78-12-B6

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Miscellaneous [Prop. 13]

Transcript Signs continue that the prairie fire touched off by Proposition 13 is still burning even though it hasn't reached every corner of the land as yet. Among the hot spots, however, is the State of Colorado. The legislature of that state has recently voted to index the state income tax tu the Federal inflation rate. This, of course, means that a cost-of-living pay raise will not push a taxpayer into a higher tax bracket. It is estimated this measure alone will save Colorado taxpayers $100-million a year. Can you imagine what the savings would be if the Federal government would be that honest with regard to the federal income tax? From time to time on these commentaries I've called attention to the savings in local government costs that can be achieved by contracting out to private entrepreneurs some of the chores performed by government agencies. In November, voters of Los Angeles County will have a chance to vote on changing the county charter which now prohibits such private contracting. It is a change much to be desired. The state of California would do well to review its own constitution which prevents private contracting for state work. Just recently the New York State Court of Appeals upheld the right of Westchester County to contract with a private protection agency for security guards. A line up of municipalities were eagerly awaiting that decision to go forward with plans of their own. One community immediately replaced its public sanitation force with a private one. The Deputy Mayor said the savings was a full 25% with absolutely no reduction in the quality of service. So much for the good news. As I said at the beginning, the Proposition 13 prairie fire hasn't reached every corner of the land. The United States Senate has passed a bill reorganizing the White House. There will be a 50% increase in the number of presidential aides classed as Executive level 2. Executive level 2 means they get $57,500 a year. There will now be 25 of those. There will also be 25 at Executive level 3; their pay level is $52,500. Then comes five G.S. 18's that means Government Service 18 and I think I'm correct in saying that's the highest rank in the government's G.S. ratings. Those five come in at $47,500. There will be an unlimited number of G. S . 16's who receive $42,423. The Senate also refused to put any limit on the President's entertainment budget. Now, I have no quarrel with that. Obviously we can't have our President unable to hold a state reception or dinner for a visiting head of state because he's used up the authorized budget . And no one can deny that such functions are a necessary part of international diplomacy. It might be nice, though, if the President would quite acting as if business entertainment in the private sector were somehow evil skullduggery. This is Ronald Reagan. Thanks for listening.		Details Batch Number 78-12-B6 Production Date 08/07/1978 Book/Page N/A Audio Youtube? No
		Added Notes