davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Detroit evening times. (Detroit, Mich) 1921-1958, 1941-01-03
UNJUST ALLOCATION

Experience of the last two years
has proved that the formula now
used for distributing this type of
state aid is cruelty unjust.
This formula specifies that Is
per cent of the funds shall be dis
tributed 10 the counties on the
basis of population and > per
cent on the basis Of need Monthly
expenditures by the counties are
Detroit evening times. (Detroit, Mich) 1921-1958, 1941-01-03
LABOR

A major problem of state gov
eminent is the need for adequate
Legislation to protect the rights of
those who toll on farms and in our
industrial plants.
Progressive government must
recognize the right of labor to or
game. to strike and to bargain
With these funda-
mental rights of labor there can
be no compromise and as labor
itself increasingly accepts and ex-
ercises greater social responsible
ity. its gains are being made more
secure.
Both industry and labor are
learning that it is profitable 10
arbitrate differences. that settle
ments mutually agreeable can be
reached around a conference table.
Detroit evening times. (Detroit, Mich) 1921-1958, 1941-01-03
DEFINITE ACTION

If that should be true. provisions
should be made for a legislative
committee to undertake this work
and report 10 the next session of
the Legislature. at which time
definite action could be taken.
l am advised ny the budget
director that certain deficiency
appropriations will he required in
order 10 continue essential state
services. These 7 do hope may be
acted upon without delay so that
hardship and suffering may be
avoided.
There is also an apparent need
for clarifying the language of Act
No. 120, Public Acts of 1887. to
determine the original intent of
the act.
The present construction Of the
act places all surplus state revenue
al the disposal of the state emer-
pencV appropriations commission.
Detroit evening times. (Detroit, Mich) 1921-1958, 1941-01-03
Wants Full School Year
With Pay for Teachers

Provision for definite state aid which will guarantee
every boy and girl full school year and every teacher
full pay.
Creation of state department of to cOordi-
nate and actually perform the tax collecting activities
Control and reduction Of cancer and of social diseases
Regulation of state highway advertising particularly
along scenic and tourist highways.
Construction of divided lane limited access highways.
Raising the standards of the Michigan Child Labor
Law.
RecOdificatiOn of existing tax laws and the existing
tumble" of school legislation.
Repeal of the act setting up the public trust commits
sion Transfer of the unfinished work of this commission
to the state banking department.
Detroit evening times. (Detroit, Mich) 1921-1958, 1941-01-03
FUNDS REQUIRED

The state council Of defense. al
ready organized will find II neces-
sary TO continue TO call upon gov
ornamental agencies. both state
and local. for assistance in carry
ing out the program recommended
by the National Defense Council
II appears that a nominal APP
preparation Will be needed to make
certain that the state council can
measure up to the requirements Of
the program.
Whatever may be required. our
state government Will give COM
plete cooperation 10 the federal
government in making our nation
safe and strong. ...z
Detroit evening times. (Detroit, Mich) 1921-1958, 1941-01-03
MEET EMERGENCIES

This act should be amended so
that only those funds specifically
appropriated by the Legislature
for the use Of the emergency APP
preparations commission are drawn
upon 10 meet emergencies.
Your attention is directed 30
Act No. 50. Public Acts Of 1888
which provided for creation Of the
public trust commission 10 deal
with certain emergency conditions
then existing.
Detroit evening times. (Detroit, Mich) 1921-1958, 1941-01-03
DISRUPTING FACTOR

After the Legislature establishes
and apprOpriateS funds necessary
10 carry on a thorough and we'll
rounded educational program. II
Is the duty OF the state govern
ment 70 adhere rigidly TO that
sum. SlaShing Of school aid after
the boards OF education have pre-
pared tho yearly budget and made
plans for The school year is Sc
riouSly diSruptIng factor IN our
educational system
Under Act No 1874. Public Acts
Of 1887, retirement fund benefits
are now available 10 public school
teachers under certain conditions.
Similar benefits should be made
available 10 non-teachng employees
and a sufficient appropriation pro-
vided 10 maintain the retirement
fund reserve at a workable level.
Acccleration- of industry reveals
a scarcity Of skilled craftsmen.
Greater emphasis in our secondary
schools on vocational training
would help fill this gap and give
many Of our young people asSur-
ance OF a sound economic footing
when school days are over. / rec
ommend that every assistance be
extended TO our public school Sys-I
tenn 10 expand the good work that\
is already being carried on by
many schools in crafts and trades.
Detroit evening times. (Detroit, Mich) 1921-1958, 1941-01-03
DEFENSE PROGRAM

