May 26, 2005

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 759 - Education - Child Care Administration and Programs of the Office for Children, Youth, and Families and Maryland Family Support Centers Network - Transfer to State Department of Education.

Senate Bill 759 requires the State Superintendent of Schools to establish an Early Childhood Development Division within the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) and transfers the Child Care Administration within the Department of Human Resources (DHR) to MSDE. The Office of Child Care Subsidy is not included in the transfer. Other functions and activities related to child care and early childhood education that are performed at DHR and the Office for Children, Youth, and Families, excluding the Purchase of Child Care Voucher Program, will also be transferred. The bill also requires the powers and duties of the Secretary of Human Resources with respect to childcare and early childhood education to be transferred to the State Superintendent. Employees who are transferred as a result of this bill will do so without any diminution of their rights, benefits, or employment status.

House Bill 932, 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 759.

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