HB 1808-S - DIGEST

(DIGEST AS ENACTED)

     Establishes the Governor's council on international trade.

     Specifies the duties of the council.

VETO MESSAGE ON HB 1808-S

                   May 18, 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 4, Substitute House Bill No. 1808 entitled:

"AN ACT Relating to international trade;"

     I am a strong believer in the importance of international trade for the future of the state economy.  Washington State is open to the world, and trade is a critically important part of our economy.  I believe that collaboration between the state and the private sector on improving our trade activities and our international efforts will give us better results.

     Because trade is so important for the state, I am signing this legislation despite my concern for its impact on affected state agencies.  The coming year will be a challenging and difficult one for state economic development work.  The upcoming merger of the departments of Trade and Economic Development and Community Development, and the budget reductions in the Department of Trade and Economic Development will create some real problems.

     I am vetoing section 4 of this bill, that directs the new Council to report to the Executive-Legislative Committee on Economic Development which would be established in Senate Bill No. 5300.  Because I am vetoing that legislation, the reporting requirement contained in section 4 could not be implemented.  Instead, I am directing the Council on International Trade established in this bill to make its reports to the legislature and to the Governor.

     With the exception of section 4, Substitute House Bill No. 1808 is approved.

                   Respectfully submitted,

                   Mike Lowry

                   Governor