3872

JOINT RESOLUTIONS

RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution be sent to
each member of the Maryland Congressional Delegation with
the suggestion that action be taken in Congress to
designate the second Sunday in April "National Foster
Parents Day."

Approved May 15, 1975.

No. 53
(House Joint Resolution 59)

A House Joint Resolution concerning

Energy — Minority Business Involvement

FOR the purpose of requesting the Energy Policy Office
and the Minority Business Energy Task Force to
submit a report concerning certain aspects of the
energy crisis on minority businesses.

At the present time there exists a gross lack of
understanding of the real energy situation among the
minority businesses in our State, indeed in the United
States. The energy crisis has predominately affected
prices, and resource allocation. Our energy crisis and
associated conservation measures under consideration by
the Federal and State government will affect prices on a
wide range, some at the obvious level of gasoline,
heating, electricity, and some at secondary levels of
increased costs of raw material, food, clothing, and
other life necessities.

It is Inevitable as we make adjustments and
corrections that it will affect the method of doing
business and change basic operating procedures. It is
imperative that when we make these adjustments, we do not
further increase the plight of our minority business.

It is important that intense concentrated
consideration of this possibility be given to every
contemplated change. We know that trade-offs and
compromises must be made in the often head—butting areas
of energy, ecology, and economics. It is important that
the block of citizens comprising minority businesses
understand these policies and work to accept adjustments
and implement necessary changes.

Equally important however is the precept that those
making decisions and initiating changes are fully aware