Evening star., 1948-10-21
Budget
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Duu9eC
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more nearly reflect extraordinary
costs of our local government at
tributable to expenses incident to
the opration of our National Capital.
"ft should be noted that while the
Federal payment has been increased
slightly in recent years, the per-
centage relationship between it and
District of Columbia revenues Is
now In danger Of shrinking"
Before the first witness was called,
Commissioner Young assured the
assemblage that there would be no
effort to reach any final conclucsion
on department heads request until
after you have made your wishes
known"
Rufus s. Lusk, president Of the
Washington Taxpayers Association,
suggested a three-point method Of
balancing the budget in the face of
the huge deficit that is evident" "
Lush Would Slash Estimates.
He called for a drastic slash In
department heads estimates; an in
crease of as much as 81 in the real
and personal property taxes here,
and imposition of a sales tax.
Charging that District employees
were unfairly Disseminated against
in not receiving the $3.50 annual pay
raise granted other Federal en-
ployes, Mr.. Lusk declared this has
already affected the administration
Of the city government. Advocating
strict economy in the 1850 budget,
Mr.. Lusk urged the Commissioners
to ask two questions Of witnesses
who seek bigger appropriations in
the Districts already "hopelessly out
of balance" 1850 budget. His ques-
tions were, Where is the money
coming from and do you favor q
sales tax?"
Mr.. Lusk listed seven ways in
which the District might save
money: - .~'-,,'s
That cost Of operating the National
Geological Park be assumed by the
Federal Government, saving the Dis
trict $500, 900 annually; that the
Federal Government assume opera
tion and maintenance of the Ma
'tional Capital Parks, estimated saw
ings, up to $1,700,000; the Federal
Government should maintain the
District National Guard, estimated
savings, 100000 to 100000 an
nually; the Federal Government
should assume some portion Of the
maintenance of st. Elizabeths Hos
pital, estimated savings, $3,7o0, 900.
Retirement Fund Saving.
Police and firemen's retirement
funds should be put on a sound ac-
turial basis. with the uniformed
forces required to pay at least 6 per
cent of their salary into the relief
fund, estimated savings, $1,350, 900
annually; residents requirements for
on District relief rolls
should be made longer and stricter
to keep nonresidents of the list, esti-
mated savings, $1,354,000, annually,
and part of the Police Departments
scout and cruiser cars should be op-
Grated by one man instead OF two
at certain times under certain condi- |
tions, estimated savings, $685., 900 an
nually.
Mr.. Lusk also recommended dis
missal Of useless employees to effect
savings.
Opposition to a sales tax was
voiced by Ernest F. Harper, speak
ing for the Federation Of Civic
He told the Com
his group recognized the
need for increased funds, but struck
at the sales tax plan as one affect
ing all" residents without regard
to their financial ability.
He urged that the Federal share
of District costs be increased.
Mr.. Harper also protested that
large sums were spent for develop
ments and services in far Northwest
areas which he said were not as
thickly populated as other Sec
tions. He urged the development
of a new arterial highway into
washington.
Citizens Council Proposed.
Mrs. Monroe Burk of the Vote
less D. C. League Of Women Voters
suggested the Commissioners ap-
point a Citizens Co-ordinating
Council, representative of public
opinion in the District, to coordinate
a city-wide study of the tax and
budget needs of the District. She
said the conclusions reached by this
committee would give Congress the
synthesis of the opinion of Wash
ington citizens.
Mrs. Burk declared 1--WE have a |
feeling of futility at these hearings.
We are fully aware of and sympa-
thetic with the Commissioners po-
sition, but we would rather bring |
our needs to Congress since 1t is
there the responsibility for the
Nations, Capitals undignified con-
ditior1 with respect to revenue lies /"