Rep. Joe Schmick, 9th Legislative District|Mar 17, 2022
The 2022 legislative session has ended. Throughout the past 60 days, your voice has been heard as I try to represent our collective priorities as best I can. What follows is a quick recap of some of the larger issues of the session. 2nd Amendment Senate Bill 5078 – bans firearms magazines of more than 10 rounds. This new law goes into effect July 1. It bans the sale, transfer and import of so-called “high-capacity magazines,” although most of us gun owners know it really bans standard magaz...
There is an old saying: Don’t let the “perfect” be the “enemy” of the good! That is important to remember as we work our way out of the energy crisis exacerbated by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. While the Russians are razing the country and killing thousands of innocent people, many world leaders are slapping Moscow with heavy economic sanctions. Embargoing Russian oil and natural gas are examples. With the prohibition of Russian oil imports, there is a crude shortage in our country. Co...
Budget record, but no tax cut
Rep. Joe Schmick, 9th Legislative District|Mar 10, 2022
The majority party in the House passed their supplemental operating budget proposal. It represents the largest spending plan in state history. Their supplemental budget is almost 10 times more expensive than any previous supplemental budget. As a reminder, our state operates on a two-year (biennial) budget that is adopted in odd-numbered years. During even-numbered years, the Legislature passes a supplemental budget to cover unforeseen expenditures or emergencies. With the supplemental budget...
Inslee broke ag relationship
Pam Lewison, Washington Policy Center|Mar 10, 2022
It is not often Gov. Jay Inslee directly addresses the state’s agricultural community. Last week, an Oregon publication ran a cover story featuring our governor doing just that. The interview revealed how out of touch Inslee has become with farmers and ranchers of our state and, yet, how certain he is of his own ability to maintain an agriculture relationship. When asked how he would “characterize his relationship” with agricultural, the governor responded: “Maybe it’s a little easier for me to...
Patriotism alive and well in Ukraine
Don C. Brunell, Business Analyst|Mar 10, 2022
Patriotism alive and well in Ukraine It’s not often that we see an athlete at the top of his (her) game walk away from a multi-million dollar payday to go home and fight for his (her) country. However, that is exactly what world heavyweight boxing champion Oleksandr Usyk did after Russia invaded Ukraine. Usky postponed his championship rematch with Britain’s Anthony Joshua and returned to war-torn Ukraine. He enlisted in the homeland defense force; however, he’s not alone. Fellow boxers Vasiliy...
Mask mandates should continue
Ruth Williams, Pullman|Mar 3, 2022
The fact that Gov. Jay Inslee is dropping mask mandates in our state is horrifying. Hospitals are running low on supplies. Medical staff are exhausted. Disabled, immunocompromised, and chronically ill people (including children who cannot be vaccinated, teachers who are working in public schools, and medical staff who are treating COVID-positive patients) know now that their governor does not care about them. We need to be taking more precautions, not fewer. We all saw the graph at Inslee’s press conference. We are just starting to come down f...
Dam breaching makes sense
Rich Alldredge, Pullman|Mar 3, 2022
In a recent column, Don Brunell proposed that the discussion of restoring Snake River salmon and steelhead be expanded to include the entire Snake River drainage. However, the issue of immediate importance is the survival of endangered and threatened Snake River salmonids. The impact of the four lower Snake River dams on salmon is clear. A recent BPA-funded study concluded that recovery of salmon and steelhead is only likely if these dams are breached. The difference between recovery and extinction of these species is the four lower Snake...
Pen is mightier than sword
Beverly Mader Wilson, Spangle|Mar 3, 2022
Applause to Free Press Publishing at the Whitman County Gazette for publishing what we need to hear concerning current issues. Guest columnists, Rep. Joe Schmick and others are giving us giving us refreshing facts on the Opinion Page. The facts are stronger than fiction, but are often buried beneath tons of opinion, seldom to see the light of day. It is still the “truth” that sets of free,” and the pen is still “mightier than the sword,” but someone has to publish it. Beverly Mader Wilson, S...
