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 522, as amended

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

This legislation would have created thirteen additional judgeships throughout the state. It also authorizes judicial support staff as well as related staffing increases in the Public Defender Department and various District Attorney offices. Although the need for additional judges is evident in a few instances, the number of judgeships created by this bill is clearly excessive. It appears that the judiciary could address at least some of its workload issues through more economical means than the creation of permanent judgeships.

Sincerely,

Gary E. Johnson

Governor