VETO MESSAGE ON SB 5903-S

                   April 23, 1997

To the Honorable President and Members,

  The Senate of the State of Washington

Ladies and Gentlemen:

     I am returning herewith, without my approval, Substitute Senate Bill No. 5903 entitled:

"AN ACT Relating to the use of local special excise taxes for the operation of performing and cultural arts facilities;"

     Substitute Senate Bill No. 5903 would have authorized a special hotel-motel excise tax for the operation of performing and cultural arts facilities in Richland.   I understand the desires of the residents of Richland to use this tax method to help with their performing and cultural arts facility.  However, Substitute Senate Bill No. 5867, currently working its way through the legislative process, is a comprehensive rewrite of the statutes authorizing local hotel-motel excise taxes for various purposes.  I anticipate that Substitute Senate Bill No. 5867 will take care of the needs of the Richland community in this regard.  I look forward to its passage so that I can sign it into law and allow the citizens of Richland to proceed with their project.

     For these reasons, I have vetoed Substitute Senate Bill No. 5903 in its entirety.

                   Respectfully submitted,

                   Gary Locke

                   Governor