HB 1509-S.E - DIGEST

(DIGEST AS ENACTED)

Finds that developing an effective economic development strategy for the state and operating effective economic development programs, including work force training, small business assistance, technology transfer, and export assistance, are vital to the state's efforts to encourage employment growth, increase state revenues, and generate economic well-being.

Finds that there is a need for responsive and consistent involvement of the private sector in the state's economic development efforts.

Declares an intent to create an economic development commission that will develop and update the state's economic development strategy and performance measures and provide advice to and oversight of the department of community, trade, and economic development.

Establishes the Washington state economic development commission to oversee the economic development strategies and policies of the department of community, trade, and economic development.

Directs the commission to make a biennial report to the appropriate committees of the legislature regarding the commission's review of the state's economic development policy, the commission's recommendations, and steps taken by the department of community, trade, and economic development to implement the recommendations. The first report is due by December 31, 2004.

Declares that creation of the Washington state economic development commission shall not be construed to modify any authority or budgetary responsibility of the governor or the department of community, trade, and economic development.

VETO MESSAGE ON HB 1509-S

May 12, 2003

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 5, Engrossed Substitute House Bill No. 1509 entitled:

"AN ACT Relating to establishing the Washington state economic development commission to replace the governor's small business improvement council;"

This bill establishes in statute the Washington Economic Development Commission. I established this commission by executive order September 25, 2002, and fully support the ongoing work of the Commission. I also support making the Commission more permanent by codifying its creation and responsibilities in statute.

Section 5 of the bill requires the director of the Department of Community, Trade, and Economic Development to work with the Commission to develop and implement economic development policies consistent with the advice of the Commission. This section reduces the authority of the governor over an executive cabinet agency. While I clearly welcome the advice and counsel of the Commission, policy authority over executive agencies must ultimately rest with the governor.

For this reason, I have vetoed section 5 of Engrossed Substitute House Bill No. 1509.

With the exception of section 5, Engrossed Substitute House Bill No. 1509 is approved

Respectfully submitted,

Gary Locke

Governor