Forests need to be thinned
Don C. Brunell, Business Analyst|Mar 3, 2022
Washington’s Board of Natural Resources is considering banning timber harvesting on state lands. That is extremely unwise. Instead, the Board must insure its healthy forest policies incorporate all management tools including planting, thinning and logging. The board, established in 1957, sets policies to manage Washington’s 5.6 million acres granted by Congress in 1889. More than 3 million acres were designated as trust lands to support various public institutions of which 2.1 million acres are...
Riparian zone bill fails, more bad bills looming
Rep. Joe Schmick, 9th Legislative District|Mar 3, 2022
The house of origin cutoff was this week, meaning all House bills not necessary to implement the budget must pass the House and be sent over to the Senate (and vice-versa) or else they are considered “dead” for the year. At this time of the session, it’s not unusual to spend long nights on the House floor debating amendments, procedures, and voting on bills. However, one floor fight that occurred on Feb. 21 is worth mentioning. This nine-hour floor session on House Bill 1837 began around 9 p.m...
Ireland: Clean, Greener and Reopening When St. Patrick’s Day rolls around March 17, the Irish have lots to celebrate. Ireland is still clean and green. Now, it is spending $15 million to bring visitors back. Irish tourism officials are targeting 35 million people living in the U.S. with Irish heritage. They are key to generating $3 billion in pre-coronavirus yearly revenue. Ireland is an island nation roughly one-third the size of Washington state with 5 million people. It is no longer an a...
No room for COVID rebels
David Haugen, Eastern Washington University|Feb 24, 2022
“Wear masks!” “Social distance!” “Wash hands!” “Do not gather!” “Don’t be a danger!” “Quarantine!” “Vaccinate, vaccinate, vaccinate!” “Follow the science!” “Listen; do not speak!” “Stay in your lane!” “No room for rebels!” That was the narrative in the beginning. It was void and without form. But the narrative grew – and quickly. While it still had little form and virtually no substance, somewhere in its early growth, the narrative developed its own self-perpetuating energy supply called “agenda.” Later, adherents to the narrative sup...
Emergency powers should be curtailed
Roger Harnack, Whitman County Gazette|Feb 24, 2022
It’s been three weeks since I testified in writing on Senate Bill 5909 before a state Senate committee Jan. 28. At that time, my testimony facetiously pointed out the measure that purportedly would limit gubernatorial powers was a “step in the right direction” that accomplished nothing. Nothing has changed since that testimony. Proponents tell us the bill would make it possible for the legislative leadership — the majority and minority leaders in the House and Senate — to end a governor...
We need fewer regulations, not more
Elizabeth Hovde, Washington Policy Center|Feb 17, 2022
At a recent press conference, Gov. Jay Inslee was asked several questions about the state’s nursing shortage, a problem that existed long before the COVID-19 era. Reporters were stabbing around at various solutions being proposed in the Legislature. Should we regulate hospital working arrangements? Should we limit what contract nurses are paid? How does the government protect nurses from burnout? Gov. Inslee summed up the concerns well: “The best solution is to produce more nurses that are ava...
Legislative update from Olympia
Rep. Joe Schmick, 9th Legislative District|Feb 17, 2022
We have been on the House floor all week with most legislators participating remotely. This is the time of session where long days and nights are spent briefing all House members on bills that have passed through their respective policy committees. We debate, draw up amendments, and vote on legislation that will have an impact on your life in some way or another. TRANSPORTATION This week, the majority party introduced their transportation plan. Here are a few key points: • It would begin in 2...
Broaden scope of Snake River salmon run
Don C. Brunell, Business Analyst|Feb 17, 2022
Washington Sen. Patty Murray and Gov. Jay Inslee announced in October, they’ll listen to diverse viewpoints with open minds to recover salmon and potentially breach the four Lower Snake River dams. Their focus on restoring Snake River salmon and steelhead runs is too limited. It needs to be expanded to cover the entire Snake River drainage. Currently, the four lower dams — all in Washington — are targeted to determine if they should be torn down to improve ocean-going fish runs while ignor...
