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Show Need For Economy I Stressed By Blood InOfficial Message Striking straight from the shoulder on the paramount issues J confronting the state of Utah, j Governor Henry H. Blood laid a very definite and clear-cut program pro-gram of legislation before the twenty-second biennial session of the state legislature, in joint session ses-sion Tuesday afternoon. The chief executive shed a welcome wel-come ray of hope on the growing tax problem by making the key note of his address the need for exercise of the utmost economy consistent with essential needs of good government and the proper furthering of recovery. The governor also held out new hope to the small business man of the rural communities of the state j by advocating the enactment of a suitable fair practices law governing govern-ing the conduct of industry and business in the state. He warned against any radical changes in the structure of revenue and taxation that might embarrass the state and work hardships upon business, industry and the people at large. The executive took a stand against any proposed division of gasoline tax revenues from road purposes and further suggested that state aid should be extended to the towns and counties in the matter of improving and building roadways and streets. He suggested suggest-ed careful consideration of a direct primary law and advised against increasing the obligations of the state general fund, at this time, stating that it was his belief this was the wish of a majority of the people of Utah. For the farmer, the governor urged continued development de-velopment of irrigation and full cooperation by the state with the federal government in its efforts to further stabilize and improve the agricultural industry of state and nation. The message of the governor was hailed by those who heard it as a very definite and straight-spoken straight-spoken call upon the legislature toj (Continued on last pagei n I Governor's Message (Continued from page 3) heed the wishes of the people and limit their enactments to those laws necessary to preserve and promote the proper functions of existing agencies of government and to carefully guard against any legislation that would interrupt or hamper a fuller continuation of the march of recovery which, he pointed, has already gotten under way in Utah as well as in any other state and better than in many. In almost the opening paragraph of his message Governor Blood sounded the clarion call of economy. econ-omy. Saying that with the coming of better times there is a proper desire to enlarge and expand it should be borne in mind that we must not forget the needs of existing exist-ing agencies. He told the legislators legisla-tors that his office now has requested re-quested from state departments and agencies totaling $12,500,000 while estimated revenues total only $6,000,000, and this takes no account of substitute revenue that might be needed through enactment enact-ment of a homestead exemption law. Referring to the constitutional amendment providing (for homestead home-stead tax exemption up to $2,000 of assessed valuation and $300 valuation on personal property, the executive urged that very careful care-ful consideration be given this matter and its far-reaching effects upon the financial structure of the state, before any program is written writ-ten into law. He pointed out, however, that it is imperative that the legislature determine its course on this subject immediately immediate-ly because of changes in revenue set-up that would be necessitated by any exemption law passed. Referring Re-ferring to the fact that the language lan-guage of the amendment voted by the people is permissive in nature, he also called attention to the fact that the popular vote on this a-mendment, a-mendment, which was the only one of six proposed amendments to pass, would indicate that "rather definite mandate" has been given by them tht earnest effort be made to make this amendment operative. He pointed further, however, that the exemption plan suggested important im-portant changes in the relationship of state and local governments which should be given careful consideration. con-sideration. Pointing out that provision is made by the government and by the state for care of the needy aged of 65 or over, Governor Blood noted that there is a large group of needy and deserving citizens citi-zens below this age also must be given assistance He pointed out that the welfare board has been handling this task in an admirable manner and he urged that this work be continued. He added that the 2 per cent sales tax is the mainstay for the administration of public assistance in Utah. Governor Blood expressed pleasure pleas-ure at the progress already made in the matter of bringing about amicable adjustment of differences between employer and employe, stated that a bill seeking to modernize mod-ernize the present law would be presented at this session and bespoke be-spoke careful consideration for this measure. Turning to reform of the state's election laws, the governor noted that a bill providing for a direct primary was due to be presented at this session and he commended this subject to the careful consideration consid-eration of the legislators. As to reclamation the executive noted that the state has about 1,324,000 acres of irrigated land, only one-third of which has full water right and he urged continuation continua-tion of efforts to develop irrigation and reclamation to the fullest benefit of the tiller of the soil. He urged a practical and permanent policy of junior colleges to advance education in the state. Turning to the matter of proposed propos-ed diversion of gasoline tax funds the governor called attention to the fact that the legislatures of the past have adopted a wise policy of using all such funds for road pur- j poses and he urged that this policy be continued. He urged a re-, vision of the liquor control act to liberalize the handling of beer. New legislation on fair trade pvac-; tices was asked by the governor for the benefit of the producer, consumer, labor and the general public. j After listening to the governor's J message, both senate and house leaders have agreed that conomy j shall be the watchword of the session ses-sion in all matters of appropriations. |