VETO MESSAGE ON SB 6097

June 20, 2003

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 section 28 Second Engrossed Senate Bill No. 6097 entitled:

"AN ACT Relating to revising the unemployment compensation system through creating forty rate classes for determining employer contribution rates;"

This bill makes substantive and historic changes to our unemployment insurance (UI) system.

Section 28 would have required claimants who file initial and weekly claims electronically or telephonically to provide additional proof of identity, such as a driver's license. I have vetoed this section because it nullifies all the advancements and efficiencies gained with TeleCenters and Internet filing. This requirement would also place a burden on individuals who live in rural areas not located near one of the Work Source offices. The Department of Employment Security uses an extensive process to minimize the possibility of fraudulent claims. If there is any doubt regarding identity, the department may issue an affidavit of identity to the claimant that must be notarized before any benefits are paid. The department may also require an individual to appear in person, if necessary.

I am not vetoing section 4, which establishes a list of personal and work-related reasons that an individual may quit for "good cause" and receive UI benefits while searching for other work. However, without the benefit of experience, I appreciate concerns expressed about the unforeseeable nature of some of the practical effects of these amendments. Accordingly, I hereby instruct the Commissioner of the Department of Employment Security to track all impacts associated with the amendments in section 4, and to report her findings to me by June 2005.

For these reasons, I have vetoed section 28 of Second Engrossed Senate Bill No. 6097.

With the exception of section 28, Second Engrossed Senate Bill No. 6097 is approved.

Respectfully submitted,

Gary Locke

Governor