Labor, industry and government
today are joining forces in a de-
termined program of national de-
Tense for the preservation of our
American democracy.
During this period of emergency.
it will be necessary for all of US to
use extraordinary precautions TO
safeguard the civil liberties of all
OF our people and the just rights
of labor.
l hereby promise that I shall
use every effort to assure these
rights to the work
ing men and women Of Michigan.
Maintenance of gains made by
labor during the past few years
and raising the standards of labor
legislation wherever found def
cient is of immediate and direct
concern TO this Legislature.
Benefits of progressive labor
legislation should be made avail
able to all Michigan workers and
not only to those who are en-
gagged in interstate commerce.
Detroit evening times. (Detroit, Mich) 1921-1958, 1941-01-03
LONG OVERDUE

The foregoing recommendations
are not intended to cover the en-
tire field of labor legislation which
this Legislature may want to con-
slider. They do embody. however
progressive measures wTich in my
judgment are long overdue IN this
state.
l trust that they may point the
way for better working and living
conditions for all working men
and women who constitute an I'M
portant part of our common
wealth.
Detroit evening times. (Detroit, Mich) 1921-1958, 1941-01-03
STATE FISCAL PROGRAM

Underlying all state govern
mental activities j. the need for
an adequate and stable financial
Detroit evening times. (Detroit, Mich) 1921-1958, 1941-01-03
COOPERATION NEEDED

All of this will require that
Michigan farmers have the clos
est cooperation and assistance
from their state department of
agriculture. the Michigan State
College and its extension service.
II shall be the aim of this adj
to cooperate with the
state farm bureau, the Michigan
State Grange, and the Michigan
Detroit evening times. (Detroit, Mich) 1921-1958, 1941-01-03
Following is the message
of Gov. Murray D. Van Wsg-
oner 70 The LesiSIature:

The people OF Michigan At the
recent general election called on
both major political parties TO
share in the responsibilities OF
state government during the next
two years.
They elected a Republican ma
jority 10 both houses Of the state
legislature. The office Of Ch'ei
executive was placed in the hands
of the Democratic Party, while
other state offices were divided
among members of both parties.
Clearly. then. the mandate Of
the people was that responsible
men Of both parties should JOIN
to cope with difficult problems Of
state government that lie ahead.
While il can be expected during
the course Of our work that dill
ferences of opinion VIII arise, they
will be. ] am certain, differences
in methods Of approach and not
differences in the ultimate oblec-
tive. For ! have deep and abld-
ing conviction that all OF us IN
public office have a single motive
and that motive is 10 give Mich
iean the best state government
within our ability and power.
Detroit evening times. (Detroit, Mich) 1921-1958, 1941-01-03
WASTEFUL PRACTICES

In the administration of the
social welfare program wasteful
practices prevail particularly in
direct relief. In one county adj
ministrative costs were II per cent
of the total budget. This should
not be tolerated.
Many counties find it profitable
to merge the functions of old age
assistance and direct relief boards.
Others find that appreciable saw
ings can be made by restricting
functions of the social welfare
boards to policy-making only. and
employing a full-time director to
administer relief.
If such progressive and'business-
like steps are taken. persons in
need will not be subjected TO un-
necessary hardships and taxpayers
will be assured of full value for
money expended
Detroit evening times. (Detroit, Mich) 1921-1958, 1941-01-03
FAIR HEARING

In my opinion, the existing leg
islation pertaining TO the issuance
of temporary restraining orders
should be amended by this LegiS-
lature TO guarantee both parties
10 a controversy the right of a
fair judicial hearing before the is
suance of court injunctions.
The experience of other states
with such. procedure indicates
its desirabillty for Michigan.
AS part of our legislative. pro-
gram for labor. | want TO stress
the need for raising the present
standards OF the Michigan Child
Labor Law. More specifically. the
existing Legal age limit and the
restrictions pertaining 10 hours
of labor in Michigan should be
raised TO conform more closely TO
the standards of the more pro-
gTeSSiye states of our Union.
Detroit evening times. (Detroit, Mich) 1921-1958, 1941-01-03
4 VOLUNTARY ACT

