Opinion
Sorted by date Results 1 - 25 of 1536
Proposed tax targets ruralites
The Vehicle Miles Travelled tax, or VMT, is once again raising its ugly head in Olympia in the form of House Bill 1832. It has been rebranded the “Road Usage Charge” (RUC), a mo... — Updated 3/16/2023
Hospital merger bill threatens rural access
As a senator representing rural Washington, I understand the importance of accessible healthcare for all residents, regardless of where they live. Unfortunately, for far too long,... — Updated 3/16/2023
Letters to the Editor
We need more gun safety training I just read your report on Koedi V. White being charged as an adult for 1st degree manslaughter and 2nd -degree unlawful possession of a firearm; allegedly causing the death of his friend Shadrach... — Updated 3/9/2023
Fighting for farmers' survival
Too many Puget Sound lawmakers never look beyond their grocery stores to understand the struggle of our farmers to keep those stores supplied. That’s why Sen. Mark Schoesler,... — Updated 3/9/2023
State Supreme Court Opposes Transparent Government
Lincoln County has always been a huge proponent of transparency. We believe, as elected officials, that we should not get to decide what the public should or should not know about... — Updated 3/9/2023
Nurse shortage bill considered
Nursing is one of the most noble and trusted professions in our society. Just ask any patient who has made a trip to a hospital or had a doctor’s appointment. Nurses perform many... — Updated 3/2/2023
Improve water quality to save salmon
There are some hard-core Western Washington groups that want you to believe that if we breach Snake River dams, it will boost our state’s salmon population and we can save the... — Updated 3/2/2023
Rural pharmacy rules bad for communities
Growing up on the farm, I heard grandma’s sage advice in just about every situation imaginable. “A trouble shared is a trouble halved.” “This isn’t my first rodeo.... — Updated 2/23/2023
Model forest project in Colville
Who says Congress is so gridlocked that nothing is accomplished? Consider what happened last December when the U.S. Senate unanimously passed legislation streamlining regulations... — Updated 2/23/2023
Guard liberty and freedom, the American way
America is where liberty and freedom are guarded by jealously, which is required by a “patriot” that defends it with their last breath. In today’s America, very few people think this way. But the few that do are painted as... — Updated 2/15/2023
Past time for an energy reality check
If we are to meet our soaring demand for electricity and produce it without coal and natural gas, we must double down on nuclear power. Today, U.S. nuclear plants generated enough... — Updated 2/15/2023
Cultivated meat research should be funded
With avian flu spreading among mammals and experts concerned it could make the jump to humans, our political leaders should support increased federal funding for cultivated-meat research. For those who don’t know, cultivated... — Updated 2/15/2023
Fix pursuit law, don't study it
A key issue needing legislative action during this year’s session is public safety – and for good reason. In recent years, Washington has seen an alarming increase in crime,... — Updated 2/15/2023
Capital gains tax not 'excise' tax
Last week, the state Supreme Court heard oral arguments concerning the capital gains income tax. I attended the hearing in person. It is unclear when the court will issue its... — Updated 2/9/2023
Time to halt benefits scam
Three years after crooks stole billions in unemployment insurance funds, federal and state officials are scrambling to retrieve the money which was directed to the jobless and plug... — Updated 2/9/2023
Bills will destroy single-family neighborhoods
Washington State House Bill 1110 and Senate Bill 5190 are identical and are on track for approval. They will destroy city residential zoning codes statewide. This appears to cancel out planning authority and resident input at the c... — Updated 2/2/2023
Outgoing CEO requests passage of levy
Odessa Memorial Healthcare Center are proud of the care we provide this Community and proud of how the Community supports us. This year has been a tough year for all health care... — Updated 2/2/2023
Public safety is paramount
Various surveys over the last year continue to show public safety is high on the list of concerns for the average Washingtonian. It doesn't matter if it's someone living in... — Updated 2/2/2023
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
House Bill helps level playing field
Washington state has high tax rates — gas, property, you name it. Government agencies billions of tax dollars annually from residents and businesses here. So why then are... — Updated 1/26/2023
False spring? Maybe not this time
You’ve heard it said in the Pacific Northwest that, during the winter, we see a long stretch of bleak weather followed by a temporary rise in temperatures around mid-January, a ... — Updated 1/19/2023
Legislature convenes in Olympia
By Sen. Mark Schoesler, Rep. Joe Schmick and Rep. Mary Dye We are back at the state Capitol for the 2023 legislative session, which began Jan. 9 and is set to last 105 days, ending April 23. After being forced to endure a virtual... — Updated 1/19/2023
Baby bonds proposal a messy proposition
The legislative session is in full swing, which means a lot of lawmakers are interested in picking winners and losers. Instead of creating equal opportunities, an equality of... — Updated 1/19/2023
Data Centers Looking to Capture Heat
Coupled with rapid growth of data centers we rely upon for internet service and information storage is an increased demand for electricity to power millions of computers and cool... — Updated 1/12/2023
Pine needles harmful to cows?
Question: If cows eat pine needles, will it hurt them or cause a problem? In general, yes pine needles can be a problem if cows consume them. Pine needles occur across much of the... — Updated 1/12/2023