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 sem46sb476v