| VETO MESSAGE ON SSB 6555 |
| March 29, 2006 |
| To the Honorable President and Members, |
| The Senate of the State of Washington |
| Ladies and Gentlemen: |
| I am returning, without my approval as to Section 3, Substitute Senate Bill No. 6555 entitled: |
"AN ACT Relating to research and services for special purpose districts." |
| This bill would allow the Municipal Research Council (MRC) to contract for the provision of research and services to special purpose districts. Funding for these services would be provided through a change in the distribution of Liquor Revolving Fund revenues. |
| The MRC currently provides its services to cities and counties. Those services are funded with revenues from the Liquor Revolving Fund and Liquor Excise Tax Account, revenues that would otherwise be distributed to cities and counties on a formula basis. While the technical assistance provided by MRC may be of value, SSB No. 6555 would set a precedent by redirecting funds, that would otherwise go to the state General Fund, for the benefit of a special purpose district. |
| Therefore, I have decided to veto Section 3 of this bill, which establishes the transfer of those funds. Sections 1 and 2 concern the authority for special purpose districts to use the MRC, and the creation of the new account should the legislature choose to appropriate funds for it. Section 4 requires a MRC report to Joint Legislative Audit and Review Committee in 2010. |
| For these reasons, I have vetoed Section 3 of Substitute Senate Bill No. 6555. |
| With the exception of Section 3, Substitute Senate Bill No. 6555 is approved. |
| Respectfully submitted, |
| Christine O. Gregoire |
| Governor |