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S.B. 401
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VETOES
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procurement law. Additionally, there have been no problems with the current
procurement system that would warrant burdening the process by requiring General
Assembly approval before the State can enter into an international trade agreement.
It has been said that Maryland represents America in miniature. Without question,
any business, product or service an individual anywhere in the world may need is
made in Maryland. Because our State is so uniquely situated in the global economy, it
is imperative that we maintain an aggressive and responsive international marketing
strategy. It is counterproductive to require the world of business to stand still while
the Maryland General Assembly debates legislation to approve a specific
international trade agreement. Traditionally, a legislative body may become involved
in international trade agreements when a specific issue warrants such action. In
recent history, legislative bodies enacted trade restrictions against South Africa as a
specific response to the existing political climate. In such instances, the legislative
response is specific and very narrowly focused.
This State, and in particular this Administration, is serious about the place that
Maryland has in the global economy. Hindering my (or future Chief Executive
Officers') ability to respond quickly to the demands of that global economy will have a
chilling effect on local businesses and on the State in general, regardless of who
requests the trade agreement.
We live in a global community and strive to be good neighbors with all cultures of the
world. The trade agreements affected by this legislation could promote global
competition and opportunities. Participation in these agreements can benefit
Maryland by promoting a more level playing field in government procurement. To the
extent that Senate Bill 401 is an attempt to limit competition and possibly reduce
foreign access to the Maryland market undermines the State's efforts to increase
trade and investment opportunities with foreign countries. Additionally, abandoning
the nondiscrimination requirements of GPA could result in increased State
procurement costs.
Senate Bill 401 is also representative of a growing number of bills that this
legislature has seen fit to pass over the last three years that seek to curtail the
powers of the executive branch of government. As the Chief Executive Officer of the
State of Maryland, I believe that the citizens of Maryland expect me to make
responsible and prudent decisions on their behalf.
For the above stated reasons, I have vetoed Senate Bill 401.
Very truly yours,
Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr.
Governor
Senate Bill No. 401
AN ACT concerning
International Trade Agreement - Procurement Rules - General Assembly
Approval
- 3606 -
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