Joe Schmick

Earlier this week, the Washington Senate passed legislation that would ban chlorpyrifos by January 1st, 2022.  Senate Bill 6518 passed primarily along party lines.  Bill author Senator Christine Rolfes said the legislation will reduce prenatal exposure and reduce harm to children.   Now ...

By a 12-2 vote Wednesday, the Washington House Ag Committee voted to approve HB 2696 to the floor for a full vote.  According to legislation author Tom Dent, the bill addresses meat and poultry misbranding.  Dent said he’s not opposed to alternative proteins in the marketplace, but he wants consumers to know what they are purchasing.   “If it...

It’s a struggle many rural portions of Washington face; manning their volunteer EMT staff to ensure when an emergency happens help is on the way.  Colfax representative Joe Schmick has proposed legislation he thinks will make serving as an EMT more attractive.  House Bi...

The window to make comments on a study looking at the economic impact of removing the four lower Snake River Dams will close soon.  Throughout this month, the Lower Snake River Stakeholders presented the findings of their study during workshops in Clarkston, Vancouver and the Tri-Cities.  St...

With another legislative session around the corner in Olympia, many in the farming community are prepared for legislation attacking their industry.  Colfax Representative Joe Schmick said the Ag industry was targeted during the 2019 session in a variety of ways, and he’s concerned the same anti-farming sentiment will return in the short legislative session.  He said ...

Washington Republicans are still looking for a fix to October’s Hirst Decision, which they say puts unneeded pressure on landowners looking to draw water on their property.  Representative Joe Schmick of Colfax cosponsored House Bill 2195, which would offer tax breaks for property owners negatively impacted by the Hirst ruling.   “...

Many across the agriculture community are concerned about renewed interest in potentially removing the four dams along the lower Snake River.  In early February, 50 fishing companies, environmental groups asked President Trump to look at removing the four dams to help restore wild salmon runs.  So...

Several eastern Washington state representatives says it’s vital to remain proactive to protect agriculture across the Evergreen State.  Joe Schmick said one way to help is a cohesive relationship with Washington D.C.  He added it’s very important for Dan Newhouse, Cathy McMorris Rodgers and lawmakers in Olympia that no harm is done to any of Washington 300-plus crops.   "And so I th... Read