Dent Already Looking Forward To Addressing Ag Issues After ’19 Session

We still have time to go on the 2019 Washington legislative session, and since lawmakers have yet to pass a budget, an extension is not out of the question.  But, Moses Lake Representative Tom Dent is already looking ahead to time after this year's session.  He is looking at hosting Farm Tours around the state, in an effort to help urban lawmakers understand the challenges the Ag community faces.  He says one of top issues is the apple maggot.

He noted those that don’t live in an apple growing region of the state may not appreciate just how devastating the apple maggot can be.

“Apples are our #1 product in the state, so we need to get them to understand exactly what that means, and why we need that, and how it could impact any exports that we do.  The apple maggot thing is kind of, it’s almost an under the radar issue, except that the consequences could be so great if we don’t control that pest.”

Dent notes it’s not too early to look ahead to the 2020 session.  While it died earlier this year, he said he plans to reintroduce his Rangeland Fire Protection Association bill.

“Our ranchers and farmers that are in remote areas, or maybe areas that don’t have fire districts are really in favor of this, they want it, and it was a very needed act.  So, I’m going to continue; absolutely, I think it’s a good idea.  We made a lot of headway this year, I thought we were going to get it, I really did, and right a t the end it kind of fell apart so, we have a plan, people to talk to and we’re going to proceed with that.”

Dent noted that Hilary Franz, the state’s Public Lands Commissioner likes the RFPA proposal and supports the legislation, which should help moving forward.

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