3434

VETOES

Senate Bill 118, which was enacted by the General
Assembly and signed by me on April 22, 1980 accomplishes the
same purpose.

Therefore it is unnecessary for me to sign House Bill
1694.

Sincerely,
Harry Hughes
Governor

House Bill No. 1722

AN ACT concerning

State Financing - County Public Libraries

FOR the purpose of altering the State's contribution to the
county-state minimum library program.

May 27, 1980
Honorable Benjamin L. Cardin
Speaker of the House of Delegates
State House
Annapolis, Maryland 21404

Dear Mr. Speaker:

In accordance with Article II, Section 17 of the
Maryland Constitution, I have today vetoed House Bill 1722.

House Bill 1722 increases the funds to be allocated
annually to the minimum library program from $5 to $6.50 for
each county resident. The bill, effective on July 1, 1981,
would mandate the expenditure of $2.9 million in fiscal year
1982.

Although it is apparent that our library system needs
and deserves additional funding to preserve the unique and
vital role that libraries serve in our society, and while I
am in sympathy with the intent of this legislation, I am
nonetheless reluctant to mandate the expenditure of such a
large amount of money fully seven months prior to the
development of firmer revenue estimates.

By December the availability of revenue estimates will
enable us to be in a position to make a more informed
decision on the impact the current recession will have on
the State's economy and on the fiscal consequences of the