The Kennewick courier-reporter. [volume] (Kennewick, Wash.) 1939-1949, 1949-03-03
Schools

Continued from Page ID
more, II is equitable and, while
it may cost everyone some more
money, it is the only way by
which we can begin to catch up
on our delayed highway improve
ments. Without this incrsase our
new bridges In the Tn-City area,
as well as improvements to the
main highways and secondaries,
would be delayed much too long.
In the financial Held there
seems to be q determined effort
to roll back appropriations de-
spite the pleas Of school forces
and others.
Frankly, however, there are a
great many Of US who feel that
the cut-baclks are attempting to
90 much too far. We cannot re-
fuse to recognize the fact OF our
being a growing state. School
population has increased and will
continue to increase, and provis-
ions must be made for this situa-
ton.
One item in the matter Of bonds,
which is causing the legislators a
great deal of concern is the meth
cd of servicing them. There are a
lot of good arguments why bonds
should pay for new construction
for the schools, colleges and UNI
versities and state institutions,
since the improvements would he
of permanent nature. However,
under our forty mill Limitation
law, the paying of the bonds, prin-
cipal and interest, is problem.
There are so many taxing districts
such as metropolitan parks, hos
pitfalls, county, sewer, library, fire,
ETC., which have been permitted
to levy up to a certain millage
within their confines for their own
purposes. Altogether they had to
stay within the limits remaining
after the main function Of govern
ment- county, city, school. road
districts and state levies had been
taken out Of the forty mills. II
the margin remaining Is noe pre-
empted by the state to service the
bonds, or any major portion Of this
margin, it win create a serious
problem for these special districts.
One suggestion that has been
made is to allow them to vote lev
les in excess of the forty mills
for their own purposes. Another
suggestion is that county levies
for current expense or city cur
rent expense levies be trimmed
down to allow these districts to
survive by utilizing their reduc-
tons in these two funds. In some
areas this is feasible; In some 9Th
ers, it is not. The problem Of the
legislature now is to Try, to pro-a
vide proper means Of financing
these district, IL the bond issues
are voted. OF course, final ratifi-
cation of the bond proposition
must be made by the electorate of
the state, while the method Of fl
nancing them Is the subject Of
legislative planning and legisla-
ton.
Legislation suggested by the
PUBS met with favorable consid-
Grafton in the house, but is find.
ing tougher Shedding In The SEN
ate. It Is hoped. however, that at
least q few Of the measures most
essential to continued successful
operation will emerge and be-
come law.
incidentally, house joint menu
orial No. IS, asking congress to
make available matching money
for the construction Of highways
and bridges In the TH-City area.
passed the house unanimously last
week. It was introduced by the
two representatives from the 18th
district.
House bill Nos. 800 and 46l
passed the house this morning.
The first limits. the sale Of wine
to taverns to Washington products.
It will still permit California or
imported wines to be sold by the
State Liquor stores and by other
types Of licenses except the Class
CO... House bill No. 461 sets up
standards for the quality Of fruits
that must 60 into domestic wines.