April
5, 2001
SENATE EXECUTIVE MESSAGE NO. 46
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 BILL
476, as amended, enacted by the Forty-Fifth Legislature, First Session, 2001.
This bill would break the rule established only three years ago that no new public post-secondary educational institution, branch campus or off-campus instructional center shall be created except as specifically created by the Legislature. Operating a highly fractionated post-secondary system is not necessarily in the best interests of New Mexico. Until a real plan of action encompassing both the need for various kinds of post-secondary education and the best delivery system is agreed upon by all parties significantly affected, it is at best premature to encourage further splintering. The bill also halves the level of local support required, potentially throwing more of the burden for operating independent institutions on the general taxpayer. For these reasons, I cannot approve this bill.
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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