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 CONSUMER AND PUBLIC AFFAIRS COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE FOR HOUSE BILL 739, as amended, enacted by the Forty-Fourth Legislature, First Session, 1999.

This bill creates a Health Care Access Act and companion Essential Community Provider Fund. The apparent purpose of this legislation is to enhance health care in under-served areas of the state. Although well intentioned, the bill is flawed in that it does not meet federal criteria governing Medicaid. Therefore, optimal use of available Medicaid funds would be inhibited by this legislation.

Sincerely,

Gary E. Johnson

Governor