May17,2001

The Honorable Thomas V. Mike Miller, Jr.
President of the Senate
State House
Annapolis MD 21401

Dear Mr. President:

In accordance with Article II, Section 17 of the Maryland Constitution, I have today vetoed Senate Bill 407 - Office of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing.

This bill creates the Office of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing within the Office of the Governor and provides that the director of the office is to be appointed by the Governor with the advice and consent of the Senate. The office will be responsible for promoting the general welfare of deaf and hard of hearing individuals in the State. The bill also creates a 16-member Advisory Council for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing to advise the office.

House Bill 1187, which was passed by the General Assembly and signed by me, accomplishes the same purpose. Therefore, it is not necessary for me to sign Senate Bill 407.

Sincerely,
Parris N. Glendening
Governor