BUDGET MESSAGE 635

We have a solid foundation from the 1967 session on which to
build in the 10 weeks ahead. If we approach our task in the same
spirit of bipartisanship and creativity that we molded into State policy
last year, our challenges will be met and conquered.

I have every confidence in your ability and your willingness to do
this.

Let me leave you with a final — and perhaps somewhat startling —
thought. I want to make you proud of this administration, whatever
your party. I want to be proud of this Legislature — of the creativity,
the independence and the statesmanship that you have developed and
have the ability to enhance. Let not the few who mock lofty aims
destroy our course to progress.

You have my very best personal wishes as you begin writing this
second chapter in the history of the most productive General Assembly
Maryland has ever known. I stand by ready to assist you in any way
I can.

BUDGET MESSAGE TO GENERAL ASSEMBLY
January 17, 1968

Mr. President, Mr. Speaker, Ladies and Gentlemen of the General
Assembly:

Last year the fiscal policy of this administration and of the General
Assembly emphasized the long overdue need for the State to meet its
responsibilities to local governments. The 1969 budget which I present
to you today can best be characterized as one of consolidation and
economy, a conscious restraint on spending policies and programs to
reflect fiscal realities but at the same time provide reasonable increases
in essential services to our citizens.

The success of the fiscal reform program enacted last year is now a
matter of public record:

Over $70 million in additional State aid for public education
was distributed to local governments.

Almost $16 million in State aid for public safety for Maryland
counties and municipalities reflected the first effort by any state
to directly assist communities in development of better law en-
forcement.