Kankakee Valley Post, Volume 19, Number 4, DeMotte, Jasper County, 24 December 1948 — Suggests That State Tax Law Be Broadened [ARTICLE]

Suggests That State Tax Law Be Broadened

To Include Tax On Soft Drink, Candy To Meet Increased State Costs Indianapolis, Dec. 21. A Republican who will serve in the Indiana House of representatives next month suggested today that the state cigaret tax law be broadened to include soft drinks and candy. He also favored taxing “other luxuries,” including cigars and tobacco, according to a United Press survey of the 1949 legislators who will convene in the 1949 biennial session of the Hoosier general assembly. The survey disclosed that the legislators are sharply divided on the question of repealing , the three-cents-a-pack tax law enacted by the 1947 legislature which was dominated by the Republicans. ? Of 68 legislators who replied to the U. P. questionnaire, 33 opposed the repeal of the law and 25 favored taking it off the books. Almost 90 per cent of those favoring repeals were Democrats. On the other hand, more than 30 per cent of those against repeal were Democrats, who will be in control in the House but in the minority in the Senate. The questionnaire replies came from 49 per cent of the members of the new House and 40 per cent of the Senators. Some of the replies gave qualified “yes” and “no” answers. The tax was favored by 22 members of the House and 10 Senators. they were divided with 22 Republicans and 10 Democrats thinking the tax was all right. Those favoring repeal of the tax included 21 Democrats and four were Senators. The Republican representative’s belief that that law should be modified to “shift a portion of this load to other luxuries, such as soft drinks, tobacco, cigars, candy, etc., ” was shared in part by a Democratic Senator and a Democratic representative. But they wanted the law modified to include only tobaccos of all kinds. A Democratic Senator said he favored keeping the cigaret tax “if it is used for a soldier bonus.” Another favored repeal “if w r e can find the bonus money as easy otherwise.” But he added that he doubted “if we can.” One of the minority Republicans in the House indicated he was willing to go along with Gov. Elect Henry F. Schricker. He said he favored repeal “if the Governor asks for it.” Mr. and Mrs. Ivan £heever, Mrs. Paul Black and children were in Lafayette last Saturday. Adjutant General Hugh and Mrs. Socks and children of Camp Virginia are here for the holidays with Mrs. Socks parents, Dr. and Mrs. Oosten. * Mr. and Mrs. Fred Cheeyer of Linton, Ind., were in town Monday. Mrs. Lois Bunning entertained the Abridge club Monday evening. Prizes were won by Grace Cheever. Mary Kessinger, Gladys Ewart and Florence Curtin.