March17, 1999

The Honorable Raymond G. Sanchez and

Members of the House of Representatives

Executive-Legislative Building

Santa Fe, New Mexico 87503

Honorable Speaker and Members of the House:

I have this day VETOED and am returning HOUSE BILL 76 enacted by the Forty-Fourth Legislature, First Session, 1999.

This legislation would require the Department of Health to request an annual cost of living increase for developmental disabilities service providers. This would create an unnecessary requirement with respect to an issue that is appropriately addressed in the budget process. Furthermore, it establishes an undesirable financial precedent which could be applied to all similar providers.

Sincerely,

Gary E. Johnson

Governor