reflected in the budget I am presenting to you today. You will find
that some new programs have been added, while others have been
curtailed. In every instance, however, an effort has been made to
balance the fiscal resources of the State with the needs of the people.

In formulating this budget, it was not my intention to present an
austere program for our State. I am well aware that overindulgence
in budget cutting can lead to false economies. Besides, it has not
been, and never will be, the policy of this Administration to subor-
dinate legitimate human needs to the harsh and impersonal demands
of the balance sheet. I do, however, stand committed to the elimina-
tion of waste, the duplication of services and extravagances of any
kind. As legislators, it is your duty to review this budget carefully
and eliminate any items which in your opinion may be so character-
ized.

In my message to you of a year ago, I stated also that more revenues
would be needed by the State if services already contracted for were
to be maintained at existing levels. Events of the past year confirmed
that observation, and more general fund revenues are required in
this budget to provide essentially the same services that have been
provided in the past. This is the result mainly of two factors: (1)
The inflation which affects all of us, and (2) A rapidly expanding
population.

It is encouraging to report that our economy in Maryland stands
virtually at its all-time peak. All indications are that we may expect
a continuing expansion of the economy and growth in population.
Growth and expansion, of course, are healthy factors, but they mean
that governmental spending at all levels will continue to advance.
Both factors have contributed to the budget increases of the past
and will continue to contribute to increases in the future. It is
imperative, therefore, that we continue a zealous search for economies
in every possible direction. Additional taxation is unthinkable so
long as revenues the State is receiving are sufficient to defray all
necessary and essential governmental services.

The budget which I am presenting calls for total fund appropria-
tions of $476, 758, 352, which exceeds the amount you appropriated
for the current year by $40, 025, 050, or 9. 2 per cent. Of this total
amount, $232, 843, 831 represents appropriations from general funds.
This exceeds the general-fund appropriations of the current year by
$28, 059, 242, or 13. 7 per cent.

In the interest of economy, requests for funds by the several de-

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