April 8, 1999

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 467,

enacted by the Forty-Fourth Legislature, First Session, 1999.

This legislation would require the New Mexico Department of Health to establish a 5 year substance abuse pilot project in Northern New Mexico. While attempting to address a serious problem, the legislation applies only to voluntary patients. The majority of substance abuse patients are involuntary, court ordered clients.

Additionally, the department already allocates substantial resources to substance abuse services statewide to include Northern New Mexico.

Sincerely,

Gary E. Johnson

Governor