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Dear Friends and Neighbors,
With two weeks left in the legislative session, I was hoping to report better news on the operating budget. At some point, if movement doesn’t happen we could be looking at a special session. Which would be a shame. Only one party controls both the state House, Senate, and the governor’s mansion. We’ve known about our state’s budget deficit since last fall. It should have been the first priority of the session, instead of waiting until the last minute. I’ll keep you posted.
Hunting/Fishing license increases
Contained within the largest tax and fee increase in the state’s history are increases to hunting and fishing license fees. This strikes me as an unnecessary hit to many who utilize wild game and fish to feed their families. While these activities can be recreational to some, there are those among us who are struggling to make ends meet. I wrote an op-ed on this issue and why we shouldn’t adopt this policy:
When abuse can be hidden, so can victims. The consequences of sex trafficking
Senate Bill 5093 passed the House this week. The bill repeals the crime of intentionally concealing a birth and prevents coroners from investigating stillbirths and premature deaths. I voted NO on this bill. There is a very real tie-in to sex trafficking that was not considered by the majority party. Our prosecutors need this law to be able to go after the lowest of the low – those that would trap young women in the sex slavery trade. Two of my colleagues, Reps. Jim Walsh and Hunter Abell, did a short video to explain further. Click on the picture below to learn more.
Fix Washington Podcast
I had the opportunity this week to participate in the Fix Washington Podcast. This is a weekly effort to highlight some of the important policy issues we’re working for or against in Olympia. As the Ranking Republican on the House Health Care and Wellness Committee, I brought my perspective on health care and gave an update to the host, Rep. Peter Abbarno. Click below to watch.
Also remember to check out our Stop Bad Bills webpage. There is a lot of great information on several of the worst bills of the session. Along with ways showing how you can be involved and share your personal stories with us. I encourage you to stay involved!
Beef Day!
We had Beef Day this week! This is always a great day to celebrate all the work our cattlemen do to feed the nation. They have suffered under increased fuel costs, uncontrollable market factors, and rising feed costs. Yet they continue their work. They are some of the most generous, kind, and ingenious folks you’ll ever meet. Thank you to all of our ranchers and farmers for what you do!
Thank you for reading my email update. As we enter the final stretch of session, I’ll continue to fight for our collective values and priorities. Thank you for the encouragement, questions, and counsel you’ve given to me these past three months. It is an honor to serve you.
Sincerely,
Joe Schmick
