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 438 - Elementary and Secondary Education - Procurement - Competition.

This bill requires a local board of education to draft procurement specifications to obtain maximum practicable competition for contracts for school building, improvement, supplies or equipment. The specifications may not favor a particular bidder. The local board may continue to name in the specifications and advertisements for bids the particular make, kind, or brand of service or product to be contracted for or purchased for the procurement of heating and cooling products or electrical systems.

House Bill 1226, 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 438.

Sincerely,
Parris N. Glendening
Governor