VETO MESSAGE ON ESSB 5919

June 7, 2011

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 6, Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 5919 entitled:

"AN ACT Relating to education funding."

Section 6 requires students in the graduating class of 2015, rather than 2013, to meet the state standard on the high school assessment in order to earn a certificate of academic achievement or certificate of individual achievement.

The House of Representatives delivered Engrossed Substitute House Bill 1410 containing a similar provision on May 25, 2011. That bill is among those I sign today.

For this reason, I have vetoed Section 6 of Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 5919.

With the exception of Section 6, Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 5919 is approved.

Respectfully submitted,
Christine Gregoire
Governor