March 11, 1998

The Honorable Raymond G. Sanchez and

Members of the House of Representatives

Executive-Legislative Building

Santa Fe, New Mexico 87503

Honorable Speaker and Members of the House:

I have this day VETOED and am returning HOUSE BILL 78, passed by the Forty-Third Legislature, Second Session, 1998.

This legislation would have provided funds for staffing and other costs for a children’s law unit at the University of New Mexico Law School. This legislation was undoubtedly offered with the best of intentions. However, program expansions such as this should be proposed and reviewed through the Commission on Higher Education. Additionally, the combined resources of the UNM Law School, the Judicial Education Center and the Administrative office of the Courts should cover "the costs incurred in developing and delivering training to and resource materials for judges and attorneys." I would be pleased to consider this appropriation in the context of a recommendation by the Commission on Higher Education and based upon a rigorous assessment of meeting this program need with existing resources..

Sincerely,

Gary E. Johnson

Governor

hemv078