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 1095 - State Retiree Health Care Protection Act.

This bill creates a Postretirement Health Benefits Trust Fund to assist in funding the postretirement health insurance subsidy for State employees; authorizing the Board of Trustees for the State Retirement and Pension System to commingle the assets of the Postretirement Health Benefits Trust Fund with the assets of specified other State retirement and pension systems; providing for the funding of the Postretirement Health Benefits Trust Fund.

Senate Bill 548, 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 1095.

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