduced a bill in the Leg islature today calling for crea' tion of municipal rent control au' thorities to crack down on goug' ing landlords.
 The bill. submitted in the Senate authorized any community to es' tablish an authority. composed o five members appointed by thu mayor.
 Duties Of the authority would b' to determine and fix the amount o rentals. if 1t were found that con- ditlons warranted intervention t prevent excessive charges.
 The need for an authority woult be based on two conditions
 Insufficient sanitation or Safl dwelling accommodations. and tho availability Of homes at reasona' ble rental. within the reach oI workers incomes.
 4 general or restricted inereass in rentals which could be regarded as not justified by conditions,
 The superior court would be in' hlrneled to enforce the orders 0i pr0vlelOM 0i these authorities,
 Excessive rentals were e0lnplnlieC 0f io former Coy. Baldwin last yeal after the national defence program cfefsed a shortage Co critical Co. dueifial bFAaa, Gov Hurley also wai reported sympathetic io some form 0i control,