May 26, 2005

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 798 - Unemployment Insurance - Charging and Taxation - Benefits - Oversight Committee.

This bill alters the unemployment insurance charging and taxation system and incorporates three of the recommendations of the Unemployment Insurance Funding Task Force. Specifically, the bill alters the standard rate of contribution, increases the maximum weekly unemployment insurance benefit amounts, increases the amount of wages used to compute a claimant's weekly benefit amount for partial benefits, and establishes an oversight committee to determine the effect of the bill's changes. The new contribution rate tables are in effect for calendar years beginning on or after January 1, 2006. Senate Bill 703, 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 798.

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