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

This legislation creates a managed care ombudsman program in the Public Regulatory Commission. The program is to be conducted by one or more contractors to the Commission. The bill provides program funding through the imposition of a tax on health insurance premiums. This bill is vetoed because the functions contemplated in it are duplicative. Moreover, it would add to the cost of health insurance because the tax imposed would be ultimately borne by the consumer.

Sincerely,

Gary E. Johnson

Governor