ORCA plan offers solutions
Rep. Mary Dye, 9th Legislative district|Feb 10, 2022
It was heartbreaking when the Nooksack River submerged Whatcom County farming communities, swept livestock away and decimated dairies, farmland and homes. Equally sad was when heavy rains overflowed the Chehalis River and nearby tributaries, sending water through homes and property. Gov. Jay Inslee opened his Dec. 13 climate policy press conference by voicing concerns about the flooding, wildfires that have destroyed forests and filled the skies with smoke, drought that has caused reduction of...
Drop assault on natural gas
Don C. Brunell, Business analyst|Feb 10, 2022
Last year, Gov. Jay Inslee attempted an end run around the legislature by banning natural gas in new homes and commercial buildings via the state’s building codes. It was a bad idea. Now, some fellow Democrats who control the legislature are working on legislation trying to do the same — also a bad idea. Inslee’s proposed regulations forbid the use of fossil fuels for heating and hot water in new structures. Prohibiting natural gas is expensive for home and building owners many of whom insta...
Reopen Palouse Falls Hiking
Roger Harnack, Whitman County Gazette|Feb 10, 2022
Palouse Falls has long been one of my favorite places to hike. Over the years, I’ve hiked the mile or so trek to the top of the main falls on numerous occasions. I’ve hiked it by myself, with friends and even my daughter when she was very young. I’ve meandered along the Palouse River to the upper falls and descended the basalt rim to the pool at the base of the falls about 189 feet below. For those of us who grew up in Eastern Washington, hiking Palouse Falls trails has long been a rite of passa...
Support our schools
Ross Swan, Colfax|Feb 3, 2022
I am writing to encourage the Colfax community to support the school levy with their votes on Feb. 8. As a teacher in the Colfax School District for 21 years, I was, and I am, aware of what the levy money supports. First, and foremost, the levy money contributes significantly to a quality education when we have up to date textbooks and technology. Second, even though our schools are small, we offer a good variety of activities where students can explore their talents and abilities in the form of extra-curricular programs. Without this levy...
County road levy questioned
D.W. McCall, Farmington|Feb 3, 2022
Most rural residents are still waiting to see the fruits of their taxes that they willingly passed because of what Whitman County Public Works Director Mark Storey said the money would go towards. When will one of the commissioners step up and do what is right and deliver on what was said? Still patiently waiting for the three extra road positions to be filled where there is work that needs to be done. Two maintenance worker entry spots have been filled but why are you hiring people that don’t have a CDL or the experience? Now hiring a shop f...
Prosecutor supports levy
Denis Tracy, Whitman County Prosecutor|Feb 3, 2022
Most of the school districts in this county have levy proposals on next week’s election, and I want to add my voice in support of those measures. Study after study have shown that every dollar invested in children’s education returns dividends to the community many times over – including reduced crime. From my perspective, it makes great sense: fight crime, invest in kids....
Vote for Colfax schools levy
Brenda Kneeshaw, Colfax|Feb 3, 2022
The Colfax School District challenges itself to provide a positive learning environment. My husband and I have watched our four children go through the Colfax educational system well prepared to enter their higher education careers. As graduates, they entered professional careers thankful for their educational foundation and the work ethic learned while in the district. I was fortunate to teach in the district for 35 years, retiring from the classroom in 2010. The last 12 years I have been contracted by the district to serve as a curriculum...
Family businesses can survive bad times
Don C. Brunell, Business analyst|Feb 3, 2022
We are only a couple of weeks into 2022 and it is already shaping up to be another challenging year for America’s 5.5 million family businesses dealing with the coronavirus pandemic. Rampant inflation, supply chain bottlenecks, and acute worker shortages continue. Family businesses are vital to America. According to the Conway Center for Family Business, they account for two-thirds of our nation’s GDP, just over 60% of U.S. jobs, and 78% of all new jobs created. They’re really resilient and n...
'Short-term' care delayed to 2023
Sen. Mark Schoesler, 9th Legislative District|Feb 3, 2022
Last week, I wrote that two bills addressing the state’s flawed and controversial long-term care program (LTC) (nicknamed the “short-term care program”) and the costly payroll tax (dubbed the “long-term tax”) funding it had come over to the Senate after being passed by the House. The Senate fast-tracked these two measures this week, as the Ways and Means Committee held public hearings on them Monday and then approved them Tuesday. The full Senate yesterday passed the two bills, sending them to G...
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