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Agriculture in the 2006
Legislative Session
By Rep. Mike
Armstrong
The Legislature has been
quick to support the needs of our aerospace and high-tech industries,
but in the past, agriculture hasn’t received as much attention, even
though it’s Washington’s top job-producing industry. I hope to see that
change during this legislative session in Olympia.
We need to recognize how important agriculture is to our state’s economy
– and to the families who live and work in Eastern Washington. And we
need to do all that we can to support the ability of our farmers to make
a living.
Farmers are especially struggling against increasing fuel, fertilizer
and tax expenses. So that’s why I have supported removing the sales and
use tax from "red-dyed" diesel fuel used in farming equipment. I am
extremely pleased that it was one of the first bills the House passed
during the first week of the 2006 session.
When the price of diesel went from $1.50 a gallon to $3 a gallon, the
sales tax on fuel also increased. That hurt farmers, especially during
harvest and planting time when they need the most fuel.
Local farmers came to me and said they would appreciate anything I could
do to provide relief from the cost of diesel. They also noted that the
state tax is a big chunk of what they pay for diesel.
The bill which has passed the House of Representatives could provide a
sales tax savings of $2,000 to $3,000 for many farmers. That’s
significant. So I am very hopeful that the Senate and Gov. Gregoire also
recognize the importance of this tax exemption for our family farms.
This session, along with other legislators, we are also working to
secure the Central Washington Grain Train rail line to save our roads
and continue access for farmers to transport their grain to market. Back
in 2003, the Legislature appropriated $33.5 million to buy several
short-line railroads in Eastern Washington with the idea to keep them in
operation for grain transport. Unfortunately, the Department of
Transportation neglected to sign an agreement with the private owner of
the short line between Grand Coulee Dam and Spokane. My goal is to
ensure that the state buys that line so that it is not ripped up by the
owner and sold for scrap.
Another important function of that particular line is that it was built
with a super sub-base underneath the tracks that allows the transport of
the heavy generators and turbines to Grand Coulee Dam. Plus, when that
line is in full use with the grain trains, it takes about 29,000 trucks
off our local highways.
These are just two examples of the many things we can do this session to
help agriculture.
Water storage is another huge issue. Without water, no farm can survive.
We are continuing to explore options this session to increase water
storage in Eastern Washington, and locally, in the Wenatchee Valley. And
we are strongly pushing for the removal of the water relinquishment "use
it or lose it" law that penalizes farmers who incorporate conservation
measures into their farming practices.
I’m very optimistic that it will be a good session for agriculture. I
think the majority party is beginning to recognize that farming is a big
part of our state’s economy. That’s very good, although it’s important
to continue to educate urban legislators about the value of our
agricultural industry.
Farming is difficult, especially when farmers face increasing operating
costs, global competition, and burdensome land, water and labor
regulations. My plan is to move forward this legislative session with
policies that will allow agriculture not only to survive, but to thrive
in Washington.
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For more information, contact:
John
Sattgast, Public Information Officer: (360) 786-7257
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