S.B. 722

VETOES

college funding to provide a total grant of almost $90 million. This amount represents 32
percent of total community college operating expenses. The goal of the State aid formula
is for State support to reach 46 percent of community college operating expenses by Fiscal
Year 1996. In vetoing this bill, it is not my intent to jeopardize funding for the State's
community college system. However, the State's commitment to fulfill its goals under the
State aid formula should be met before other targeted funding methods are adopted.

It has been predicted that in the near future, the growth in spending, as a result of
existing statutory requirements, will far outweigh projected revenue growth. It is unwise
at this time to tie the hands of the future executive with additional spending mandates.
However, the next Governor can continue to enhance community college funding by
allocating additional State resources to the State aid formula for community colleges in
the budget.

I do not believe that this is the appropriate time to establish an ESOL grant program for
community colleges. To do so would not be the most equitable or appropriate manner to
distribute the State's limited resources available to the community colleges.

For these reasons, I have vetoed Senate Bill 722.

Sincerely,

William Donald Schaefer

Governor

Senate Bill No. 722

AN ACT concerning                                                                                       

Community Colleges - Funding of English for Speakers of Other Languages Programs

FOR the purpose of funding programs for students who are enrolled in English for
Speakers of Other Languages programs and enrolled in community colleges in the
State; setting certain criteria to qualify for the grant; specifying a certain limitation on
the total amount of grants provided under this Act; providing for the repayment of any
excess funds to the General Fund of the State; and generally relating to funding
English for Speakers of Other Languages programs.

BY adding to

Article - Education

Section 16-403(d)

Annotated Code of Maryland

(1992 Replacement Volume and 1993 Supplement)

SECTION 1. BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF
MARYLAND, That the Laws of Maryland read as follows:                   

Article - Education

16-403.

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