May 15, 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 849 - Task Force on Resource Industry Business Development.

House Bill 849 establishes a 28-member Task Force on Resource Industry Business Development to examine the current and anticipated economic development needs of resource-based industries. Chapter 433 of the Acts of 2000 established the Task Force on Resource Based Industry in Maryland. It was charged with examining the financing requirements for Maryland's resource-based industries. Chapter 196 of 2001 extended the task force through January 31, 2002. In its report to the Governor and the General Assembly, the task force concluded that additional work related to the economic development of resource-based industries is needed and they recommended re-establishing the task force under a new name and with the new agenda.

Resource-based industries are essential to the economy of the State's rural regions and the State as a whole. I support the intent of House Bill 849, which seeks to find solutions to the economic development needs of Maryland's agriculture, fishing, forestry and mining extraction industries. During my two terms as Governor, I have demonstrated my commitment to this issue through the creation of several organizations and economic incentive programs targeted at resource-based industry. On February 24, 1998, I signed an Executive Order creating the Maryland Forestry Task Force which was charged with developing recommendations for promoting the economic viability of Maryland's forest products industry. In 1999 and 2000, I signed legislation establishing and clarifying the "One Maryland" Economic Development Tax Credit program which provides economic development tax credits for establishing or expanding certain eligible businesses including mining, agriculture, forestry or fishing. To further ensure the economic viability of Maryland's seafood and aquaculture industries, on May 16, 2002 I will sign House Bill 662, which establishes two workgroups to study and report back on the economic development of these industries. At this time, it is unnecessary to establish another workgroup whose responsibilities, membership and goals overlap the economic mission of these programs and incentives.

For the above reasons, I have vetoed House Bill 849.

Sincerely,
Parris N. Glendening
Governor