This means that we on the State level must do our utmost at all times to
see that Maryland provides the kind of business climate that will attract
and keep industry. We must continually re-examine our tax structure to
make sure that it is equitable and competitive. At the same time, we
must keep our State fiscally sound, for business likes to do business in a
state that operates on a business-like basis. We must provide the kind
of facilities and services that modern industry requires—the highways,
bypasses and cloverleafs; the water and sewer systems; the parks and
recreation areas; the airports; and, perhaps most importantly, the
schools, colleges and universities.

But above all, we must provide good government—responsible, alert
and progressive government; government which anticipates the needs
and responds to the just demands of business, labor and industry. This
we will do. Translated into the terms of the responsibilities and oppor-
tunities that will be discussed here today, we on the State level must
assist and cooperate with our communities to make sure that none of
them is deprived of benefits which it wants, needs, and is entitled to
under the new federal programs. This we will also do. There is a limit
to what we can do, however. As I said earlier, and as will be explained
in detail later today, the initiative must come from the local level.

Primary responsibility for determining needs and qualifying for and
obtaining assistance under these programs is placed squarely on the
shoulders of local leadership—these programs are aimed at the com-
munity level, where economic problems have the strongest impact, are
better understood, and can be more practically dealt with. There are
few, if any, state-wide benefits available under these programs, so any
gains Maryland makes under them will have to be on the basis of cities,
counties, or small areas. But there are certain things that we can do.

The Area Redevelopment Act requires that the State approve all
applications for assistance under its provisions. I have instructed the
Department of Economic Development to assume this responsibility in
Maryland. As a matter of fact, as I mentioned earlier, they have already
approved two applications. In addition, the Department of Economic
Development will serve—as they have up to now—as an information
center and coordinating agency for all federal programs providing assist-
ance tor labor surplus areas. They will know all the answers about the
procedures required and the forms of assistance available—or if they
don't they will quickly find out. They will be available to guide and
assist any community or area in formulating its overall economic develop-
ment program, on preparing an application, or on any other problem
involving one of these programs.

180