Evening Republican, Volume 19, Number 39, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 15 February 1915 — TAX REFORM BILL PASSED LOWER HOUSE [ARTICLE]

TAX REFORM BILL PASSED LOWER HOUSE

Governor's Measure to Equalise Assessments Met Almost Unanimous Approval Amendments to the tax law recommended ‘by Governor Ralston in his message to the general aosemfbly were passed by a vote of 75 4® 3 in the house of representatives Saturday. The bill was introduced by Representative John C. Branaman, democratic floor leader. The principal purpose of the measure is to aid the taxing bodies of the state to obtain more nearly uniform assessments of properties. It also gives them a wider range otf power in handling public utility corporations. The state board of tax commissioners under the measure will have authority to equalize assessments by classes. Under the present statute it is necessary to raise the assessment of all classes of personal property, when a change in one class is desired. The bill was prepared in the office of the attorney general and Was submitted to Governor Ralston for his approval before being introduced. The heavy vote in its favor was expected in view of the fact that the measure was presented before the democratic house caucus Thursday night and was passed on favorably at that time.