April 8, 1999

The Honorable Manny M. Aragon and

Members of the Senate

Executive-Legislative Building

Santa Fe, New Mexico 87503

Honorable President and Members of the Senate:

I have this day VETOED and am returning SENATE BILL 36, enacted by the Forty-Fourth Legislature, First Session, 1999.

This legislation amends the New Mexico Workers Act to link immediate access to child care benefits to TANF application approval rather than work participation. This is unrealistic, inappropriate and contrary to the intent of our welfare reform law. Child care is an important part of actually "going back to work," not just applying to a government agency for assistance with intent to seek employment.

Sincerely,

Gary E. Johnson

Governor