| VETO MESSAGE ON ESHB 1115 |
| May 8, 2017 |
| 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 18, Engrossed Substitute House Bill No. 1115 entitled: |
"AN ACT Relating to paraeducators." |
| This measure is an outgrowth of nearly five years of discussion and consideration of the Paraeducator Work Group. |
| It is also one of the late Senator Andy Hill's many legacies. |
| The bill creates the nine-member Paraeducator Board to provide professional development for this group of education employees who assist teachers in the classroom. It requires paraeducators to meet certain minimum employment standards, among other things. This will provide an opportunity for the state's 36,000 paraeducators to develop in their profession and become a teacher through alternative routes, if they so choose. |
| However, I am vetoing Section 18, which modifies a section of statute that was repealed by another bill this session. |
| Thanks to the sponsor, Representative Bergquist, and the members of the work group whose great work led to this legislation. |
| For these reasons I have vetoed Section 18 of Engrossed Substitute House Bill No. 1115. |
| With the exception of Section 18, Engrossed Substitute House Bill No. 1115 is approved. |
| Respectfully submitted, |
| Jay Inslee |
| Governor |