VETOES

For some time, it has been the State's policy to provide special help to such
organizations and populations. Accordingly, several programs have been established
and substantial financial support is already being made available. For example, the
Department of Transportation gives special discounts to senior citizens who use the
services of MTA, and offers a special mobility program within trie Baltimore
metropolitan area. These two programs cost the State approximately $6.8 million
annually. The Department also provides financial support to transit systems for the
transportation of the elderly and the handicapped through its Statewide Special
Transportation Assistance Program (SSTAP). That grant program to the counties
provides funding that offsets the operating costs of organizations that meet the SSTAP
eligibility requirements. In FY 1991, in excess of $2.0 million will be made available to
a variety of organizations who serve specialized populations. I realize that even that
level of funding is not sufficient to meet the needs of all of the groups who take the time
and the effort to help our seniors and the disadvantaged.

In lieu of signing Senate Bill 319, I have directed the Department of Transportation to
identify funds to provide support during the interim to appropriate local nonprofit
groups that transport these specialized populations and that meet the SSTAP eligibility
requirements, but which are not presently receiving SSTAP funds.

Since I believe that alternative is a more efficient and effective way to support such
organizations, I have vetoed Senate Bill 319.

Sincerely,

William Donald Schaefer

Governor

Senate Bill No. 319

AN ACT concerning

Motor Vehicle Fuel Tax - Refunds

FOR the purpose of making refundable the motor fuel tax paid on motor fuel used by
certain nonprofit organizations that provide transportation to blind, elderly,
handicapped, or low income individuals; and generally relating to a refund of
motor fuel tax paid on motor fuel used by certain nonprofit organizations for
certain purposes.

BY repealing and reenacting, with amendments,
Article - Tax - General
Section 13-901(f)(l)(ii)
Annotated Code of Maryland
(1988 Volume and 1989 Supplement)

Preamble

WHEREAS, The State currently provides for a refund of the motor fuel tax paid
on motor fuel used to operate any bus used only in the operation of a transportation

- 2980 -