She said that almost all of them understand the importance of the program for the public health and financial well being of the state. The best way to continue the program is a special session bill to repeal the Jan. 1 repeal date, the Governor said. Hull does not favor an alternative proposal for a short-term extension of the program for 30 or 60 days. A brief extension presents two problems, said the Governor. First, it endangers the contract, which is in effect until 2004.
Businesses expect stability in their contracts with the state.
Secondly, an extension would place the re-authorization of emissions inspections in the middle of the regular legislative session. It is not necessary to re-argue the whole program, especially with issues like the budget, education and health needing attention, the Governor said. The merits of this program have been discussed, debated and finally enacted by earlier legislatures. For example, HB 1427, the most recent air quality bill, passed last spring with broad, bipartisan support. While the Governor knows a short special session is convenient, she expects the Legislature to meet as long as it takes to resolve the problem.