BUDGET MESSAGE 43

tion. The last General Assembly also established a Police Training
Commission to determine and set minimum training requirements
for all of Maryland's law enforcement officers. This budget recom-
mends appropriations to facilitate the development of regional train-
ing programs to assist local law enforcement personnel in meeting
those qualifications and standards determined by the Police Training
Commission.

Finally, I would like to bring to your attention that the budget of
the Department of Correction was held to a minimum pending the
release of the Michaelson report. Even so, an increase of f 1. 9 million
was required to allow 181 additional positions, mainly for staffing new
facilities and operating expanded programs. While this increase is
substantial, I request that you bear in mind that this is a crucial area
demanding immediate constructive action. The riot at the Maryland
Penitentiary last July destroyed State property in excess of $500, 000.
We can no longer afford to curb expenditures in this area. Short-
sighted pseudo-economies will inevitably be obliterated by long-range
expenses.

CONCLUSION

In this first executive budget, I have been unable to examine in
detail all of the programs and policies upon which it is predicated.
However, I am satisfied that it maintains those services essential to our
citizens for their continued well-being. This does not mean that I am
committed to continued support for every activity included here.

There are additional areas, such as State employee salaries and fiscal
reform, where I feel it is essential that action be taken this year. On
such subjects I shall transmit recommendations to you at a later date.

The budget is the core of government — establishing priorities and
providing for the utilization of our available resources in services to
our citizens. While we may differ concerning specific programs to be
financed, or priorities to be established, I am sure that we can all agree
on the ultimate objective — the maximum benefit to our citizens with
the minimum of taxation and governmental regulation. We can also
agree on the principle that we must produce a dollar's value for each
tax dollar spent. To that end I commit myself and this administration.