HB 1123-S - DIGEST

(DIGEST AS ENACTED)

     Specifies the duties of the state trade representative.

VETO MESSAGE ON HB 1123-S

                   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 as to section 3, Substitute House Bill No. 1123 entitled:

"AN ACT Relating to international trade;"

     I strongly support the efforts reflected in Substitute House Bill No. 1123 to enhance the position of Washington State in international trade.  Our economy depends more on international trade than does any other state in the Union.  Our economic future will be made in international markets, the source of many of the high wage jobs we now enjoy and will see more of in our future.

     Last year, I established the position of state trade representative as a way of increasing the visibility of international trade in the state and the visibility of the state in international markets.  I have been impressed with efforts so far and continue to believe that the position of state trade representative is a valuable and important component to increasing the visibility and focus of the state's trade efforts.  As a result, I am pleased to establish the Office of State Trade Representative in statute.

     However, section 3 of Substitute House Bill No. 1123 raises concerns.  The section can be interpreted to establish a new agency for international trade.  The state trade representative should not operate as a separate agency but should serve as an arm of the Governor's office, working collaboratively with the Department of Community, Trade and Economic Development and the Department of Agriculture to develop and implement a broad and unified trade strategy in concert with the trade community of our state.

     The state trade representative must be the lead advocate on international trade issues that affect the enterprises and citizens of the state.  Advocating the state's interests in federal, foreign, bilateral and multilateral forums, the state trade representative must work to focus state efforts on international trade, investment and tourism.  The state trade representative must work closely with the wide community of interests in the state concerned with trade ensuring that their concerns are heard and that their broad expertise is utilized to benefit the state.

     I am committed to ensuring that the state trade representative carries out this vision.  In the near future, after consultation with legislators, affected state agencies, and the trade community, I will sign an executive order articulating the role of the state trade representative in greater detail.

     For these reasons, I have vetoed section 3 of Substitute House Bill No. 1123.

     With the exception of section 3, Substitute House Bill No. 1123 is approved.

                   Respectfully submitted,

                   Mike Lowry

                   Governor