VETO MESSAGE ON SB 5568-S2

                        May 21, 1991

To the Honorable, the Senate

  of the State of Washington

Ladies and Gentlemen:

      I am returning herewith, without my approval as to sections 301 and 508, Second Substitute Senate Bill No. 5568, entitled:

"AN ACT Relating to hunger and nutrition."

      I commend the Legislature for its focus on nutritional needs of our families, and especially for its intent to improve the health and functioning of children so they can succeed in the classroom.

      Sections 301 and 302 appropriately support issuing food stamps to eligible families as soon as possible after they apply.  The Department of Social and Health Services is committed to that policy and will issue food stamps within 24 hours if sufficient staff is provided.  Section 301, however, contains a legal conclusion about noncompliance that may make the state vulnerable to lawsuit.  For this reason, I have vetoed section 301.

      Section 508 would void the section 402 requirement that the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction aggressively solicit schools and organizations to participate in the nutrition programs.  Even if reference and funds were not provided in the budget, aggressive solicitation should occur, especially since these programs are federally funded.  This should be current policy, and I have therefore vetoed section 508.

      With the exception of sections 301 and 508, Second Substitute Senate Bill No. 5568 is approved.

                        Respectfully submitted,

                        Booth Gardner

                        Governor