VETO MESSAGE ON HB 1811-S

                   May 5, 1999

To the Honorable Speaker and Members,

  The House of Representatives of the State of Washington

Ladies and Gentlemen:

     I am returning herewith, without my approval as to section 4, Substitute House Bill No. 1811 entitled:

"AN ACT Relating to supported employment;"

     This bill would expand the state's supported employment program to include individuals with more significant disabilities than are currently included.  The supported employment program offers on-the-job training and long-term support to disabled people at the same wages and benefits received by people in similar positions who are not disabled.

     Section 4 of the bill would require the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) to maintain certain information, and to report that information to the Department of Personnel, and for the Department of Personnel to in turn report the information to the legislature on request.   Such a provision is inefficient and unnecessary in statute.  DSHS currently maintains the information and will continue to do so.  If the legislature wants information on supported employment, it may request it at any time.

     For these reasons, I have vetoed section 4 of Substitute House Bill No. 1811.

     With the exception of section 4, Substitute House Bill No. 1811 is approved.

                   Respectfully submitted,

                   Gary Locke

                   Governor