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
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