April 9, 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 864,

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

This legislation would have mandated common techniques for teaching reading in all first, second and third grade classes. Required teacher training in these techniques is also mandated. These issues are more appropriately addressed in curriculum development and teacher licensure policies of state and local boards of education and should not be specified in permanent statute.

Sincerely,

Gary E. Johnson

Governor