HB 2303 - DIGEST

(DIGEST AS PASSED LEGISLATURE)

     Revises rate class 16 in schedule B.

VETO MESSAGE ON HB 2303

                   March 21, 2002

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, House Bill No. 2303 entitled:

"AN ACT Relating to correcting rate class 16 in schedule B by amending RCW 50.29.025 and making no other changes;"

     This bill was requested by the Employment Security Department.  It would have corrected a clerical error in Schedule "B" for rate class 16 in the unemployment insurance tax schedules.  The purpose for the correction was to prevent employers who are in rate class 16 from paying higher taxes when Schedule "B" is in effect.

     However, after the passage of this bill, the legislature passed Engrossed House Bill No. 2901 which also makes the necessary correction to Schedule "B", as well as other more substantive changes to the unemployment insurance tax system.  If House Bill No. 2901 were signed, it could create a confusing double amendment to the tax schedule.

     For these reasons I have vetoed House Bill No. 2303 in its entirety.

                   Respectfully submitted,

                   Gary Locke

                   Governor