The people's voice. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1939-1969, 1948-12-24
Conf
1Cont;nued from Page One)


tax proposals included: Cd revision
of state income tax by extending
rates and tapping higher net in
comes, leaving present exemptions
as they are; % increase rates on
state inheritance, 60 increase rates
on corporation license taxes.
Farm Legislation
The conference went on record as
opposing the removal of farmer tax
exemptions on gasoline used in non
highway operations; for more effec-
tive grazing districts administration I;
and for legislation providing the
means to obtain a greatly expanded
farm-to-market roads program.
Labor and Veterans
Improvements are drastically
needed in the workmen's compensa-
ton laws, including shortening of
the waiting period and increasing
benefit payments for disabled work
ers in line with the high cost of
living, was the unanimous sentiment
of all assembled. Likewise, approx
al was given for legislation that
would increase benefits and broaden
coverage under state unemployment
compensation laws. Other labor
proposals included the setting of a
separate State Department of Labor;
about opposition to any little ''Taft-
Hartley" law proposals, and resist
ance to all attempts to reduce en-
ployers' rate of tax for unemploy-
ment compensation.
Included for veterans on the state
legislative level was approval of the
requested appropriation of 100000
for the Veterans Welfare Commits
sion.
Following reading and discus
sion of the old age pension bill being
sponsored by the Montana Old Age
Pension association, delegates also
promised their best efforts to aid in
securing its enactment.
Memorials To Congress
Requests that the legislature ap-
prove memorials to congress were
for the, following:
1. Establishment of MVA, eva,
st. Lawrence Seaway, and other reg
ional authority legislation.
2. Passage of a nationwide pre-
paid health insurance plan.
3. Passage of low-cost housing
for American veterans,
similar to the Taft-Ellender-W Wagner
dill.
4. Increase personal income tax
exemptions in federal income tax
avs.
Officers Elected
Chef Kinsey, Great Falls smelter
worker, was reelected chairman of
he conference; Ilert Hellebust, Mon
ana Farmers Union, Havre, vice
chairman; Harry L. Billings, editor
# The Peoples Voice, secretary i
treasurer. Board members are: II
William Trudeau, Brotherhood Rail II
way Trainmen, Havre; Ashley Hol-
ey, Mine-Mill CLIO, Great Falls, and
Emmett Edgar, Butte Building II
7rades. II
AS in 1947 when the conference II
unctioned so effectively in keeping II
approximately 400 AFL, CLIO, MFU, H
all brotherhood locals and VFW l.
hapters, informed by weekly and Il
news letters on legisla- II
i've affairs, again in 1949 it will II
tempt to be clearing house" for H
copies legislation. 1t is antici- II
ated that, as in 1947, lobbyists from II
arious organizations and many leg H
;lators will work in the committee II
} secure a better picture of legis- II
ltive proposals, and also to draft II
roposals for consideration by the H
1st Assembly. H
For those organizations desiring H
lore information about the confer H
nee, or wishing to be placed on the
falling list for legislative informa- H
on, it is suggested that letter or II
card be written to Secretary HI
reasurer Harry L. Billings, Box III
80, Helena, Montana Contribu- HI
ons to help carry on the dissemina- III
on of information activities of the HI
ommittee may also be mailed to the HI
,cretary- treasurer. HI