March 11, 1998

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 154, as amended, passed by the Forty-Third Legislature, Second Session, 1998.

This legislation would allow Flood Control Authorities to create special improvement districts and assess the "beneficial property owners" a tax to pay for the improvement districts. However, the beneficial property owners may or may not be within the current boundaries of the flood control authority. If this bill were enacted, it would allow for taxation without representation and taxation without voter approval.

Sincerely,

Gary E. Johnson

Governor

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