April 8, 1999

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 90, as amended, enacted by the Forty-Fourth Legislature, First Session, 1999.

This legislation would have created a student loan program for prospective teachers enrolled in New Mexico institutions of higher education. The legislation provides for forgiveness of all or part of the loan if the recipient pursues a career as a licensed teacher in New Mexico for periods specified in the bill effectively creating a grant. I have vetoed this bill because there is no requirement for the minimum number of hours per semester, no minimum GPA requirement, and no requirement for a degree in their main teaching field. Furthermore, the New Mexico Lottery Scholarship Program continues to serve as a real solution to the problems perceived by the proponents of this bill.

Sincerely,

Gary E. Johnson

Governor