The people's voice., 1957-01-11

| LlOu AlSO, YOU IluSI div cyO hCOP III
mind the proper division of this bur-
) den among the individual taxpayers.
l firmly believe that every Montan-
an can be proud to send his or her
children to our elementary and high
schools and to the University System.
Contrary to the thinking of many, |
think they compare favorably with any
in the nation. Our teachers, admins
traitors, and school boards are of high
caliber and doing a generally excel
lent job.
TAX STUDY:
The tax problem is complicated
one Mere stop-gap legislation has a
tendency to compound past mistakes
and further distort the existing in
equities. Because of this, | suggest
that an interim tax study group from
all sections of Montana's economy be
appointed to work with the State Board
of EQUALIZATION. This would help de-
velop balanced tax program for the
State. | refer you to the Board OF
Equalization report for details and
suggestions.
HIGHWAYS:
We have made great strides forward
in our highway program. We are now
embarking on an even greater pro-
gram. The huge Federal Interstate
Highway program will have terrific
impact on the nation and on Montana.
The Highway Commission and it's staff
has done an outstanding job. 1t will
be called upon for even greater efforts
in the years to come.
The Highway Fact Finding Com
mitteer, set up by the 34th Legislative
Assembly, together with the Highway
Research Council, has devoted much
time and effort to an exhaustive study
Of each class of roads and streets. The
materials assembled demonstrate an
excellent job. The Committee, the
Council and it's staff as we'll as the
Highway Commission and its staff,
are to be complimented for job we'll
done.
do not mean that the job is all done
by any means. In fact, it is just started.
But we have some excellent basic ma
terials to work with. strongly recon-
mend that you continue the interim
committee technique to solve the many
complex problems.
| refer you to the reports Of these
committees for full details. Here are
few highlights that deserve action.
Some Of the recommendations are far
reaching and will require your closest
study Basically, however, the facts
upon which the conclusions and rec
concentrations are made have been
thoroughly researched.
NO MENTION OF PROPOSED
USE TAX
Financially, the most important rec
endatiOns are:
% The seven-cent gasoline and |
innocent diesel per gallon taxes be
continued on a permanent basis.
(2) Commercial vehicle weight taxes
be increased in certain categories.
(3) All passenger car registration
fees be set at ten dollars per year.
(4) Fuel tax collection and refund
procedures be reviewed.
(5) Bond financing be reconsidered
for both the present backlogs of fed
eral aid financing and future long
range planning. In this Connection |
ask your closest study before such fl
is approved.
In regard to highway management
the most important sug-
gestions are:
(D Remedial legislation to provide
for up-to-date right-of-way acquisition
and controlled access legislation. This
legislation also contemplates simplifi-
cation in condemnation and abandon
ment procedures. 1t will seek juris-
1iction so municipal bodies can par
ticipate with the State, in obtaining
and spending federal aid funds.
(2) Adjustments should be made III
of funds to financial
districts We need an ALLEGATION for
nula more nearly in line with the high
way needs of each district. The High
way Commission also needs authority
70 allocate State matching funds in
he secondary system for specific
bridge construction This
must be possible in advance OF flnan-
,ial district ALLEGATIONS, as is now pos
sible in the primary system. Also, the !
allocatiOn principle should be extended j
% cover the interstate system along [
With the primary, secondary and urban
systems.
(3) Consideration be given the eS- |