conference, I noted that Maryland has three counties in the region
and said: "Nothing significant can be accomplished for the distressed
counties of Maryland except as a part of a program whose aim would
be to rebuild and revitalize the economy of the entire Appalachian
Region. " A Conference of Appalachian Governors was created at that
Conference, and in May, 1961 President Kennedy met with the
Governors to consider a joint federal-state effort. Two years later he
created the Appalachian Regional Commission, charged with the
responsibility of formulating a development plan. This plan was sub-
mitted to President Johnson in March, 1964, and a year later the
President signed into law the Appalachian Regional Development Act.
Our three westernmost counties already are beginning to profit from
this far-sighted program, which will include the construction of more
than 60 miles of modern high speed highways. Opening Western
Maryland to new industry and commerce and renewing it as a link
between the Atlantic Coast and the Ohio Valley.

Also, I should like to say just a word about the handling of the
taxpayers' dollars during the past eight years. As background, we
should keep in mind that Maryland is one of the fastest growing areas
of the country and that it has had to increase its governmental services
enormously to meet the demands of the people. It has met these
demands for expanded and improved services without imposing a tax
drain upon either industry or the breadwinner. Over the past eight
years, the budget of your State (general, special and federal funds) has
roughly doubled-from $448. 2 million in fiscal 1960 to $885. 1 million
currently. These unusual financial demands have been met without
a general fund tax increase for the needs of the State during the
entire period.

Finally, I should like to refer to what I have called my legacy to
the people of Maryland for better government. I have in mind two-
blue-ribbon commissions now engaged in two important missions:
(1) to draft a new constitution to replace the present clumsy and out-
moded document that has been in existence for 99 years, and (2) to
streamline and modernize the administrative machinery of State
government. The achievement of these two purposes, together with
the reapportionment of the General Assembly which already has taken
place, should give the people of Maryland a governmental structure
that will serve their purposes adequately for many generations to come.
As much as anything else, I should like to be remembered for the part
my Administration played in initiating these reforms.

And now, let me express my gratitude to you, my fellow Rotarians

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