VETO MESSAGE ON SB 5574-S

                   May 20, 1997

To the Honorable President and Members,

  The Senate of the State of Washington

Ladies and Gentlemen:

     I am returning herewith, without my approval, Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill No. 5574 entitled:

"AN ACT Relating to property tax reform;"

     Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 5574 would significantly increase the information that is required to be printed on tax statements and ballot measures, and would change how interest is charged for the late payment of property taxes. 

     Among other things, this bill would benefit the one percent of the state's property owners who are delinquent in paying their property taxes, and do nothing to solve the problem of higher property taxes.  As written this will make it impossible for political subdivisions to submit many levy or bond issues.  The bill also requires certain information to be printed on ballots, before that information can be known.

     For these reasons, I have vetoed Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill No. 5574 in its entirety.

                   Respectfully submitted,

                   Gary Locke

                   Governor