May 22, 2003

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, today I have vetoed Senate Bill 487 - Telecommunication and Computer Network Access - Task Force on Broadband Communications Deployment in Underserved Rural Areas.

Senate Bill 487 establishes a Task Force on Broadband Communications Deployment in Underserved Rural Areas. Additionally, the bill would provide for the membership and duties of the Task Force and require the Task Force to report to the Governor and the General Assembly on or before a specified date. The bill also encourages the Department of Business and Economic Development and the Department of Budget and Management to undertake specified actions.

House Bill 697, 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 487.

Sincerely,
Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr.
Governor