J. MILLARD TAWES, GOVERNOR 315

Maryland law. I am advised that, based on the number of passes issued
in this category by the various tracks during the calendar year of 1959,
there will be a loss of Admission Tax revenue of approximately
$31, 561, if this bill is signed by me. This revenue, of course, will not be
a loss to the State, since the Admission Tax is returned to the County
or Sub-division in which it is collected.

The information that I have available informs me that the loss at
the Bowie track will amount to about $5, 500 per year, at the Laurel
track about $7, 500 per year and at the Pimlico track about $6, 000 per
year. I am advised that the losses at the Half-mile tracks and Harness
tracks will be in lesser amounts; however, the amounts will be fairly
substantial. Worcester County, for example, will lose in the neighbor-
hood of $2, 900 as a result of the effect that this legislation will have
on the track at Ocean Downs. Allegany County will lose approximately
$1, 100, Washington County about $1, 300 and Harford County approxi-
mately $1, 050. Other political sub-divisions in which tracks are
located will lose varying amounts.

I am also advised that the control of free passes at the various race
tracks has presented somewhat of a problem. This, I understand, is
especially true at the Half-mile tracks where, I understand, past
experience has shown that this privilege was being abused.

In view of the loss of revenues that will result to several of our
political sub-divisions and because of the difficulty that has arisen in
the handling of free passes, I have determined that it is in the best
interest of our State for me to veto this Bill.

As stated in the third paragraph above, I have consulted the office
of the Comptroller of the Treasury on this matter and was advised by
letter dated March 23, 1960 regarding the estimated loss of revenue
that would result by the approval of this legislation. I am attaching a
copy of the Comptroller's letter with the understanding that it is to
be considered a part of this veto message.

With kindest personal regards, I am

Sincerely yours,

(s) J. MILLARD TAWES,

Governor.
JMT/LLS/ah

Enclosure—Letter from State Comptroller:

March 23, 1960.
Honorable Lloyd L. Simpkins
Executive Assistant to Governor Tawes
State House
Annapolis, Maryland

Dear Mr. Simpkins:

Re: House Bill Number 129

This will acknowledge your letter dated March 21, 1960, requesting
the Comptroller's views on House Bill Number 129.

The enactment of this bill could result in a loss of revenue in the
amount of approximately $31, 561. 05 annually, based on the number