April 8, 1999

The Honorable Raymond G. Sanchez and

Members of the House of Representatives

Executive-Legislative Building

Santa Fe, New Mexico 87503

Honorable Speaker and Members of the House:

I have this day VETOED and am returning HOUSE BILL 642, as amended,

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

This legislation creates a Health Professional Council to administer financial aid programs for students in certain health disciplines. The Commission on Higher Education is already performing the functions that would have been assigned to the Council under this legislation. Although there may be some benefit to consolidating existing programs, the creation of yet another oversight body in state government is unacceptable.

Sincerely,

Gary E. Johnson

Governor