Evening star., 1951-07-29
Decision Near
On S12 Million
d. {. Lump Sum
Congress Action
Due This Week
On U. S. Contribution
By Don S. Worren

py DOn Ss "uTISH
The Districts fight for a full
S12 million Federal payment to-
ward the cost of it's biggest budget
is coming up for congressional de-
ciSion this week.
Senate approval is expected to
be given promptly tomorrow to a
1852 city spending plan of $138.4
million, calling for full $12 mil
lion share, as authorized in the
1947 Revenue Act which boosted
city taxes.
With Senate approval. the Dis
trict supply bill then will be sent
to conference with the House
which previously voted to slice 10
per cent from the Federal pay
ment.
While the House action was
based on Federal economy mo-
tives, District advocates have ex-
planned that the Federal savings
would be infinitesimal and at the
cost of preaching an accepted OBJ
legation to the National Capital.
Other Matters Slated.
This is but one of a number
of major local issues scheduled for
congressional attention this week.
Up for consideration or action
also are a revised plan for an
elected "home rule" District Gov
ernment; authorization of a new
SIG million bridge over the Po-
tomac from Shepherds Landing
to Alexandria; an inquiry into the
racial use Of schools and grounds;
Government aid to private hos
pital reconstruction; paid holidays
for members of the several police
forces here; and proposals for re-
organization and some increase in
the powers of the National Capital
Parks and Planning Commission.
In addition there is awaited
Senate subcommittee action on
the proposal to authorize the Pub
lie Utilities Commission to in
crease the Scent school children'S
'Streetcar and bus fares and on
suggested revision of the secrecy"
provisions of the District Juvenile
Court Act, over which considerable
controversy has developed.
Hill to Ask Haste.
Senator Hill, Democrat, Of Ala
bama, head of the Senate subcom-
mittee in charge of the District
appropriation bill. said last night
he would press for speedy action
on the bill. He said he would do all
he could to get the new budget
quickly into operation because Of
hardships being suffered by relief
clients due to delay in passage Of
the money bill.
The problem of fiscal equity.
however, admittedly was muddled
by the need for speed to help the
immediate plight of the unem-
ployables on the relief rolls.
Senator Hill said: II think We
are going to get a good bill and
one in good shape, and it is my
hope that the House this year will
go along with full Federal pay
ment of $12 million.
This is an amount authorized
in basic law and it is more than
justified by the services and costs
placed on the District by the
United States"
Bates Cites House Action.
Representative Bates, Demo-
crat. of Kentucky, in charge of
the supply bill for the House, re-
peated that he was not opposed to
a full Federal payment, but was
faced with House action cutting
this by 10 per cent.
1t therefore was made clear that
MIR. Bates would need substantial
support If the House action on
the Federal payment was to be
changed.
The Senate District Committee
at a meeting scheduled for We'd
nesday is expected to send the
revised home rule bill to the SEN
ate for approval. The revised plan
now has won the sponsorship of
16 members of the Senate.
The revised bill for an elected
form of city government here so
far has picked up six new sena-
torial sponsors beyond those who
last year Endorsed the Kefauver-
Taft bill.
1t calls for an all-elected coun-
Gil of IS members, with a mayor
named by the President; an elect
ed f1ve-man school board, and a
non-voting District delegate n
the House.
To Discuss Schools.
Key District officials have been
called to consult with the House
District committee tomorrow on
the use of school buildings and
backgrounds. Involved in the in
Iquiry, scheduled by Chairman Nc
MILAN, is the planned transfer 20
colored use of Langley Junior High
School and the non-segregated
use of the Raymond and other
play centers.
The Public Service Subcommit-
tee of the House District commit
tee will hold a public hearing at
10 am. Tuesday on the bill of
Representative Smith, Democrat,
of Virginia to authorize a new
bridge over the Potomac.
1t would call for a boost from
4 to S cents in the Districts
gasoline tax, as one means Of
financing the project.
Alexandria and Virginia officials
also are invited to testify on this
project.
A House District Subcommittee
is to meet Wednesday on a bill
to permit renewal of beverage Ii
censeS to places in areas where
the coming has been changed to
residential which would forbid
liquor license renewal.
The Pastore Subcommittee Of
the Senate District Committee is
Tn meet TbiIrcdov ~ ,o,.....,o.I