The people's voice. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1939-1969, 1949-03-11

| AFTERNOON OuL III Un0 main LIE
solons found his suggestions
timely and worthy.
Some of the main points brought
out in the governors message and
the legislative actions on them were
Increase in workmen's compensa-
ton benefits--The assembly approved
an increase of $3.50 a week in all
classifications and increased the dur
alton of benefits for permanent in
juries.
Unemployment compensation--The
governor asked a "substantiaP in
crease in benefits and a longer dura-
ton of time in which they might be
paid in both his regular and a special
message. The house approved a
raise of the maximum to $40 for 20
weeks compared to the existing SIS
for 16 weeks. The senate approved
the So increase but no frightening
of the duration. A conference
brought final decision of $40 for
Is weeks.
Labor Experimentation urged
separation of the department of labor
and industry from that of agricul-
ture. The measure to accomplish this
was introduced early in the session
by Republicans but was supported by
Democrats in both houses. Final
approval rests with the people in
1850 because it involves a constitu-
tional amendment.
Indian hospital at Galen-Bonner
asked a contingent appropriation of
100000 to be used if the $780,,
900 authorized by the government
for new wing at the tuberculosis
sanitarium at Galen is not sufficient.
The legislature approved 100000.
Under the agreement between the
state and the government, at least
100 beds must be made available for
Indians but if they are
not needed they may be used for
white patients.
Public school-Eliminatio of in
in taxation for support of
and high schools, plus an
increase in contributions from the
state, was asked. The legislature ap-
proved a new financial distribution
bill that increases state aid from the
general fund from $1,500,000 this
year to $4,3O0,000 next year and sets
imposing at least 5-mill levy
on the district and 10 mills each for
and high schools on the
county before it can participate in
general fund aid from the state.
Revenue and taxes-Bonner cam
paigned on "no sales tax" platform
and no such measure was introduced.
He said he believed that, except for
no new taxes were neces-
sary. Only major general revenue
measure boosts the cigaret tax l cent
a package. For highways the gaso-
inc tax was raised to cents a gal
on. New fees were imposed on pas
senger cars at So each and on trucks |
and trailers on a graduated scale de-
pending on weight. Bonner asked |
100000 annually
additional for highways. New taxes
will raise at least that much and, if
of new cars and con-
of gasoline continue to in
,rease as in recent years, the total
nay reach 100000 each for 1850
md 1851.
Home for the aged-Bonner asked
state home for the aged separate
rom the hospital for the insane at
Warm Springs. The legislature au-
horized 100000 for this purpose.
Veterans and pioneers memorial
appropriation of $350,000 to supple
nent a 1945-approved assignment of
100000 for construction of me-
norial building to honor war vet
rams and Montana pioneers was
sked. The house approved this
mount. The senate cut it to $780,
90. A conference compromise pro- =,
uced $325,000.
Prizes and premiums - The gov
rnor requested rectification of out
loded laws restricting Montanans
rom taking advantage of premium
nd prize offers. The legislature re-
called the code sections in question. c