April 8, 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 93

enacted by the Forty-Fourth Legislature, First Session, 1999.

This legislation would have provided cash assistance to low-income individuals with dependent children while they attend college. The initial cost of this proposed program, estimated to be approximately $2 million, is not provided for in this or other legislation and therefore this bill cannot be approved. Additionally, it is too early to make substantive policy changes to our welfare reform law which may potentially erode the progress made thus far.

Sincerely,

Gary E. Johnson

Governor