Ladies and Gentlemen:

I am filing with the Secretary of State House Bill 05-1087, "Concerning the provision of international education opportunities in public schools." I vetoed this bill as of 12:15 p.m. today, and this letter sets forth my reasons for doing so.

House Bill 05-1087 creates an International Education Advisory Council at the Colorado Department of Education to study, make recommendations and promote international education opportunities. The seventeen member advisory council is appointed by the State Board of Education.

The State Board of Education under Article IX of the state Constitution is given the mission to provide all of Colorado's children equal access to quality, thorough, uniform, well-rounded educational opportunities in a safe and civil learning environment. Among their powers and duties is to provide educational leadership for the state as well as to appoint advisory committees. The State Board of Education clearly has existing authority to appoint an advisory council to promote international education should it choose to do so. There is no compelling need to address this issue in statute. I am also troubled about the funding mechanism for the advisory council that utilizes gifts, grants and donations. I have often shared my concerns with carrying out the functions of government by asking private individuals and philanthropies for funding.

Because there is no need to address the objectives of this bill in statute as well as the inadequate funding mechanism, accordingly, I have vetoed this bill.

Sincerely,

Bill Owens
Governor