May 26, 2004

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, I have today vetoed House Bill 682 - Mass Transit Services - Cost Recovery - Performance Standards.

This bill continues for a specified length of time provisions relating to the percentage of operating costs that must be recovered from revenues collected by the Maryland Transit Administration for mass transit services; requires a 50% cost recovery goal; requires the continuation of performance indicators for mass transit services; requires independent management audits; and continues a requirement that the Department of Transportation submit specified projections in the Department's annual budget.

Senate Bill 282, which was passed by the General Assembly and signed by me on May 26, 2004, accomplishes the same purpose. Therefore, it is not necessary for me to sign House Bill 682.

Very truly yours,
Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr.
Governor