| VETO MESSAGE ON ESSB 5946 |
| June 30, 2013 |
| 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 Sections 304 and 515, Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 5946 entitled: |
"AN ACT Relating to strengthening student educational outcomes." |
| This legislation includes reforms to improve student achievement, which includes strategies to address early elementary school literacy, strengthening the learning assistance programs, reforming the approach to long-term student suspensions, and clarifications regarding the alternative learning experience program. |
| Section 304 is an intent section that discusses various experiences of schools and students, and is not necessary to interpret or implement the substantive provisions of the bill. For this reason, I have vetoed section 304. |
| Section 515 requires the Office of Financial Management by November 1, 2013, to complete a study, in consultation with various stakeholders, to create a proposal for efficiently and sustainably funding alternative learning experience courses and to recommend steps to increase the focus of educational outcomes. Given the short timeline for completion, the Office would need to contract for the work, and no funding was provided to the Office to conduct the study. For these reasons, I have vetoed section 515. |
| For these reasons I have vetoed Sections 304 and 515 of Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 5946. |
| With the exception of Sections 304 and 515, Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill No. 5946 is approved. |
| Respectfully submitted, |
| Jay Inslee |
| Governor |