The State Labor Mediation Act
should be amended. retaining its
feature as a voluntary mediation
act but eliminating those provi-
sions which make it mandatory.
A Wages and Hours Act adapted
to Michigan conditions should be
made available to all Michigan
workers, and not only to those now
employed by industries engaged in
interstate commerce.
This legislation should not lower
existing minimum standards in
Michigan and should take into con-
sideration certain seasonal indus
tries which present a distinct
problem in this state.
There appears TO be sufficient
justification for extending bene-
fits Of the Unemployment Compen-
sation Act TO workers in smaller
Detroit evening times. (Detroit, Mich) 1921-1958, 1941-01-03
END DUPLICATION

In the closing months of the
last decade we have had an oppor-
tunity to survey and weigh changes
in our governmental machinery, to
see the wisdom of discarding some
functions and operations and Of re-
tanning others and to prepare for a
consolidation of gains.
Now, as we enter a new decade,
we should thoroughly establish a
safe footing on which TO move for
ward.
l urge this Sixty-first Legisla-
ture TO review legislation dealing
with related state problems for
the purpose of ironing out con-
fiicts and eliminating duplication
in existing statutes. This should
result in a solid legislative foun-
dalton geared TO present day
needs.
Detroit evening times. (Detroit, Mich) 1921-1958, 1941-01-03
CANCER CONTROL

This scourge of humanity can be
curbed, and. to that end, the state
should officially give attention to
program of cancer control
through cooperation with the
medical profession and such civic
organizations as the Women'S Field
Army.
Concentrated effort toward the
control and reduction of social dis
eases should also be included in
the public health program. Funds
should be made available in this
and other public health fields that
would permit Michigan TO match
available federal grants-in-aid.
Preventive medicine is of funda-
mental Importance in any public
health program by serving to cut
down future public health costs.
FUNDS FOR SCIENCE
The basis of any worthwhile
preventive medical program is
found in the laboratories of the
scientist.
Adequate appropriations should
be made to continue state labora-
tory facilities on the present basis
andtpermit their expansion as new
procedures are developed and
prove their worth in saving lives.
Detroit evening times. (Detroit, Mich) 1921-1958, 1941-01-03
AGRICULTURE

Michigan with some 200 900
farms is proud to claim agricul-
ture as its third largest industry
The economic and social well-be-
ing of the people living on these
farms is important 10 all OF US
Increased agricultural income Of
S10l 100000 and the clectrification
of an additional $4,000 farms dur
ing the last-few years have helped
UNNECESSARILY in raising standards
of living we still have long
way to 60. State government
should give every possible en-
enlargement 10 continue this pro-
gram for better living conditions
on Michigan farms.
Some farm products, such as
celery, cherries and mint. are now
recognized throughout the nation
but many more could become
equally we'll known and more
profitable to the growers with
proper uniform grading. promotion
and advertising. Special attention
also should be given to the many
problems of livestock producers.
Detroit evening times. (Detroit, Mich) 1921-1958, 1941-01-03
PLEDGES FAIR PLAY

I give you my pledge that your
governor will make every effort TO
lead the way in teamwork and fair
play. And 1 have every confidence
that you will meet me half way IN
this effort to bring to the people
of Michigan the kind of state gov
eminent they have a right to ex-
pect. 40
1t has been emphasized before
that quality. and not quantity,
should be the measure of sound
legislative program. That criterion
is more important today than ever
before.
A decade has just closed in
which Michigan has grown so that
today our state government has
nearly half a million more people
to serve than in 1880. In that con-
nection Michigan is entitled TO ad-
ditional representation IN the
Congress.
The past decade has been a
period of readjustment. These 10
years demanded emergency legis-
lauon, some of which was intended
to be of a temporary character.
Detroit evening times. (Detroit, Mich) 1921-1958, 1941-01-03
UNBELIEVABLE NEGLECT

