Articles written by Mark Schoesler
Sorted by date Results 1 - 16 of 16
Session a mix of success, disappointment
The 2024 legislative session is now in the history books. After 60 days, in which 201 House bills and 180 Senate bills passed the Legislature, we can report a mix of great... — Updated 3/22/2024
Democrats push tax hike bill
It seems like every year the Democrats, who have voting majorities in the Senate and House, in Olympia introduce legislation to raise or create taxes, no matter how much revenue... — Updated 1/25/2024
Legislative priorities this year
Monday featured opening-day ceremonies in the Senate and House chambers, followed by a joint legislative session in the House chamber on Tuesday for Gov. (Jay) Inslee’s final s... — Updated 1/11/2024
Address COVID learning loss
As parents know all too well, many students suffered learning loss when schools were shut down or relied on virtual learning during the COVID-19 pandemic. This “COVID learning l... — Updated 10/12/2023
Do you really feel safer?
Over the past few years, our state has witnessed a steady rise in several types of crime. This has caused serious harm in many communities on both sides of the state, and many... — Updated 9/14/2023
'Gag order' issued on gas rates
For several months, drivers and businesses have had to endure the sharp increase in fuel prices since the state’s cap-and-trade program – or “cap-and-tax,” as I like to call it... — Updated 9/7/2023
UW cashing in on foreign students
Apparently, the Pac-12 wasn’t the only thing that University of Washington left behind for more money. As the state senator for a legislative district that includes two four-year u... — Updated 8/31/2023
Pennies at the pump really add up
It’s been a tough week around the farm with equipment failures that have delayed harvest a few days. I’ll get back on track. But while repairs are underway, I can’t help but think... — Updated 8/10/2023
Is it a lie or an 'ad lib'
There’s no question the governor misled the people last year when claiming his cap-and-tax scheme would add “pennies” to the cost of gas once it took full effect in 2023. Gov.... — Updated 8/3/2023
State capital gains income tax upheld
Ever since legislative Democrats passed a law (Senate Bill 5096) two years ago creating a capital gains state income tax in Washington, observers on both sides of the political... — Updated 3/30/2023
Schoesler: Address school maintainance
For the fifth straight year, I've introduced a bill that aims to help school districts in Washington address their building-maintenance needs. Senate Bill 5403 would allow school di... — Updated 1/26/2023
Busy week of meetings in Olympia
I’ll soon be hopping into the pickup for the long drive from Olympia back home to Ritzville. These past few days were spent in our state capital for Senate Assembly Days, which h... — Updated 12/8/2022
Crimes increase; education decreases
It's no secret that crime has worsened throughout Washington in recent years, thanks to laws passed by the Democrat-controlled Legislature and a decrease in the number of... — Updated 11/3/2022
Inslee trading money for booster shots
I recently commented on negotiations between Gov. Jay Inslee and unions on the upcoming contracts for state employees. As I said before, while I don't fault the proposed salary... — Updated 10/13/2022
Representing the 9th District
My first session was way back in 1993, and as a freshman state representative, I was very humbled and excited about being elected to serve the people of the 9th District in the... — Updated 1/13/2022
Gov. Inslee targets dams
It’s no secret that Gov. Jay Inslee wants the removal of the four federal dams on the lower Snake River between Clarkston and the Tri-Cities. Back in December 2018, his proposed 201... — Updated 11/4/2021