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

This legislation would have provided a means by which school districts could receive equalization funding for students who have dropped out, conditioned on the district establishing an "intervention" program to re-enroll such students. Although this legislation is well-intentioned, I believe a better alternative is contained in other passed legislation which I intend to sign. Additionally, I firmly believe we should provide our students with real educational reform before implementing any new programs.

Sincerely,

Gary E. Johnson

Governor