May 22, 2003

The Honorable Michael E. Busch
Speaker of the House
State House
Annapolis MD 21401

Dear Mr. Speaker:

In accordance with Article II, Section 17 of the Maryland Constitution, today I have vetoed House Bill 363 - Maryland Medical Assistance Program - Maryland Pharmacy Access Hotline. This bill requires the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene to establish a specified telephone hotline and distribute to Maryland Medical Assistance Program recipients specified information about the hotline. Furthermore, this legislation requires the Department to develop a methodology to track the number and type of calls received by the hotline. Senate Bill 676, which was passed by the General Assembly and signed by me, accomplishes the same purpose. Therefore, it is not necessary for me to sign House Bill 363.

Sincerely,
Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr.
Governor