February 15, 2000

SENATE EXECUTIVE MESSAGE NO. 59

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 179, enacted by the Forty-Fourth Legislature, Second Session, 2000. This bill appropriates $250,000 to operate the Office of African American Affairs. Last year I signed into law an act creating this office, effective July 1, 2000. This legislation was signed with the express understanding that the goals of this office would be met without expanding state government or appropriating state funds.

While the Office of African American Affairs will play a key role in addressing the vital issues facing the African American community across New Mexico, this office can accomplish its mission without state funding. I will issue a strategic plan to operate this new office by June 1, 2000 so that the office will be operational in accordance with the 1999 law. Using a variety of public human resources and private fiscal resources, we will forge a unique public-private partnership to operate this office efficiently and effectively without the need for the appropriation found within this bill.

Sincerely,

Gary E. Johnson

Governor