HB 2230.E - DIGEST

(DIGEST AS ENACTED)

     Finds that there is a compelling public interest in eliminating barriers to work by continuing needed health care coverage for individuals with disabilities who enter and maintain employment.

     Declares an intent to strengthen the state's policy of supporting individuals with disabilities in leading fully productive lives by supporting the implementation of the federal ticket to work and work incentives improvement act of 1999, Public Law 106-170.  This shall include improving incentives to work by continuing coverage for health care and support services, by seeking federal funding for innovative programs, and by exploring options which provide individuals with disabilities a choice in receiving services needed to obtain and maintain employment.

     Declares an intent to remove barriers to employment for individuals with disabilities by providing medical assistance to the working disabled through a buy-in program in accordance with section 1902(a)(10)(A)(ii) of the social security act and eligibility and cost-sharing requirements established by the department.

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