VETO MESSAGE ON HB 2042-S

                   May 6, 1997

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 8, Engrossed Substitute House Bill No. 2042 entitled:

"AN ACT Relating to reading in the primary grades;"

     This legislation replaces the current requirement for a third-grade reading test with a requirement for a second-grade reading test.  It also establishes, under the Superintendent of Public Instruction, a grant program to train teachers and assist students in beginning reading, and requires the Superintendent to report biennially to the legislature beginning in 1999.

     This legislation includes an emergency clause in section 8.  Although this bill is important, it is not a matter for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health or safety, or support of the state government and its existing public institutions.

     For this reason, I have vetoed section 8 of Engrossed Substitute House Bill No. 2042.

     With the exception of section 8, Engrossed Substitute House Bill No. 2042 is approved.

                   Respectfully submitted,

                   Gary Locke

                   Governor