The people's voice., 1958-12-05
Editorial
T-E Commissions Tax Recommendations
An Evaluation

the several days since the Decentralization
sion released its recommendations and of rails
ing additional for State Government
siderable criticism of the commission, primarily because of the
and oneha flat income proposal forth
revenue possibility.
This Editor isn't about that proposed Yet
who has been constant attendance
ngs the last Is months do not believe the members of that
study body deserve the hot oil treatment currently being
gesed as their reward.
Inadequately financed possible commits
sion to make the thorough study all fields of taxation requisite
to complete overhaug of the states structure they
and their executive director Carl anger an "A
for effort For certain reported elsewhere in this ISSUE
commission has made number of good
improve taxcollecting procedures.
think the commission should have given top priority
rating to the need for thorough overhaul of the corporation
believe the study group dereict in not pursuing an e
hausve investigation into the possibilities
would have amounted duplication of effort since the State
Board of Equalization we'll of the laws shortcomings
and given friendly legislative ear prepared recon-
mend ways and means of making the law effective.
However if basic premise of the commissions existence
search out equitable increasing state
then should have placed major emphasis on correcting that
law The commission by its report admits there is grave
question whether corporations particularly FOREIGN ornora
ons their fair share tax load more
elcay correct stand for the taken would
recommendation that only after the cornorao
license tax law had been rewritten effective act should
be given TO increasing potena other
State tax sources.
The so-caed proportional income tax, after considered
dehberaon leaves me cold would apply only
-
pensioners the obless the nduay disabled the same as
IL does those OF more substantial But the proposed
and oneha per cent flat income beore individual exemp
ons) Is definite departure from the liability to paw prn
cpe OIL the states income tax law income fami
lies are concerned would have much the effect as
one and onehaf to two general tax To the
montana family with earned or under land
there several thousand of these the ate sc
tax means less milk for the kids on the table since
those families have little money spend on other than
necessities
For the sake of equity greater overall good whatever
revision OF the state income tax law made confined
TO revising upwards the tax percentages applicable to net tax
aoe income after deductions and exemptions have
been credited against the individuals liability g
The commissions stand against enactment of general So
sales tax and its recommendation that avoid further
specific sales taxes for governmental operation nd
cate keep aWareness of the temper of people, Like
wise Its recommendations concerning taxes collection
OF income taxes from nonresident Montana
LOT improved income tax collection procedures
efficiency most worthy thoughtful egis
latve consideration. o. pr
be
we are at loss to understand the took no
noce OF the approximately million per bennim les
COST TO the general taxpayer for Public Welfare assistance h
victims OF Slcosls and other occupaona diseases We trust
"i0 a. leoVlhg thIS UNJUST burden from the
era taxpayer will be forthcoming the 1869 Legislature The
democrats are pledged to enact disease
legsaonand-his time they've to put it over