VETO MESSAGE ON HB 1197-S

                   May 12, 1993

To the Honorable Speaker and Members,

   The House of Representatives of the State of Washington

Ladies and Gentlemen:

     I am returning herewith, without my approval as to section 6, Engrossed Substitute House Bill No. 1197 entitled:

"AN ACT Relating to public assistance."

     Engrossed Substitute House Bill 1197 includes a number of progressive measures aimed at helping families on public assistance become independent by removing work disincentives and encouraging young people to complete their schooling.

     Section 6 of the bill would establish an "essential persons" program for full-time students between the ages of 18 and 20 within the Aid to Families with Dependent Children program.  This would allow these individuals to be included as part of the family unit for purposes of calculating benefits, providing an incentive for young people to complete high school or go on to enroll in college or vocational school.

     I applaud the direction the Legislature has taken in recognizing the importance of education in our effort to break the cycle of poverty.  However, the operating budget bill passed by the Legislature does not include funding to implement this program.  I do not believe that the Legislature intended that this bill result in expenditures in the 1993-95 biennium except those specifically authorized and funded in the budget.  I believe that the veto of section 6 is necessary to reflect the Legislature's actual intent in enacting this bill.

     For these reasons, I have vetoed Section 6 of Engrossed Substitute House Bill No. 1197.

     With the exception of Section 6, Engrossed Substitute House Bill No. 1197 is approved.

                   Respectfully submitted,

                   Mike Lowry

                   Governor