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


Looking at the bright side first, few
things do stand out. Little, if any, bad legis-
lation passed both houses and got past a
gubernatorial veto, and this, compared with
previous sessions, should be considered an
accomplishment even though it be negative
in nature.
At the moment some real progress ap-
pears to have been made toward developing a tempo
rary solution to pressing public school crisis
through greater state assistance The legislature has
gone record favoring the principle that the state
should provide approximately onethrd of the cost of
public school operation. But, though this may be
public policy it takes money to make it lasting,
and that's just what we're not going to have after the
next biennum unless increased of state
developed. There's kidding ourselves,
the million dollars plus the state will provide in the
coming two years will almost entirely from the
general fund surpus-and will pretty well eat up
that backlog.
Another real accomplishment the passage by
both houses of He 225-coal mine safety code. To
many hundreds of Montana families the establish
ment by law of this code will represent one of the
most important pieces of legislation in the last 25
years. Its rigid enforcement may well mean there
will be Bear Greek tragedies in Montana.
Similarly, for all the embarrassing" attempts of
beeaguered Republican senate, think the commit
tee of the house did yeoman-like duty in their ex
haustive investigator of the state liquor monopoly
Not only should their work be followed up by the
attorney generals office to determine if feonies have
been committed and the guilty brought to JUS
tlce, but think the time is here for liquor board
policy to henceforth insist that the full glare of pub
city be kept steadily trained this important piece
of state business. Until such time this is done,
administration of the liquor monopoly will continue
be the political Achilles heel" of every Montana
governor regardless of party label.
Further the systematic all-around increasing of
taxes gasoline, diesel oil, trucks etc. that
additional 100000 may be secured for matching
federal highway funds for rebuilding and expanding
our highway SYSTEM should be considered a forward
stroke of business. Sure, we'll all grippe about that
extra cent gas and other increased costs of opera
ing an automobile but it's either that-or some
of the old chuck holes that made travelling misery
last Personally, | prefer uninterrupted
bIack-top to hard riding and blowouts.
Finally I believe that confirmation of William
Pigeram as commissioner of state lands was victory
for the people, well for the governor, in forcing
the hand of the senate Time alone will tell just how
big an imprint Mr. Pilgeram will make in giving this
department forward progressive administration, but
this much is known Mr.. Plgeram has ability he is
aggressive and he is honest.
Taking a. look at some of the things that might
have been accomplished | call your attention to the
pitifully inadequate concept of the 31st legislatures
concerning social legislation. To the point the So so
per week higher disability payments (for those injured
AFTER February 81 the 1920 increase in maximum
compensation per week. the $40 per
month increase for sicotics, and the approximately
$765 average tipping in old assistance payments,
are disgrace to our state
Likewise, though the opportunity there,
through SD 3d. to really start the ball rolling toward
long-overdue tax reform, nothing accomplished.
Also, though the need for additional tax was
readily apparent, if state is to stay in a solvent
condition. little done about this matter-except
for an inspired effort to choke slot machines down
the Threats of the people Instead of getting down
to fundamentals and considering revamping of income
and corporation license taxes to genuine
ability to pay" basis using a little foresight by
anacting reasonable severance taxes on natural re-