April 6, 2001

 

SENATE EXECUTIVE MESSAGE NO.  92

 

The Honorable Richard Romero and

Members of the Senate

Executive-Legislative Building

Santa Fe, New Mexico 87503

 

Honorable President and Members of the Senate:

 

I have this day VETOED and am returning SENATE PUBLIC AFFAIRS COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE FOR SENATE BILL 248 enacted by the Forty-Fifth Legislature, First Session, 2001.

 

This bill would allow the same retirement benefits for correctional officers as is provided to state police officers.  While I am mindful of the problems associated with recruiting and retaining correctional officers, I do not believe the answer lies in further enriching an already rich retirement benefit.  Currently, state employees can begin working at age 18 and retire at age 44, this bill would allow retirement of that same individual at age 39.  I have been faced with decisions concerning increasing retirement benefits throughout my administration and have maintained the consistent position of refusing to do so.  Having said this, however, I did approve salary increases for correctional officers this session and am open to considering additional increases due to the hazardous conditions these individuals face everyday.

 

 

 

Sincerely,         

 

 

 

          Gary E. Johnson         

Governor         

 


RECEIVED FROM THE OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR:

 

Time: _____________________                By:_____________________________

                                                                     Secretary of State

Date ______________________             

 

Time:______________________

 

Date_______________________               By:_____________________________

                                                                     Chief Clerk of the Senate

                                                                             Sem64sb662v