VETO MESSAGE ON SB 6561

March 31, 2004

To the Honorable President and Members,

The Senate of the State of Washington

Ladies and Gentlemen:

I am returning herewith, without my approval, Senate Bill No. 6561 entitled:

"AN ACT Relating to strengthening linkage between K-12 and higher education systems;"

This bill would have directed the State Board for Community and Technical Colleges, the Higher Education Coordinating Board, the Council of Presidents, the Workforce Training and Education Coordinating Board, the Superintendent of Public Instruction, public school secondary principals, and public school district superintendents to strengthen and expand dual enrollment programs on high school campuses.

I strongly agree with the intent of this bill. However, Substitute House Bill No. 3103 provides ample direction to the appropriate state boards and agencies with regard to expanding dual enrollment options for students.

The Superintendent of Public Instruction, the State Board for Community and Technical Colleges, and the Higher Education Coordinating Board are responsible for implementing dual enrollment programs on high school campuses. I intend to work with these agencies to create incentives to offer these programs and remove barriers that inhibit their availability. A report on the results of these efforts will be submitted to the Legislature by December 15, 2004.

For these reasons, I have vetoed Senate Bill No. 6561 in its entirety.

Respectfully submitted,

Gary Locke

Governor