Walsh: Several Challenges Remain For Ag Community Beyond the 2019 Session

Many in the farming community have felt the 2019 session has been especially challenging on the Ag industry.  But Representative Jim Walsh fears the struggles will continue well beyond the end of the session.

First, the Ag industry exemption established in the low carbon fuel standard he believes will be in jeopardy.  He said the current proposal lend itself to many questions, that could put farmers in the cross hairs.  Currently farm equipment used on private property is exempt.

“But then they spend some of their time on state roads, and so there’s going to be a little bit of administrative and bureaucratic heartburn I predict around that; do you have to pay the low carbon fuel tax when you’re using a state road and not on a ranch or a farm.”

Walsh said the debate may first go after timber, but farming he feels won’t be far behind.

Another challenge is the idea of an income tax.  When the proposal was first mentioned, supporters called for a 5% income tax, but the current proposal in Olympia calls for a 10% income tax.

“You know, maybe they think this is some sort of negotiating point, but its not.  My opposition and our opposition to this thing is really principled and philosophical with this mechanism as a way to recognize tax revenue and we’re going to fight this as hard as we can.”

Walsh said it’s important for farmers, those in the timber industry and all Washingtonians to let lawmakers know what they think.