Tom Dent

In 2018, the Washington legislature passed Senate Bill 6529, which would have required a four-day notice before pesticides could be applied on Washington farmland.  That legislation did not sit well with farmers and farm lawmakers, and in response, Moses Lake Representative Tom Dent worked across the aisle to create a task force that would take a look at the issue of pesticide applications.  De...

Nearly 100 people gathered in Pasco Thursday for the 2019 Tri-Cities Farm Hall, hosted by the Washington Policy Center.  Pam Lewison, Agriculture Research Director at WPC, applauded the audience participation, adding the forum allowed those who cannot travel to Olympia during the legislative session an opportunity to get engaged.  ...

Thursday, the Washington Policy Center will hold their annual Farm Hall in the Tri-Cities.  This year’s event will take place at the Northwest Farm Credit Services branch on St. Thomas in Pasco.  Pam Lewison with the WPC said these Farm Halls allow the agriculture community to discuss policy and potential legislation in an informal setting.   “Gives...

Moses Lake Republican Tom Dent has been elected to the board of directors of the State Agriculture and Rural Leaders origination.  The group focuses on cooperation, leadership and educational opportunities for leaders who are passionate about Ag and the rural community, not just across the U.S., ...

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...

Representative Tom Dent says his legislation creating Rangeland Fire Protection Associations continues to move forward in Olympia.  The Moses Lake Republican said hearings on H.B. 1188 were held Wednesday morning.  Dent said while a few details still need to be worked out he says most firefighters across the state support the legislation.   “...

The long list of capital budgets covered under the recently approved Washington capital budget includes money for improvements to the Odessa Aquifer Ground Water Replacement Project.  The $4 billion budget approved late last month included $15 million for the East Columbia Basin Irrigation District for the Odessa Groundwater Replacement Program.  ...

In an efforts to prepare for the next wildfire season with firefighters and equipment are stretched thin across Washington, state Representative Tom Dent has proposed legislation creating Rangeland Fire Protection Associations.  Dent said under House Bill 2562, local landowners would have the opportunity to protect their own, and their neighbor’s property, where no fire protection services are ava

While it’s only been on the books for less than a year, Representative Tom Dent is already looking to expand on legislation he championed during the 2017 session.  It not uncommon for growers or ranchers to see minor damage from wildlife eating their crops, but for portions of Central Washington, that damage can be quite extensive.   F...

A program Washington State sponsored by Representative Tom Dent that would move or remove elk that have damaged farms and ranches is making progress on developing plans to deal with the animals.   Dent said the elk can cause damage in numerous ways.  ...