VETO MESSAGE ON HB 2005

                   May 16, 1995

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, Engrossed House Bill No. 2005 entitled:

"AN ACT Relating to the modification of provisions governing certified health plans providing vision benefits only;"

     The Washington Health Services Act of 1993 required newly created certified health plans to offer, at a minimum, the full uniform benefits package established under state law.  Engrossed House Bill No. 2005 creates an exception to this requirement in order to permit certain certified health plans to offer vision care only.

     The restructuring and modifications to the 1993 Health Services Act made in Engrossed Substitute House Bill No. 1046, which I have already signed into law, allow for services as envisioned under Engrossed House Bill No. 2005 and eliminates the need for the exception created by this legislation.

     For this reason, I have vetoed Engrossed Substitute House Bill No. 2005 in its entirety.

                   Respectfully submitted,

                   Mike Lowry

                   Governor