|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
ROBERT L. EHRLICH, JR., Governor H.B. 514
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 House Bill 514 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 the GPA could result in increased State
procurement costs.
House Bill 514 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 House Bill 514.
Very truly yours,
Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr.
Governor
House Bill No. 514
AN ACT concerning
International Trade Agreement - Procurement Rules - General Assembly
Approval
FOR the purpose of prohibiting State officials, including the Governor, from binding
the State or consenting to bind the State to the government procurement rules
- 4111 -
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
