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 299 - Electric Universal Service Program - Weatherization Component - Transfer.

This bill transfers responsibility for administering the low-income weatherization component of the electric universal service program from the Department of Human Resources to the Department of Housing and Community Development. The bill also requires the Department of Human Resources, through the Office of Home Energy Programs, to be responsible for administering specified components of the electric universal service program. Senate Bill 202, 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 299.

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