In the end, with the support of teachers, parent-teacher associations,
civic organizations and others, the two bills passed the Legislature, with
the important provision that the tax measure would be modified or
repealed if at the end of this year it appeared that the additional
revenues were not needed. As a result of the general economic pros-
perity, which we all are enjoying, it now appears that the total tax
which we thought we would need, beginning next January 1, may not be
needed and therefore will be reduced or repealed at a special session of the
legislature. But this happy turn of events in no way diminishes my point
that people in general seem reluctant to pay their government for the
services they demand.

The crux of the problem seems to reside in adequate public information,
for I cannot believe a public, adequately informed, can be so stubbornly
uncomprehending that it will demand something for nothing. From my
point of view, it involves, on the part of public officials, complete candor
and the strongest possible effort to explain all facets of a proposition to
the people. It involves also a full utilization of all the resources of com-
munication that we have at our disposal. For my part, in budget mes-
sages and elsewhere, I always try to put a bold price label upon every
government service that is offered. And I always insist that every new
service, and every improvement of an existing service, be accompanied by
a plan to finance it. I do not believe that people resent paying taxes so
long as they are sure they are getting their money's worth. And I am

543