May 12, 2004

TO THE MISSISSIPPI STATE SENATE:

GOVERNOR’S VETO MESSAGE FOR SENATE BILL 3197

I am returning Senate Bill 3197: “AN ACT TO AMEND CHAPTER 950, LOCAL AND PRIVATE LAWS OF 1994, TO REVISE THE DISTRIBUTION OF THE PROCEEDS FROM THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, TOURISM AND CONVENTION TAX IMPOSED BY THE CITY OF STARKVILLE, MISSISSIPPI, ON THE GROSS INCOME OF RESTAURANTS DERIVED FROM THE SALE OF PREPARED FOOD, ALCOHOLIC AND NONALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES; TO EXTEND THE REPEAL DATE ON SUCH TAX UNTIL JUNE 30, 2008; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES” without my approval and assign the following reasons for my veto.

The Legislature has also passed House Bill 1833, shortly to be transmitted to me for my approval, which is nearly identical to Senate Bill 3197, but provides the citizens of the City of Starkville a mechanism to oppose the distribution of tax monies. I am apprised that the legislative delegation from Starkville prefers the House version, and I plan to sign it when it arrives at my desk.

I urge the members to sustain the veto and reject Senate Bill 3197.

Respectfully Submitted,

HALEY BARBOUR

GOVERNOR