1939/1940 - Edocs

10 REPORT OF SECRETARY OF STATE
CAPITAL STOCK TAX
The capital stock tax law was enacted in 1931 as a mea-
sure to supply in part revenue lost by the reduction of the
state millage. This law has provided substantial revenue
throughout the years. The amount paid into the general
revenue fund from this source for 1940 was $336,000.00.
The expense of administering this law and collecting this
tax is limited by the act itself to $10,000.00 annually, or
less than 3 % of the collections of the last year.
CIVIL SERVICE RECOMMENDED
Two years ago and four years ago I recommended a modified
civil service law for state employees. I stated then
that "the highest efficiency cannot be obtained if the em-
ployees labor under the constant fear of losing their posi-
tions." I still hold the same view. In recommending a civil
service law for state employees I do not have in mind one
which would take from the head of the department the
necessary authority of freeing the department of ineffi-
cient help, but a reasonable "m.iddle ground" as I have be-
fore stated can be incorporated in a modified civil service
law or one that will give merit examinations and reason-
able assurance of tenure to employees so long as they abide
by regulations.
EVIDENCE OF DOMICILE
I recommend a law in which provision will be made for
any non resident desiring to establish domicile in this state
to effectuate his intentions by notifying the Secretary of
State who will be required by such law to keep a record of
all such notices.
EX-OFFICIO MEMBERSHIP ON BOARDS
In my last biennial report I referred to membership on
the Pardon Board and I urgently recommended "the enactment
of suitable legislation for an adult probation system
and a supervised parole system." Whether my recommendations
or my activities along this line had weight or
not, nevertheless the last Legislature enacted such a law