1916] OF THE SENATE. 129

mission has devoted much time and work in the performance
of its delegated duty.

I recommend this report and the accompanying Bill to your
Honorable Body for your prompt and favorable consideration.

Respectfully,

EMERSON C. HARRINGTON,

Governor.

REPORT OF THE COMMISSION ON ECONOMY AND EFFICIENCY ON A

BUDGET SYSTEM.

The platform of the party to which this Commission owes
its existence provided, among other things, as follows;

aWe pledge the adoption of what is known as the budget
system. The basis of the system shall be a report made either
by the Governor or by the Board of Public Works to the Legis-
lature of the estimated income of the State during the suc-
ceeding two years, together with recommendations as to the
appropriations or expenditures to be made for all purposes
during the same period of time. The Legislature may reduce
or eliminate the items for appropriations or expenditures (ex-
cept when -this would affect the State's outstanding obliga- '
tions), but shall not increase the same, and no appropriations
shall be expended for any purpose other than the purpose
specified in the budget.. Proper provision shall be made for
emergencies or contingencies.

"Until the budget system can be made effective, we pledge,
the -Democratic members of the Legislature, to keep the ex-.
penses of the State within the income of the State, and the
Governor to exercise his veto power for the same purpose.

"In connection with the budget system, we favor the adop-
tion of a uniform fiscal year for all State officers and depart-
ments and for all institutions receiving State aid. We recom-
mend that all continuing appropriations be repealed and that
hereafter all appropriations shall be. included in two general
appropriation Bills—one for each of the two fiscal years in-
tervening between the adjournment of one Legislature and the
convening of the next.

"The Commission created by the first plank of this platform
shall be charged with the duty of devising and recommending
a detailed plan for the budget system. "

It will be noted that the platform provides for a budget
system prepared by the Governor or the Board of Public
Works, the items of which can be reduced or eliminated, but

not increased, by the Legislature.
9