The people's voice. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1939-1969, 1949-01-14

ducing bill to outlaw the
more than 5000 "one-armed
bandits" now taking their toll
from the economic life blood
of the state, stated: "It seems to me
that we must do one of two things
we must either outlaw them com
pletely or legalize them. Of the two
| think the people of this state would
prefer the former. :"
And, while Senator Haight has
placed this bill, other measures rec
ommending licenses of $500 or $500
per year per slot machine will prob
ably be introduced. Likewise, it is
expected that ''big time" gambling
bill will be shortly noticed, and, from
proponents and opponents alike, in
dications are that the "fur will fly"
before the measure is finally dis
posed of, favorably or otherwise.
The memorial to the congress ask
ing repeal of the Taft-Hartley act,
introduced by Majority Leader Hen
ny Lobe, and eleven other Demo-
cratic representatives points out that
the people at the last election ex-
pressed a definite desire that this
repressive piece of legislation be re-
pealed, and urges the 81st Congress
to atone for the sins of its prede-
cessor. That you may properly |
evaluate your legislators, keep
sharp lookout for the roll call on
this one.
Regarding the lobbyist registra-
ton bill that Senators Haight, Hof-
land Cd, McCone); Dahl Cd, Sheri-
dam, and Rice Cd, Teton) have in
troduced, should it pass it may rude
ly jar the tranquility of the 'third
house. particularly the more than
several gentlemen representing the
major corporate interests of the
state.
Important Labor Legislation
Several important pieces Of labor
legislation are already on the docket.
Rep. Mernin ID, Silver Bow, Rep.
Emmons Cd, Deer LODGE ct al, this
week noticed a bill to increase pay
ments to industrially disabled work
ers, increasing length of time com
pensation to be paid after a death,
the waiting period, etc.
Other legislation will likely be in the
hopper shortly to substantially in
crease the pitifully inadequate med
cal and hospital benefits now per-
mitted under the compensation laws.
House Bill 8 by Rep. Burns Cd, S
Flathead) and several other Demo- {
Gratis is probably one of the best So t
,ial legislation proposals of recent G
sessions. Under this bill employees a
would be required to make a one I
Der cent contribution to fund which c
would provide for the paying of UNI
compensation in the /
event of sickness or disability a
which would keep a man from his r
Administration of this n
Measure if enacted, would be placed t
lnder the Montana Unemployment t
Commission. T
To be introduced shortly will also a
,e a proposal to increase payments p
o unemployed workers that bene- g
its will be more realistic in light of
he cost of living. Such legislation i
viii also provide for an extension in h
he maximum number of weeks that '
enefits may be paid, and also cor f
ect a number of inequities in exist f
ng laws. il
Although The Voice last week B
armed organized labor to keep
lose eye on lib 3-the separate
department. of Labor constitutional :,
because of the gentle p
len sponsoring the proposal, it ap- +
ears that the bill itself is okeh, and y,
hould be approved by both Republi- a,
ans and Democrats.
School Land Revenues h!
In all fairness to our schools a fl
roposal by Rep. Culbertson Cd, Isy
houteau) to increase fees on state R
,hool grazing lands to maximum
500, should be enacted. In no al
Use can this be considered an in fl
'eased tax on stockmen availing NJ
lemselves of school lands. lfC
Back in 1888, pleading poverty,
ockmen asked the legislature to W
,I,,oo +Io ,.ofoc a,,J Of tbo come | n,