THEODORE R. McKELDIN, GOVERNOR                  1293

May 9, 1955.

Honorable Louis L. Goldstein
President of the Senate
State House
Annapolis, Maryland

Dear Mr. President:

I have vetoed Senate Bill 575 which would defer for another year the
increase in motor vehicle registration fees contemplated as a part of
the twelve year road building program. On April 2, 1954, I vetoed
Senate Bill 78 of the 1954 Session, which had a similar purpose. Sub-
sequently, at this 1955 Session of the Legislature, I approved a one
year deferment of the increased registration fees because it appeared
financially feasible. I made it clear then and repeat now, that any
such deferment must be based on clear financial data showing that
there will be no obstruction of the road program. It is impossible
to forecast what the financial picture will be when the 1956 Session
convenes, by which time a more accurate determination can be made.
Nor is such speculation necessary, since ample time will then remain
for consideration of the advisability of any further deferment.

It should be noted that the 1955 Session of the Legislature au-
thorized increasing from two million to three million dollars the
amount which could be transferred from construction funds to mainte-
nance funds in a given year. This helps to assure more adequate
maintenance, but may create a deficiency of construction money al-
ready programmed. Furthermore, the needs of the traveling public
have necessitated continuing changes in contemplated construction of
highways at increased cost to meet public demand and to insure long
term efficiency. Likewise, the amount of federal aid to be available
is an unknown and indefinite quantity at this time. In addition, the
credit rating accorded bond issues is inextricably interwoven with
the soundness of the supporting revenue picture.

These various complex factors cannot be ignored and a determina-
tion of whether further tax relief is feasible must be left for the next
session of the Legislature. I shall continue to adhere to the principle
that the rate of any tax should not be greater than necessary to
satisfy the purposes requiring its imposition, but shall insist upon
having the best available information in reaching a conclusion.

Respectfully,

(s) THEODORE R. MCKELDIN,

Governor
TRMcKrmg

Senate Bill No. 583—Allegany County Tax Collector

AN ACT to repeal and re-enact, with amendments, Section 116 of
Article 1 of the Code of Public Local Laws of Maryland (1930
Edition), title "Allegany County", sub-title "County Tax Col-
lectors", and to repeal Sections 117 through 124A, inclusive, of
said Article and sub-title, some or all of which sections were
amended or added by Chapter 614 of the Acts of 1947, Chapters 59
and 176 of the Acts of 1931, Chapter 449 of the Acts of 1951,
Chapter 18 of the Acts of 1953, Chapter 199 of the Acts of 1945,