is geared to the implementation of the point system and its prompt
administration and enforcement will be the construction of the new
building for the Department of Motor Vehicles. Land has been ac-
quired during this Administration, plans have been drawn and bids
will be let in the very near future. This building is so designed that
it will house the most modern type of electronic equipment and de-
vices for the accurate and swift recordation of all data pertaining to
owners and operators of motor vehicles in the State of Maryland. It
will promote a more efficient operation of the Department.

While there already has been considerable improvement in the
issuance of license tags in the State with a minimum of confusion
and delay, the Department of Motor Vehicles has undertaken studies
and is making recommendations for the issuance of license tags in
Baltimore City through the police stations in order to further elimi-
nate the delay and confusion which may still exist.

If the Department of Correction is to fulfill its responsibilities, it
must be provided with adequate physical plant and facilities and stim-
ulated to carry on effective rehabilitation programs for prisoners.
I am pleased to note that a way has been cleared for the erection
of the new medium-security institution for males and that other
facilities have been opened to relieve serious overcrowding at the
Penitentiary, the House of Correction and the Reformatory for Males.
Measures have been taken, also, to improve the highly important
work of treating defective delinquents at the Patuxent Institution
by expanding the professional staff and the construction of a new
diagnostic center.

In public welfare, food allowances to public assistance clients and
allowances for foster care have been increased. In compliance with a
request this Assembly made last year, I appointed a commission to
study the problem of illegitimacy and its effect upon our program of
aid to dependent children. The commission has reported to you that
more time is required for its study and has requested another year
of life to complete its work. I shall be glad to grant that request.

In the area of forests and parks, high priority has been given by
this Administration to the acquisition of land for recreational use
to provide for the rapidly growing population of the State. During
the past two years, for example, more than $3, 000, 000 has been pro-
vided to purchase park lands and I am proposing that nearly another
$1, 500, 000 be appropriated for this purpose at this session of the
General Assembly. In addition, more than $600, 000 is available or
proposed for projects to improve existing parks so as to provide bet-

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