VETO MESSAGE ON SB 6125-S

                   April 1, 1994

To the Honorable President and Members,

  The Senate of the State of Washington

Ladies and Gentlemen:

     I am returning herewith, without my approval as to sections 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, and 21, Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill No. 6125 entitled:

"AN ACT Relating to the creation of a combined recreational fish and hunting license document;"

     Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill No. 6125 creates a sports recreational license that combines recreational fishing and hunting licenses and consolidates license categories into one document.  These changes will provide more efficient service and will be less confusing to the public.

     However, sections 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, and 21 of Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill No. 6125 would direct the Department of Fish and Wildlife to create an expanded warm-water fisheries enhancement program financed by a new $5.00 (five dollar) fee to be imposed on those who fish for most species of warm-water fish.

     In a time of fiscal constraint, I do not think it is wise to increase the cost of fishing licenses.  Beyond that, in a time of problems emerging from endangered-species findings, from declining cold-water fisheries, from habitat loss, and from a host of other difficulties afflicting our fish and wildlife, I do not believe it is wise to earmark another fee to support only one program in the Department of Fish and Wildlife.  The newly merged department already has a great number of special, earmarked funding mechanisms.  Until there is a general review of the new department's programs and funding needs, I hesitate to establish yet another fund, and with it a new fisheries program.  For these reasons, I am vetoing sections 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, and 21.

     With the exception of sections 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, and 21, Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill No. 6125 is approved.

                   Respectfully submitted,

                   Mike Lowry

                   Governor