These institutions present a pic
turc o. unbelievable neglect which
must not be permitted 10 continue.
y fire IN maHyef these structures
might result IN a tragedy never
10 be forgotten in Michigan. We
cannot d,l lay longer needed appro-
priations 10 place these institute
tons on a standard of human de.
cency and safe.
Through the yeas school laws
have become more and more COM
pick Old statutes have been'
amended and patched up time
after time to keep pace with
changing conditions. Today many
of our statutes pertaining TO our
public school system are obsolete
and confusing to the educators
themselves
| recommend a recodification n
this tumble of school legislation.
so that Michigan will have a mod.
ern public school code IN step with
present day requirements, and on
Continued on Page Thirteen)
Detroit evening times. (Detroit, Mich) 1921-1958, 1941-01-03
IMPROVE PRICE. POSITION

II has been demonstrated that
uniform grades and standards APP
piled to farm commodities appre-
Gladly improve the market posi-
ton and price of the commodities.
Considerable progress was made at
one time with Michigan potatoes.
beans. and other commodities in
building up out-of-State accep-
lance Of Michigan graded produce.
Out-of-state sale is one of the best
forms of advertising Michigan
products
This policy should be extended
to all important farm products in
which the farmers themselves are
interested. A vigorous. long-range
program of this kind would bring
far-reaching benefits to our state.
We should encourage an ag-
gressive program of promotion and
advertising TO raise to their proper
place in state and national mar
kets Michigan apples, potatoes.
beans, sugar, grapes and all other
leading croDS.
Detroit evening times. (Detroit, Mich) 1921-1958, 1941-01-03
SHOULD AMEND ACT

I have in mind Act. No. 301,
Public Acts of 1899, which vio-
lates every principle of ability to
pay. 1t should be amended with
out delay, making present day val
ues a basis for taxation and not
face, par or contributed values.
The administration of our tax
laws is distributed at the present
time among numerous Independent
authorities. All are under scant
public supervision and each oper-
ates according to its own fire.
quently changing policy.
Michigan's principal tax need
today is the coordination of vari-
Gus tax laws into a single compre-
hensive revenue system.
For this purpose a state COM
mission on reorganization of state
finance, consisting of members of
both houses of the Legislature.
carried on a program of study and
research during the past few
months.
Detroit evening times. (Detroit, Mich) 1921-1958, 1941-01-03
MUST COOPERATE

The results OF the election pre-
sent both a challenge and an op-
portunity that will test each one OF
us. The people of Michigan expect
us 10 use teamwork, 10 cooperate,
TO strive together for the COM
mon good. A sound and progress
sive government for Michigan the
next two years can rise only from
the solid foundation of such CO.
operative effort.
This means that you and / must
first of all recognize (as a COM
mon objective) good government
for Michigan.
This will demand that we forget
selfish or personal motives; that
we display al all times willing
ness to arbitrate, to conciliate,
TO give and take, in order that we
may always pull together for bet
ter government and more service
TO more people at the least pos
sible expense.
Detroit evening times. (Detroit, Mich) 1921-1958, 1941-01-03
L. or VI. RECOGNITION

Institutions Of higher learning,
which furnish equal opportunity
for advanced education 10 both
the rich and the poor. are funda-
mental to our democratic form Of
government For in these colleges
and universities the arts and SCI
cnccS are advanced and opportu-
mites are presented for profess
Slonal development. Michigan
prices herself on the position of
eminence in the field of learning
that our universities and colleges
hold
Full recognition should be given
10. the financial requirements of
the University of Michigan. the
Michigan State College. The Michi-
gan College of Mining and Tech
nology and the State Normal
Colleges. They are all fine institu-
tions. worthy Of every encourage
ment the state government can
give them.
MichiganS schools for the
handicapped and institutions for
juvenile dehnquentS. five in num-
Der. have crowded IN them ap-
proXimately 800 persons. most Of
them minors.
Detroit evening times. (Detroit, Mich) 1921-1958, 1941-01-03
NEEDS CHANGES

