April 5, 2001

SENATE EXECUTIVE MESSAGE NO. 53

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 151, as amended, enacted by the Forty-Fifth Legislature, First Session, 2001.

This bill establishes a legal holiday, “Cesar Chavez Day”, on the last Saturday in March. Although I appreciate the significant achievements of Cesar Chavez as one of America’s most notable labor rights leaders, I have consistently been opposed to creating additional state holidays by law. In addition, House Joint Resolution 16 passed in the legislature this session, will place the issue of the establishment of a holiday honoring Mr. Chavez on the ballot in the November 2002 election. Thus declaring a holiday honoring Mr. Chavez is going to the voters.

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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