April 6, 2001

SENATE EXECUTIVE MESSAGE NO. 92

The Honorable Richard Romero 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 PUBLIC AFFAIRS COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE FOR SENATE BILL 248 enacted by the Forty-Fifth Legislature, First Session, 2001.

This bill would allow the same retirement benefits for correctional officers as is provided to state police officers. While I am mindful of the problems associated with recruiting and retaining correctional officers, I do not believe the answer lies in further enriching an already rich retirement benefit. Currently, state employees can begin working at age 18 and retire at age 44, this bill would allow retirement of that same individual at age 39. I have been faced with decisions concerning increasing retirement benefits throughout my administration and have maintained the consistent position of refusing to do so. Having said this, however, I did approve salary increases for correctional officers this session and am open to considering additional increases due to the hazardous conditions these individuals face everyday.

Sincerely,

Gary E. Johnson

Governor

RECEIVED FROM THE OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR:

Time: _____________________ By:_____________________________

Secretary of State

Date ______________________

Time:______________________

Date_______________________ By:_____________________________

Chief Clerk of the Senate

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