SB 6220 - DIGEST

(DIGEST AS ENACTED)

     Declares a purpose to improve the overall competitiveness of the state's economy by setting standards of organizational excellence and providing a mechanism for promoting continuous quality improvement in all sectors of the state's economy.

     Terminates the council on July 1, 2004.

VETO MESSAGE ON SB 6220

                   April 2, 1994

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 2, Senate Bill No. 6220 entitled:

"AN ACT Relating to quality awards;"

     Senate Bill No. 6220 creates the Quality Award Council to be appointed by the Governor. The council would promote attention to producing quality products and services in the private and public sectors through educational activities and an annual award. The Quality Award Council is modeled on the national Malcolm Baldridge Award and the International Deming Award.

     I am very supportive of the ideals expressed in this bill. I have committed my administration to continuously improving the quality of public sector services as evidenced by cabinet level appointments to the Quality Service Network, by the newly merged Department of Fish and Wildlife and Department of Community, Trade and Economic Development with their development of outcome based measures of service, quality and effectiveness, and my participation with the legislature in the Washington Performance Partnership initiative.

     Although I strongly support the creation of an award which would recognize excellence in quality, I am concerned about the vehicle used to establish the award. Senate Bill No. 6220 creates a council in statute at a time when I have been working with the legislature to minimize statutory boards and commissions. Moreover, the awkward organizational structure created by this bill seems an unnecessary and complicated means toward an otherwise laudable goal.

     Nonetheless, with the exception of section 2 which would provide for an immediate implementation of this bill, I am signing Senate Bill No. 6220 because I am comfortable that the Quality Award Council and the quality achievement award program can be structurally tailored to meet the objectives of recognizing quality and improving competitiveness. I have directed my staff to work with the Quality Service Network, the legislature, and other interested parties to improve the award process contained in this bill and to minimize impacts on state government while maintaining visibility for quality production and service delivery in both the public and private sectors.

     With the exception of section 2, Senate Bill No. 6220 is approved.

                   Respectfully submitted,

                   Mike Lowry

                   Governor