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j Increase States Mutuel Take" in Rhode Island Get One-Half of One Per Cent More to Help Balance Budget PROVIDENCE. R. I.. April 17.— Governor J. Howard McGrath Friday signed a bill increasing from 3J2 per cent to 4 per cent the state tax on pari-mutuel wagering in the state of Rhode Island. The bill was sponsored by the governor after consultation and with the full agreement of the race track managements, after the chief executive had clearly proven some such step was necessary In order to balance the state budget. It is designed for the explicit purpose of replacing the deficiencies in automobile, gasoline and liquor taxes, it has a definite time limit and will expire June 30, 1945. After giving final passage to the act. the senate yesterday sent back to the house an act that would the make the increased levy inapplicable on days when the proceeds from racing are devoted to charity, which in Narragansetts case is the first four days of the current spring meeting, with others to follow during the autumn meeting. Commenting this morning, judge Dooley, Gansetts president and executive officer, remarked : "It is estimated the additional one-half of 1 per cent will raise 00,000, which is the amount needed to balance the state budget, and racing welcomes the opportunity of proving its worth to the state."
