S.B. 187                                                   VETOES

national recession and its effect on revenues. Thousands of State jobs were eliminated,
and the budget was cut by approximately $1.9 billion. As part of an overall plan for cost
containment, the MVA saved $90,000 in fiscal year 1992 by eliminating road crew
services. For fiscal year 1993, despite passing Senate Bill 247, the General Assembly
included language in the budget bill prohibiting the MVA from funding road crew
services. The savings for fiscal year 1994 are approximately $95,000.

In addition, the MVA is seeking to obtain a digital imaging driver's license production
system to replace the present photo-on-license system. The operation of road crew
driver's licensing services at each county seat, in addition to the branch offices, could
substantially increase the costs of the new technology.

Finally, just as I felt that Senate Bill 247 would set a dangerous precedent, Senate Bill 187
would also represent an intrusion by the Legislative Branch into the responsibilities of the
Executive Branch. As I said in my veto letter for Senate Bill 187, "(o)perational decisions
such as when and where to staff a governmental office belong to the Executive Branch.
Making that decision by statute, eliminating all flexibility, is unacceptable."

While I am very familiar with and do understand the concerns of those who would like to
have this program reestablished, I have also heard from many citizens who strongly
advocate the downsizing of government. When we can contain costs and at the same time
improve the quality of services, we should embrace the opportunity. For this reason, and
in order to avoid a dangerous precedent, I have vetoed Senate Bill 187.               

Sincerely,

William Donald Schaefer

Governor

Senate Bill No. 187

AN ACT concerning

Driver's Licensing Services in Certain Counties

FOR the purpose of requiring the Motor Vehicle Administration to provide in certain
counties certain driver's licensing services for the residents of those counties; and
making this Act an emergency measure.

BY adding to                                              .

Article - Transportation
Section 16-121
Annotated Code of Maryland
(1992 Replacement Volume)

SECTION 1. BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF
MARYLAND, That the Laws of Maryland read as follows:

Article - Transportation

16-121.

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