May 16, 2002

The Honorable Casper R. Taylor, Jr.
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 571 - Maryland Group Health Insurance Plan - Repeal.

This bill repeals the Maryland Group Health Insurance Plan. The purpose of the plan is to provide hospital, medical and surgical benefits on an expense-incurred basis to specified individuals. An individual is eligible for membership in the plan if the individual is unemployed and not eligible for Medicare or another group health benefit plan or a qualified beneficiary of the unemployed person, who would otherwise be entitled to coverage under a group contract.

Senate Bill 388, 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 571.

Sincerely,
Parris N. Glendening
Governor