VETO MESSAGE ON SB 6509-S2

                   April 1, 1998

To the Honorable President and Members,

  The Senate of the State of Washington

Ladies and Gentlemen:

     I am returning herewith, without my approval as to sections 3 and 4, Engrossed Second Substitute Senate Bill No. 6509 entitled:

"AN ACT Relating to training in reading instruction;"

     E2SSB 6509 creates two separate reading improvement grant programs for the remainder of this biennium.  First, the Washington Reading Corps will receive grants for volunteer tutoring and mentoring programs in elementary school reading; and second, grants will provide optional training and materials in reading strategies for kindergarten through second grade teachers.

     I am very pleased that the Legislature chose to enact the Washington Reading Corps, which I proposed prior to the 1998 legislative session.  I would have preferred a more expansive program, but this is a good start.  Each legislator sought to improve our students' reading abilities and I am thankful that the mandates for certain reading strategies are no longer included in this measure.  I am, however, disappointed that the Reading Resource Centers championed by Superintendent of Public Instruction Terry Bergeson are not a part of this legislation.

     This act is temporary in nature, and section 3 would give it a title.  Names should not be given to acts that are designed to last only a single biennium.  Section 4 contains a "null and void clause" which is moot.

     For these reasons, I have vetoed sections 3 and 4 of Engrossed Second Substitute Senate Bill No. 6509.

     With the exception of sections 3 and 4, Engrossed Second Substitute Senate Bill No. 6509 is approved.

                   Respectfully submitted,

                   Gary Locke

                   Governor