Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1959-03-01
D. {. Officials
Are Opposed
To Tax Rise
Mclaughlin Joins
Kurrick in Fears
Exodus Muy Result

District Commissioners Rob-
ert E. Mclaughlin and David
b. Karrick yesterday took q
stand against any immediate
District tax increase.
The two city officials voiced
fear that q tax rise now would
encourage q further exodus to
the suburbs.
I'VE have to be careful not
20 defeat the purpose Of a tax
increase by driving out the
source Of the tax" Mr.. Karrick
told q panel Of television inter-
viewers.
Mr.. Mclaughlin; referring to
the same danger. said that .
tax increase now would put the
Districts taxes on o plateau
above those Of the suburbs and
THAT this would hurt the Dis
trict. including the city's husi-
ness interests.
Cites Increases
Mr.. Mclaughlin specifically
opposed increases now in the
individual income and real es-
tate levies. He noted that realty
assessments are being raised to
produce some 81 million more
this year and that the individ-
ual income tax was increased
substantially two years ago.
The Districts realty tax was
criticized by two members Of
the District Appropriations
Subcommittee in House public
hearings last week. Represent
alive Rhodes. Republican OF
Arizona, said the District
should perhaps be looking to its
own resources instead Of seek
ing a higher Federal payment
to bolster its budget for the
next fiscal year.
Mr.. Mclaughlin. on the
WTOP City Side program yes
terday, said he felt the city,
however, must look to Congress
for additional help. He referred
specifically to a supplemental
SO million Federal grant which
the Commissioners are seeking
for the present fiscal year to
help cover recent pay increases
voted for city employees by Con-
gress.
The Federal payment for the
current year so far has been
$50 million. For next year. as
well as for this year the Dis
trict is asking $32 million.
which was authorized for both
years by the last Congress.
/ The Commissioners year ago
urged Congress to adopt d policy
of keeping District taxes in line
with those in suburban commu-
mites. Congress. however. did
not commit itself on this score
Mr.. Rhodes and Representa-
tive Santangelo. Democrat Of
New York, said at last weeks
hearing that they thought real
estate taxes were higher in
their home communities than in
the District. Mr.. Karrick said
he didn't know whether this
was true or not. but he pointed
out that the District has no
annexation power under which
the city can be expanded as
its taxpayers move out and
that this poses a special prob
lem here.
Consider Payroll Levy
! Commissioner Mclaughlin
dlSO ChllCu dltCLlllOLl 70 IIlC IdCI
that Congress members fire.
Quently have criticized the city
for inadequate welfare, health,
school and other facilities and
that the District has been try
ing to meet these complaints.
Asked whether he would
favor a payroll tax. which has
been proposed in the past as a
way of not only increasing Dis
trict revenue but recapturing
some Of the earnings taken out
of the District by suburban
residents, Mr.. Mclaughlin said
The Com missIoners are
scheduled to present a broad
review of the city's problems,
including a plea for more Fed
eral help. at a special session
Of the Senate and House Dis
trict Committees at 1890 am,
tomorrow. A similar report
was presented a year ago.