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Lot #140
Franklin D. Roosevelt Typed Letter Signed

Governor Roosevelt blames an "archaic system" on the "unfair distribution of the tax load"

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Estimate: $400+
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Description

Governor Roosevelt blames an "archaic system" on the "unfair distribution of the tax load"

TLS as governor, two pages, 8 x 10.5, State of New York, Executive Chamber letterhead, October 12, 1932. Letter to Edwin Burhan, in part: "I fully appreciate that the present economic condition has rendered the hotel business, particularly the summer hotel business, a precarious occupation. While patronage has suffered materially and revenue therefore has been reduced, the tax bill has taken no cognizance of this condition, but has mounted to such an extent as to make it extremely difficult for property owners to meet the levy. Much of the hardship which taxpayers find confronting them is caused through the inequality of valuations of property which result in an unfair distribution of the tax load. This condition is due to the archaic system under which we are operating and will never be completely cured until a system is put in force which will assure equitable assessments and correspondingly an equitable distribution of the cost of government.

For three years past a temporary tax commission appointed by the Legislature and myself has been making a thorough study of the present tax system of the State. This commission has about completed its labors and will, I understand, report to the Legislature of 1933 and will suggest a revamping of the present tax laws of the Stateā€¦The Tax Commission of this State has but advisory and supervisory powers over local assessors. However, the moral effect of an investigation by a great state agency sometimes produces good results. I have instructed the State Tax Commission to give serious consideration to any application which may be made by you or any other taxpayer, in relation to the valuation placed upon real property for taxation purposes, and have been assured that all complaints will be thoroughly investigated and an effort made to adjust inequalities as between individual taxpayers, if such exist." In fine condition, with a paperclip impression to the top edge of each page.

Auction Info

  • Auction Title: Fine Autograph and Artifacts, Ft. Art and Literature
  • Dates: #610 - Ended June 16, 2021





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