Our Workmen's Compensation
Act has undergone many revisions
since its adoption in 1912. l be-
lieEe it is fundamentally sound to-
day but it does need further
changes to meet modern indus
trial conditions and economic re-
quirements.
Specifically, these is need to ex-
tend the scope of the act to take
in all classes of injuries and in
creasing both the weekly and the
specific loss benefits. Administra-
ton of the act leaves a great deal
TO be desired and steps should be
taken to correct existing evils.
To give all workers the protec-
ton they are entitled to under
modern trying and often hazard
Gus industrial conditions. | recon-
mend that the scope of the 1887
occupational disease law be eX-
tended,
Detroit evening times. (Detroit, Mich) 1921-1958, 1941-01-03

to accumulate beyond any justifia-
BILE limits.
There is no justice in situation
where old age assistance is pro-
vided for 10000 persons. while
another 10000 persons equally en-
titled TO assistance under the law
are barred from this form OF help.
Unsound economy is inherent in
this arrangement. At least 5000
applicants for old age assistance
are on direct relief rolls and con-
sequently are being cared for
entirely by state and local funds.
Detroit evening times. (Detroit, Mich) 1921-1958, 1941-01-03
LIQUIDATE DEFICIT

a program for liquidation of
the present state deficit. without
an increase in the present tax
burden, requires Improvement in
tax collecting operations of the
state government and the setting
OF a ceiling on state expenditures,
based on operating experience of
the past few years.
1t is my Judgment. based on a
study of estimated revenues for
the next biennlum, that a pro-
vision can be made in the next
budget To retire annually at least
> per cent of the existing deficit
without curtailfng essential state
services.
recognize this as a difficult
objective. 1t can be attained
through concerted action of all
state departments in curtailing
unnecessary expenditures and a
continued improvement in the
economic structure of our state.
Detroit evening times. (Detroit, Mich) 1921-1958, 1941-01-03
SUBSTANTIAL SAVING

BY transferring these 5000 per-
sons from direct relief to old age
assistance rolls and thus taking
advantage of federal aid there
would be substantial saving to
the state and better assistance for
those in need.
This backlog of applications for
old age assistance. aid to depend
ent children and aid to the blind
should be certified and placed on
the rolls just as quickly as eff
cient administrative machinery
and necessary appropriations will
permit.
While I am not overlooking the
additional demands on state rev.
enues, l am convinced that i'm
provement in business conditions
and in tax collecting operations
of the state government will per-
nit the carrying out of such a
program.
Detroit evening times. (Detroit, Mich) 1921-1958, 1941-01-03
IS PER CENT INCREASE

There is a sound basis to believe
that state general fund revenues
for the next fiscal year can be in
creased by at least Is per cent
through a tightening up of tax
collection machinery and through
Improvements in general business
conditions.
My study of state governmental
budgets for the past several adj
ministrations indicates. that an APP
preciable saving can be made by
adjusting existing personnel to the
actual needs of the different de-
partments.
A comprehensive and thorough
scrutiny of existing tax laws and
their administration is needed.
Tax laws which impose a severe
tax burden on one group of citi-
zens while making it possible for
another group TO escape taxation
entirely are unjust.
Detroit evening times. (Detroit, Mich) 1921-1958, 1941-01-03

industries employing fewer than
eight persons. the present min
imum.
INCREASE BENEFITS
Likewise, maximum benefits pay
able under the act should be
increased as dictated by the oper-
ating experience of the last few
years.
l am advised that unemployed
workers frequently are forced to
wait as long as five weeks for
their unemployment compensation
checks. We can all agree that this
delay must cause hardship. bitter
ness and suffering. BY improving
administrative efficiency, and by
taking other steps if necessary,
this waiting period should be
reduced.
Detroit evening times. (Detroit, Mich) 1921-1958, 1941-01-03
DROP $4,000 CASES

In the last year. the direct re-
lief load has been cut by more
than $4,000 cases. as persons have
returned to private employment.
We are hopeful that this down.
ward trend in the case load will
continue.
However, Investigations by the
state social welfare commission
reveal that approximately 10000
persons may be permanently un-
employable owing to advanced
age. i'll health or other reasons.
The state and local govern
mental units match funds to carry
on this form of relief. l urge this
Legislature 10 follow recommends
tions of the state social welfare
commission in providing necessary
funds TO prevent impairment OF
standards of decency. morals and
health
Detroit evening times. (Detroit, Mich) 1921-1958, 1941-01-03

Continued on Page Thirteen)