VETO MESSAGE ON EHB 2230

                   July 11, 2001

To the Honorable Speakers and Members,

  The House of Representatives of the State of Washington

Ladies and Gentlemen:

     I am returning herewith, without my approval as to section 4, Engrossed House Bill No. 2230 entitled:

"AN ACT Relating to state health and employment support benefits for incapacitated or disabled individuals;"

     Engrossed House Bill No. 2230 changes state law as necessary to comply with the federal Ticket to Work and Work Incentives Improvement Act of 1999.  It will allow the Department of Social and Health Services to continue medical coverage for individuals with disabilities who go to work.

     However, section 4 of the bill would have rendered the entire act null and void unless specific funding, referencing the act by bill or chapter number, was included in the omnibus appropriations act.  The omnibus appropriations act contains the necessary funding, but without a specific reference to the bill.  Without a veto of section 4, the bill would have been rendered null and void.

     For these reasons, I have vetoed section 4 of Engrossed House Bill No. 2230.

     With the exception of section 4, Engrossed House Bill No. 2230 is approved.

                   Respectfully submitted,

                   Gary Locke

                   Governor