GOVERNOR'S VETO

Pursuant to Article V, Section 6, of the Constitution of Virginia, I veto Senate Bill 676, which would consolidate the two Schools for the Deaf and Blind into one school in Staunton, provide for a continuing regional program in Hampton, and convey the existing Hampton property to a specific nonprofit entity.

The issue of consolidation has been debated for a number of years.  Unfortunately, the conference report on the two bills concerning this issue resulted in a very divided vote in both the House of Delegates and the Senate.  While a consensus exists on consolidation at Staunton, there is disagreement on the appropriate approach going forward for the Hampton property.  My amendments sought to provide greater consensus by moving forward on consolidation in Staunton while leaving additional options open for use of the Hampton Campus.  My amendments had the full support of the Hampton legislative delegation and the Senate.  Unfortunately, the House of Delegates narrowly defeated those amendments.

The enrolled bill, while a good faith effort, does not achieve the necessary consensus about future use of the Hampton school and associated programs.  Thus, I am vetoing this legislation, but I will continue to work with the patrons and all stakeholders to craft a consensus during the ongoing budget discussions and in the future.

GOVERNOR’S RECOMMENATION

That the amendment in the nature of a substitute (061476129) be accepted.