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 459 - Income Tax - Credit for Preservation and Conservation Easements.

This bill allows an individual to take a credit against the State income tax for the conveyance of an easement in land to the Maryland Environmental Trust or the Maryland Agricultural Land Preservation Foundation for the purpose of preserving open space, natural resources, agriculture, forest land, watersheds, significant ecosystems, viewsheds or historic properties. The easement must be perpetual and must be approved by the Board of Public Works.

House Bill 681, 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 459.

Sincerely,
Parris N. Glendening
Governor