HB 2291 - DIGEST

(DIGEST AS ENACTED)

     Provides for a pilot international trading partners program.

     Provides for an international contact data base.

     Provides for the identification of up to fifteen countries that are of strategic importance to the development of the state's international trade relations.

     Creates the international exchange scholarship program.

     Creates the international exchange trust fund and the international exchange scholarship endowment fund.

VETO MESSAGE ON HB 2291

                   March 29, 1996

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 sections 101, 102, 103, 104, and 410, House Bill No. 2291 entitled:

"AN ACT Relating to international, educational, cultural, and business exchanges;"

     House Bill No. 2291 establishes a number of initiatives to develop and to support international educational and cultural exchanges with countries that trade with Washington State.  These include an international trading partners program, an international contact data base, and an international exchange scholarship program.

     The concept of building better international relationships through increased educational and cultural exchanges is a thoughtful one.  It draws on American international experience in building relationships with Europe after World War II and with Eastern Europe at the end of the Cold War.  Building better cultural and educational relationships is also a thoughtful way to build stronger trade relationships over time and well worth state time and effort to promote.

     Sections 101 through 104, and section 410 of House Bill No. 2291 also establish two new legislatively‑mandated councils and committees.  A new cultural exchange council is established in the Secretary of State's office, and a new international student internship council is created under the Higher Education Coordinating Board.  Both of these agencies possess the independent capacity to establish advisory bodies and, I trust, will work to effectuate the goals of this legislation as they see fit.  In line with my commitment to reduce the number of independent boards and commissions as one way to make state government smaller, I am vetoing the establishment of these two new councils in statute.

     For this reason, I have vetoed sections 101, 102, 103, 104, and 410 of House Bill No. 2291.

     With the exception of sections 101, 102, 103, 104, and 410, House Bill No. 2291 is approved.

                   Respectfully submitted,

                   Mike Lowry

                   Governor