Evening star., 1948-09-26
Veterans Bonus Plans
To Appear on Ballots
lin 10 More States
BY the Asseeistsd Press


CHICAGO, Sept. 25.-Voters In
10 more States will decide in No
vember whether to clear the legal
path for State bonus payments to
veterans Of World War II.
But observers say the proposals
face uphill going in nearly halt
the States because Of strong oppo-
sition-some from the veterans Or
ganizations.
A survey showed the bonus plans
under consideration would cost more
than $750,000,000.
Bonus programs already are in
effect in Connecticut, Illinois, Mas
sachusetts, Michigan, New Hamp-
shire, New York, North Dakota
Ohio, Rhode Island and Vermont.
The new programs will be con-
sidered In South Dakota, Missouri,
Indiana, Wisconsin, Iowa, Arizona,
Oregon, Washington, Minnesota and
Nebraska.
States in which the new bonus
proposals appear to have the least
popular support are Missouri, Wis
consin, Oregon and Washington.
This is the situation by States:
South Dakota: Voters will decide
whether to authorize a maximum
$50, 10000 bond issue to finance
bonuses. The maximum payment
to veterans would be $500.
Missouri: The proposal, esti-
mated to cost $50, 900 900, would be
financed by increasing the State
sales tax from to 3 cents. Max
imum payments of $500 for domes-
tic service and $400 for overseas
veterans. Payments would not start
until the money was fully accumu-
lated. Because State Department
Of Legion and Veterans of Foreign
Wars objecting to method Of financ-
ing and delayed payment, approval
considered unlikely.
Indiana: Voters favoring pro-
gram may specify one OF four
methods Of payment-sales tax, ex-
from gross income tax for
veterans, exemption from property
tax for veterans or net income tax.
Referendum purely advisory; not
binding on legislature. State Cham
Der of Commerce estimates cost at
s143, ,00o, 900. Republican platform
pledged to abide by referendum; a;
Democrats pledged to bonus. No
organized opposition and no indica-
ton Of plans popular support
Wisconsin: Ret ferend UNI of
whether voters want 5000 100000
bonus program to be financed by
general per cent sales tax will be
to Legislature only. Politi-
cal candidates oppose sales tax plan.
In view Wisconsin imposes State
income tax, observers say program
has little chance Of approval.
Iowa: The program calls for is
suance of $S5,000,000 in bonds to
provide payments ranging from $40
up to $500 for domestic service and
$3.50 for foreign service. The Legis-
lature would find a way Of paying
of the bonds. Some legislators ad-
vocate using State surplus funds to
pay of bonus almost Immediately
Only opposition Is from the Ameri-
can Veterans Committee (AVC) and
the Des Moines Register. Politicians
predict passage.
Arizona: Voters will decide on an
initiative petition for a program
paying a maximum of $3.50 to vet
erans. Estimated cost of at least
$5,000,000 would come from State
general fund. Sufficiency of sigma
lures on petition under question.
Observers say program has $3.50
chance of approval.
Oregon: A constitutional amend
ment will be necessary to provide
payments to veterans of
$500. Would be financed by $4,200,-
900 in bonds. Measure sponsored by
small group of veterans but major
veterans organizations neither sup
porting nor opposing it. In the abb
sence Of heavy organized support,
observers say, approval doubtful.
Washington: An estimated 10000
veterans would receive average pay
ments of $3.50 each under a pro-
posal to be decided by initiative
petition. Total program, estimated
to cost $10o,000,00o, would be fl
nanced by a 10 per cent tax on all
retail tobacco sales. Veterans of
Wars sponsoring measure.
Legion convention voted against
any bonus but Is not actively op-
posing. Observers say approval is
not likely.
Minnesota: Voters will decide on
4 proposed constitutional amend