| VETO MESSAGE ON ESSB 5414 |
| April 30, 2009 |
| To the Honorable President and Members, |
| The Senate of the State of Washington |
| Ladies and Gentlemen: |
| I am returning, without my approval as to Section 4, Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 5414 entitled: |
"AN ACT Relating to statewide assessments and curricula." |
| Section 4, in part, requires the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction, in consultation with the State Board of Education, to develop an implementation plan, including an assessment of the feasibility of implementing the current timelines for students to demonstrate that they have met state mathematics and science standards in high school assessments. These timelines are critical components of our statewide effort to ensure that our students are ready for the 21st century. Now is not the time to indicate any lack of resolve in our commitment to our students by revisiting or adjusting those standards. For these reasons, I have vetoed Section 4 of Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 5414. |
| With the exception of Section 4, Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 5414 is approved. |
| Respectfully submitted, |
| Christine Gregoire |
| Governor |