April 19, 2000

TO THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES:

GOVERNOR'S VETO MESSAGE FOR HOUSE BILL 558

I am returning House Bill No. 558: "AN ACT TO AMEND SECTIONS 69-45-1 THROUGH 69-45-15, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO EXPAND THE MISSISSIPPI AGRICULTURAL PROMOTIONS PROGRAM ACT TO INCLUDE MISSISSIPPI'S MANUFACTURED GOODS; TO CREATE A NEW CODE SECTION TO BE CODIFIED AS SECTION 69-45-17, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO PROVIDE PENALTIES FOR VIOLATIONS; TO CREATE A NEW CODE TO BE CODIFIED AS SECTION 69-45-19, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO PROVIDE HEARING PROCEDURES FOR PERSONS ACCUSED OF VIOLATIONS; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES." without my approval, and assign the following reasons for my veto:

Promoting Mississippi products, encouraging Mississippi enterprises, and building a stronger economy are vital to the future well being of every Mississippian. I am committed to doing what I can to fortify the foundation of our economy, that is, to advance agricultural and related businesses in this state. Recognizing that the promotion of Mississippi made products is essential to enhancing our state's image beyond our borders, I am also committed to spreading the news of all that our state offers to open new markets and attract first-time buyers for Mississippi products.

With that in mind we have begun the process of revamping Mississippi's incentives as well as crafting a long-term economic strategy for our state. This effort joins public and private interests in an historic endeavor. Likewise, we are asking our state agencies and executive branch departments to work together in new and innovative ways.

After discussions with the leadership of the Department of Economic and Community Development and the Department of Agriculture and Commerce, I am convinced that the elements of this legislation can be accomplished through a Memorandum of Understanding or other inter-agency agreements negating the need for changes to existing law. By fostering a stronger working relationship, these two agencies can do more to promote the growth, processing, manufacture and sale of Mississippi products.

Respectfully submitted,

RONNIE MUSGROVE
GOVERNOR