March 16, 2001

SENATE EXECUTIVE MESSAGE NO. 17

The Honorable Richard M. Romero and

Members of the Senate

Executive-Legislative Building

Santa Fe, New Mexico 87503

Honorable President and Members of the Senate:

Pursuant to the Constitution of the State of New Mexico, Article IV, Section 5 B. (2), I am

authorizing for your consideration during the Forty-Fifth Legislature, First Session, 2001,

a bill to relieve Cerro Grande fire victims of interest that would otherwise be due on their New Mexico returns if they take advantage of a special federal filing extension. The Internal Revenue Service announced yesterday that individuals have been granted an extension until January 16, 2002 and corporations until December 17, 2001. Unless we change the law, waiting until January, 2002, to file a state return would cost the taxpayer eight months worth of interest. Our citizens should be able to make full use of this federal extension without having to pay the state for the privilege.

Sincerely,

Gary E. Johnson

Governor

RECEIVED FROM THE OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR:

Time: _____________________ By:_____________________________

Secretary of State

Date ______________________

Time:______________________

Date_______________________ By:_____________________________

.138499.1 Chief Clerk of the Senate