Evening star., 1949-01-18
Maryland Bill
0nWomen' 'sJob
Rights Drafted
Measure Would Bur
Wage and Hour
Discrimination
Bv B Zofmnn
By ]. B. Zotmun
Sfor Sseff Cores pondent

Sfor Steff Cores spendent
ANNAPOLIS, Jan. 1S.-A proposed
law to prohibit wage and hour dis
elimination against women was pre-
pared today for introduction in the
General Assembly.
A work day for men and women
alike would be set at eight hours
and the week at 40 hours which
could extend over maximum of six
days. Time e-and-a-half would be
paid for working a seventh day.
The measure. prepared by Joseph
Didomenico, commissioner of labor
and industry, and Mrs. Margaret
Kimble, his deputy, specifically
states there shall be no discrim-
ination in the rate Of pay for
women.
Could Seek Damages.
A woman victim Of discrimination
could seek damages and recover
twice the difference between the
sums actually paid and the amount
to which she would be entitled. Ex-
empted would be employees with
fixed salaries of $500 or more a
month in executive, administrative
or professional capacities.
In other business. the Senate had
before it House-approved bill
backed by Gov. Lane to keep the tax
on personal incomes at 2 per cent.
The measure, sponsored by Dele
gate Albert L. Sklar, Democrat, OF
Baltimore, was passed by the House
last night without a dissenting
vote. Senate approval is believed
certain.
It would rescind legislative action
taken at the 1947 session to raise
the tax to 2la per cent this year on
1948 income In the meantime,
however, the State treasury surplus
mas risen to about $20,000,000 and
Gov. Lane has suggested that the
1947 rate be retained.
Pledge Is Recalled.
After the House approved the
bill, Majority Floor Leader Leroy
Pumphrey recalled the administra-
tion's pledge two years ago.
AT that time he related, Il said
that if the returns from the sales
tax we're more than estimated, we
would repeal the income tax in
crease. I want to call your atten-
ton to the fact that the admins
tration has redeemed its promise" :"
Mr.. Humphrey refused to COM
ment on the outlook for two other
bills dealing with the income tax.
The measures, introduced nearly
two weeks ago by Delegate Charles
M. Bandiere, Democrat, of Balti-
more, would reduce the tax on in
vestment income from to 3 per
cent and would increase exemptions
flor dependents
Meanwhile, the Prince Georges
County delegation is expected to
Introduce two local bills today. One
would authorize the county COM
missioners to appropriate SAT, 500 an
nually for the County Volunteer
Fire Association and the county
rescue squads.
New Distribution Plan.
OF this amount, $1,400 would be
distributed to each volunteer fire
department and $1,000 to each
rescue squad. The two. groups now
get sums ranging from $500 to
81 400 a year.
The other bill would empower the
District Heights town commission
ers to levy a tax not to exceed 10
cents per $100 for street lights. The
proposal would be submitted to the
voters in a referendum.
The delegation last night met with
a group of residents OF Forest
Heights, near Oxon Hill, who asked
that a bill be submitted to incor-
porate their community. Matthew
Osborne, spokesman for the petit
TONERS, said incorporation would
enable the residents to solve their
road and drainage problems.
Roads Commission Bill.
Senator Louis L. Goldstein, Demo-
crat, of Calvert County said he
would introduce today a bill to in
crease the membership OF the State
Roads Commission from three to five.
The measure contemplates ap-
pointment by the Governor OF one
member each from Western, South
ern, Eastern and Central Maryland
and Baltimore.s
The Senator said his proposal
would give Southern Maryland, in
particular, more adequate represen-
tation on the commission.
TITS about time we did something
about the perennial floods in Bla-
densburg and the roads in Southern
Maryland" he told reporters, land
the only way we can accomplish this
is to put some one on the commits
sion who represents us"
Score of Bills Passed.
The Senate last night passed
nearly a score of bills and sent them
to the House. They included res
olution by Senator Roy Tasco Davis.
Republican, of Montgomery County
proposing that ceremonies honorlng
the founders of the republics Of the
Western Hemisphere be held on
Washington's Birthday.
Included in bills introduced in the
House were measures:
! To make it unlawful to offer for
sale any toy or object of furniture
covered with paint which would be
Injurious to infants, unless such
articles are specifically labeled.
To direct that the State pay $l00
funeral expenses to the estate OF all
INDECENT Maryland veterans OF all
wars whose discharge was other
than dishonorable.
To authorize the Maryland Vet
erans' Commission to spend not more
than $500 a year for the benefit of
each war orphan in the State who
has reached 18, for the purpose OF