Office of Governor Gary Locke
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - May 20, 1997
Contact:  Governor's Communications Office, 360-902-4136

Gov. Locke vetoes temporary farmworker housing bill; calls for farmworker participation in new solution

OLYMPIA - Gov. Gary Locke today called the effort to create a temporary worker housing code "a commendable and monumental effort to deal with a serious problem that is an embarrassment to Washington state." He then vetoed the measure because he believed a better solution is possible. The bill would have created a new temporary worker housing code that is less stringent than the residential housing code.


"I encourage the farmworker community to work with all parties and use this legislation as a starting point," Locke said. Farmworkers, growers, farming communities and state agencies must come together on a comprehensive housing proposal that results in good, quality housing for agricultural workers."


"The task force did a good job on the technical issues and working through the multiplicity of government requirements," Locke said. "It is my firm conviction that we must resolve the need for adequate housing for the thousands of farmworkers who are the backbone of the agricultural economy of this state. Working together, and with leadership from the farmworker community, I know we can move toward a strong solution."

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