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

This legislation would have allowed school districts, at their discretion, to enroll students in kindergarten who are slightly less than school age. Because this bill does not change certain important definitions, such students would not be counted in the district’s enrollment for the purpose of equalization funding. I have vetoed this legislation because it would undoubtedly be applied inconsistently throughout the state. If it is in our best interest to admit younger children, then we should lower the minimum age and allow funding and opportunity to be available to everyone. Finally, I firmly believe we should provide our students with real educational reform before expanding any programs which currently exist.

Sincerely,

Gary E. Johnson

Governor