April 6, 2001

SENATE EXECUTIVE MESSAGE NO. 89

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 657, as amended, enacted by the Forty-Fifth Legislature, First Session, 2001.

This bill would move Bernalillo County Metropolitan Court judges from the Magistrate Retirement Act to the Judicial Retirement Act. Currently, metropolitan and magistrate court judges can retire at any age with 24 years of service credit, or at age 60 with 15 years of service credit. This change would allow them to retire and receive their pension with 18 years of service credit if they are 50 years of age or older. 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, it should be noted that I did approve significant pay increases for all judges.

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

Sem89sb657v