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 151, with certificate of correction, enacted by the Forty-Fourth Legislature, First Session, 1999.

This legislation would make a number of changes to the Respiratory Care Act among which is turning the Respiratory Care Advisory Board into a full policy making board. While allowing more flexibility in dealing with the respiratory care industry may be meritorious and advisable, creating a new full policy making board is not an appropriate solution. A full policy making board creates the expectation of an executive director and staff to help them function. I have consistently attempted to privatize and consolidate various boards and commissions in an effort to better serve our taxpayers. It is my belief that the meritorious provisions of this legislation can be met without creating an additional full policy making board.

Sincerely,

Gary E. Johnson

Governor