April 6, 2001

SENATE EXECUTIVE MESSAGE NO. 86

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 BILL 143, as amended with emergency clause enacted by the Forty-Fifth Legislature, First Session, 2001.

This bill would require the Human Services Department to design and implement a prescription drug benefit for persons 65 and older with incomes less than or equal to 100% of the Federal Poverty Level, who have no other prescription coverage. While the intent of this bill may be well founded, its purpose cannot be carried out without an appropriation. Unfortunately, due to overspending by the legislature, I was placed in a position of vetoing many laudable projects in the General Appropriation Act. This was one of those projects.

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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