VETO MESSAGE ON HB 1509-S

May 12, 2003

To the Honorable Speaker and Members,

The House of Representatives of the State of Washington

Ladies and Gentlemen:

I am returning herewith, without my approval as to section 5, Engrossed Substitute House Bill No. 1509 entitled:

"AN ACT Relating to establishing the Washington state economic development commission to replace the governor's small business improvement council;"

This bill establishes in statute the Washington Economic Development Commission. I established this commission by executive order September 25, 2002, and fully support the ongoing work of the Commission. I also support making the Commission more permanent by codifying its creation and responsibilities in statute.

Section 5 of the bill requires the director of the Department of Community, Trade, and Economic Development to work with the Commission to develop and implement economic development policies consistent with the advice of the Commission. This section reduces the authority of the governor over an executive cabinet agency. While I clearly welcome the advice and counsel of the Commission, policy authority over executive agencies must ultimately rest with the governor.

For this reason, I have vetoed section 5 of Engrossed Substitute House Bill No. 1509.

With the exception of section 5, Engrossed Substitute House Bill No. 1509 is approved

Respectfully submitted,

Gary Locke

Governor