Legislative report on state liquor board faces scrutiny
The house committee investigation into the State Liquor board draws little concern at the capitol as no member or employee is found guilty. The analysis points to half truths, including claims about filtering costs and excise tax with figures suggesting a roughly $2,000,000 loss, while noting past markup practices and political intervention.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
House
State Liquor Board
Capitol
Liquor Board
Rte
Seattle
Laucks Laboratories
Western Avenue
Washington
Montana
Sune
OPA
Ford
Wheeler
Washington, D. C
Excise Tax Shortage Rumor Sparks Public Debate
A local controversy surrounds claims of an excise tax shortage amid official statements and resident concerns. Officials push transparency while residents seek details on revenue shortfalls and allocation.
Why Was Alley Called as Witness in Montana Inquiry
The report questions alleged ties between the liquor board and Egan and associates holding federal wholesale licenses. It notes Montana courts allowed legal purchase and shipment with a 58 percent state markup and proper stamps, while the board aided distribution to retailers. Tom Alley, a Helena resident, was not summoned despite being willing to testify and being cited in the report.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Alley
The
Liquor Board
Egan, Alley and Associates
Montana
Tom Alley
Helena
Losses in Transportation During Liquor Shortage
The article notes frequent losses in transport by rail and truck during a severe liquor shortage. Shops were robbed and insurance and bonding firms covered the damages. truck losses were fully paid including excise tax. One railway loss remains unsettled.
Loss on Poor Liquor Board Profits From Price Cuts
The state board faced limited supply of high grade liquor due to a presidential order and retail demand. It bought available stock inherited from prior administrations and marked prices down to move lower grade liquor. Over eight years the board yielded a net profit exceeding 14 million dollars, totaling over 19 million with excise tax.
State's Liquor Licensing Board Faces Court Losses
The Montana liquor program runs 145 stores and a network of offices in Helena. Over eight years it reports 60 million dollars in business and about 133 million with 48 million profit in under 15 years. The committee cites license issuance flaws and asserts little board discretion despite McCarten Supreme Court ruling. The board loses nine of ten license denial cases in court.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Helena
McCarten
Supreme Court of Montana
What Has the Report Accomplished
The committee had the board's books audited at a cost of 7900 dollars, documenting the review and findings for the record.
Proper Use of Vaccination Needle Saves Livestock
Proper vaccination benefits livestock when handled by skilled personnel. Untrained use risks disease spread from contaminated needles, ineffective dosages, and carrier animals, threatening herd health and farm productivity.
Controversy Over Audit Board Report and Missing Member
The audit and committee reports find no board member guilty of dishonesty and no recoverable losses. The public debate brands the probe as an attempt to smear the prior administration, while praising the liquor board's efficiency despite the $25,000 inquiry. A missing Yellowstone member delayed action, and a parliamentary maneuver buried HB 45. A Silver Bow member was admitted for absence, with an Irish comment noted.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Empolee
Liquor Board
Burke
Yellowstone
Burns
Flathead
Butte
Nature
Slots Still A Big Issue In Montana Legislation
The Montana senate debated the licensing bill HB 13 amid crowded galleries as lawmakers and lobbyists clashed over slots. The measure failed by six votes with racketeers and church workers opposing, and proponents arguing the state should collect revenue from machines already in use. Voters will decide in 1950 as other slot bills linger, including one to permit clubs to keep machines.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Montana
Iron Bandits
Helena
Senate
House
Senate Chamber
Butte
Mulholland
Silver Bow
Senate and House Bills Die at High Rate in Session
Half of the senate bills and more than half of the house bills have been killed. The senate holds night and Sunday sessions to process numerous bills from the house while the house lags, sending over far fewer measures.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Senate
House
Special session predicted to craft new revenue plan
Governor Bonner opposed new taxes in January but forecasts grow that a special session will be needed to devise additional state revenue. After further cuts, appropriations still exceed expected income. A $10 million surplus from the prior administration exists but requires legislative action to be accessed for specific uses.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Bonner
Frequent Roll Call Motions Frustrate Senate Sessions
Members grow tired of repetitive roll calls and call of the senate motions that tie up proceedings. On Thursday the chamber was tied for over an hour as a roll call was requested and a missing member could not be located, leading the majority to block advancing business.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Senate
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Episcopal Church
Presbyterian Church
Baby Chick
Tim
Purina
Dillon, Mont
By Plotner
Forddealer
EMAL
Traverga
State Bar and Lounge
South
Jim and
George
Dillon Rendering Company
Conoco
Continental Oil Company
Utor Ny
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