The people's voice. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1939-1969, 1949-01-28

going wage. Despite the intent, benefits currently
approximately 81 per cent-thanks to the reluct-
of recent legislatures to face up to the problem
HB lot by Helding (NGissoula) and Others is
measure to up medical and hospita! benefits for in
dustriay disabled workers to $1,000 Under the pres
$500 limit many disabled workers find that they
have staggering medical and hospital bills facing them,
and to be paid of their compensation The
would also provide for Industrial Accident
Board furnishing artificial eyes, limbs, teeth, etc.,
for eligible disabled workers.
Old Age Pensions
Considerable discussion conferred around HI "A
which killed by the House. This proposal spon-
sored by the Montana Old Age Pension association,
would have made possible pension benefits not
ceeding 500 per month for single aged citizen
$50 for married couple including social security,
ETC. Two given for the death of this
measure-1. lack of foreseeable revenue, other than
SALES TAX; 2 Certain conflicts with present fed
eral social security laws. Pro and arguments
brought out that there had been considerable msun-
derstanding and a definite lack of coordination
among various legislators who favor doing something
to alleviate the low living standards presently had by
our aged citizens
That something may be done, the conference gave
unanimous support to HB 81 by Lobe (Iewis g.
Clark, which lifts the ceilings pensions, and, also
asked that appropriation requests of the Dept Of Pub
lie Welfare be amended upwards in the House that
senior, citizens may receive at least $40 per month
Uniform Tax Assessments
Senator Leroy Anderson (Pondera) at request of
conference officials outlined the purposes of SD a.
co-sponsored by him and Sem Dave James G-iberty)
Under this proposal legal machinery would be estab
shed to determine uniform assessments all rural
and city real property throughout the state There is
wide divergence in assessments in the various
ties similar land producing similar crop wealth
For example, there instances where farmers
similar land in two countless but in county the
assessed valuation may twice much as in the
adj Joining county. Statewide assessment uniformity
is of the keys solving the financial problems of
public school system. The conference, at the re-
quest of Sen. Anderson deferred action the
ure until next Mondays session, and all had had ample
time to study the
Miscellaneous
Rep Harlow chairman of House committee on ed
ucation, spoke briefly the several proposed public
school bills and pointed out that the unsavory' por-
tions of these have been deleed and that the bills will
soon be before the house for debate
Mr.. Harlow also explained his bill HB 80 which
would set up interim Legislative Council to help
facilitate the efficient operation of the state govern
ment In comparing this proposal with SB %,
what similar senate measure, Mr.. Harlow emphasized
that whereas SB 25 completely without safe
guards for either state employees or other Montana
citizens, that his lib 80 had express prohibition
against such council becoming little un-Amer-
lean" committee He further stated that other safe
guards had been suggested and that these too might
be Incorporated, if found necessary.
Next Meeting will be held Monday night January
81 in VIEW Hall, 1880 sharp IF you're in
you're invited to sit in and take part
HARRY L. BILLINGS
Corresponding Secretary. !