May 22, 2000

TO THE MISSISSIPPI STATE SENATE:

GOVERNOR'S VETO MESSAGE FOR SENATE BILL 2557

I am returning Senate Bill Number 2557: "AN ACT TO REQUIRE THAT COTTON FACTORS, COTTON BROKERS AND RICE DEALERS SHALL OBTAIN AN ANNUAL LICENSE FROM THE COMMISSIONER OF AGRICULTURE AND COMMERCE BEFORE CONDUCTING BUSINESS IN THIS STATE; TO PROVIDE DEFINITIONS; TO PROVIDE REQUIREMENTS AND FEES FOR THE LICENSES; TO PROVIDE PENALTIES FOR VIOLATIONS OF THIS ACT; TO PROVIDE THE OPPORTUNITY FOR A HEARING CONCERNING VIOLATIONS; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES" without my approval, and assign the following reasons for my veto:

Senate Bill Number 2557 was an earnest effort to protect Mississippi's hard working cotton and rice producers, upon whom so much of our economy depends. In spite of the noble intent of this bill, all parties concerned are now of the opinion that this bill may be too onerous a burden for the companies engaged in business with Mississippi's cotton and rice producers.

In hindsight, the parties agree that more dialogue is needed with the cotton factors, cotton brokers, and rice dealers, who are the objects of this licensing bill. Further, there is a question as to whether or not licensing and broad investigative powers are needed to monitor this industry.

Though an attempt to help the State's cotton and rice producers, this bill might, in the long run, hurt them. No one wants to take unnecessary action that might hurt our agricultural interests.

Respectfully submitted,

RONNIE MUSGROVE
GOVERNOR