11,761

1

The General Assembly represents the people of

2

the state just as the Governor does. It is an equal and

5

co-extensive function of the General Assembly to exercise

4

its judgment as to what the public interest is. Every

5

argument that can be made against increasing the budget

6

can equally bemade against the power of the legislature

7

to decrease the budget. We are confident that if logic

8

is our test, that you will come down on our side.

9

If modern budgetary practice is our test, we are

10

confident that you will agree with this amendment.

11

We realize that it is a break from tradition, but

12

we agree with the Sun editorial of a few days ago, it said

13

perhaps we should like to see if we cannot improve upon what

14

has been a very useful and constructive condition in the

15

budgeting in Maryland.

16

The amendment would not create a deficit. It

17

would not permit a profligate spending spree by the state

18

legislature. It would require before any increase could

19

become effective, it would have to receive the approval

20

of the Governor. If the Governor did not approve, then the

21

General Assembly would have to muster a three-fifths vote