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13th District
representatives throw support behind relief bills
Rep.
Bill Hinkle and Rep. Janéa Holmquist voted in favor today of
two bills that bring needed financial relief to the people of the 13th
District. One of the two bills passed the Senate and is now on its way
to the governor for her consideration. The other is expected to go for a
vote in the Senate on Friday.
House Bill 2370 appropriates $7.6 million in state funds for use in the
Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program during the remainder of the
2005-2007 biennium. This money assists low-income residents in paying
their home heating bills. HB 2370 passed the Senate today.
Hinkle and Holmquist noted that had the governor not ignored the House
Republicans’ call for a special legislative session last September, this
relief could have been provided much earlier.
“This money would sorely help those low-income households in our
district get through this already harsh winter,” said Hinkle, R-Cle
Elum. “The funds would be available as soon as the governor signs the
bill, so people should be able to apply for the assistance very soon.”
House Bill 2424 provides tax exemptions to users of farm fuel. The bill
exempts farmers from sales and use tax on diesel fuel used for
non-highway purposes.
“Last year, diesel prices skyrocketed to more than $3 a gallon,
negatively impacting not only agriculture, but every family with a fuel
budget,” said Holmquist, R-Moses Lake. “This bill would provide a sales
tax savings of thousands of dollars and is one less financial burden
imposed by the state on the backs of our farmers.”
Speaking in the House chamber in support of the measure, Holmquist
stated, “I hope we never see the day when our state – our nation – is
dependent on foreign countries for its agricultural and food supply.
Measures such as House Bill 2424 help to level the playing field with
the rest of our nation and many parts of the global agricultural
economy.”
Both HB 2370 and HB 2424 received overwhelming support in the House. HB
2424 is expected to come to a vote in the Senate this Friday.
“House Republicans are committed to passing good legislation for the
people of our district,” Hinkle said. “Today was an example of the quick
work we can do when we get cooperation.”
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For more information, contact:
John Handy, Assistant
Communications Director - (360) 786-5758
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