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 589, as amended,

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

This legislation would make former legislators as well as former board members of "participating entities" such as city councilors, county commissioners, regents and school board members eligible for Retiree Health Care Authority benefits. The Authority is presently under-funded based on the participation of enrollees supported by employee and employer contributions as required by law. Adding participants for whom no contributions have been made would only make the authority less viable than it is today.

Sincerely,

Gary E. Johnson

Governor