| VETO MESSAGE ON ESHB 2128 |
| May 12, 2009 |
| To the Honorable Speaker and Members, |
| The House of Representatives of the State of Washington |
| Ladies and Gentlemen: |
| I have approved, except for Section 3, Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2128 entitled: |
"AN ACT Relating to meeting the goal of all children in Washington having health care coverage by 2010." |
| Section 3 requires the Department of Social and Health Services to identify a staff position as the single point of contact and coordination for the Apple Health for Kids program. While I appreciate the intent of this section, I believe it inappropriate to direct in statute how an agency must staff a particular program. Especially in this difficult economic time, agencies must have the flexibility to allocate limited staff resources in the way which best suits all of their activities. Nonetheless, I will direct the Department to appoint someone to oversee this program. |
| For this reason, I have vetoed Section 3 of Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2128. With the exception of Section 3, Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2128 is approved. |
| Respectfully submitted, |
| Christine O. Gregoire |
| Governor |