2017 Legislative Session Will be Busy

The Washington State Legislature is about a week into the 2017 session and while most of the focus will be on the McCleary decision and education funding, there could be some bills involving agriculture.

Washington State Farm Bureau’s Tom Davis said they want maximize job creation in agriculture, stop any new taxes, and ensuring environmental policies are reasonable and based on sound science while also maintaining access to water.

“That’s broken down in a couple of issues. One is supporting affording water supply for our rural communities and then second of all is working to find a fix to the crisis that was created by the Hirst Decision.”

Most eyes, though, will be on what the budget will look like for education, because that will drive a lot of what happens when it comes to agriculture bills.

Davis said the small majorities in each chamber will also make an impact.

“That really, I think, serves farmers, ranchers, the public well because crazy-eyed bills don’t have, really, a chance to make it through a legislative body when it’s such a small majority of members.”

Davis encouraged the ag community to be involved and contact your representatives if there are bills that will impact your business. He also noted that WSFB and many other organizations have weekly newsletters that provide updates to bills that are being discussed.

If you have a story idea for the Washington Ag Network, call (509) 547-1618, or e-mail krounce@cherrycreekradio.com.