March 22, 2002

TO THE MISSISSIPPI HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES:

GOVERNOR'S VETO MESSAGE FOR HOUSE BILL 1551

I am returning House Bill Number 1551: "AN ACT TO PROHIBIT LOCAL ORDINANCES RESTRICTING THE USE OF CELL PHONES IN MOTOR VEHICLES; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES" without my approval, and assign the following reasons for my veto.

I am vetoing House Bill No. 1551 because it is imposes a State prohibition on a local concern. It is accepted wisdom that government closest to the people governs best. This action usurps the power of local governments to make decisions they deem in the best interest of their community.

I urge the members to sustain the veto and reject House Bill No. 1551.

Respectfully submitted,

RONNIE MUSGROVE