Many of you have contacted my office recently about the construction slow downs on I-90 from Easton to Cle Elum.  Having traveled this stretch of highway numerous times myself in the last few months, I know how frustrating it can be when you're sitting in traffic for hours.

I know it can be frustrating, but the resurfacing of this stretch of highway is something that needs to be done.  The concrete lanes have served past their expected life span and now safety becomes an issue as the concrete is worn down, splits, cracks and becomes warped. Also, the I-90 corridor is an extremely vital transportation corridor for our businesses and our goods.  Keeping this section of highway in good working order is an important part of attracting and retaining employers in our region.

Hinkle says, "I'm Batman!" (no, not for Halloween) There are times when sitting through endless presentations, committee meetings, agency reviews, and lobbyist proposals becomes too much to bear.  During committee week last month, I found myself aghast at a presentation by the state Insurance Commissioner's Office about a state-run health care option.  Kind of like Obama's health care plan, only at the state level.  With a $1 billion budget hole for next year, and a possible $9 billion budget shortfall for the 2011-13 biennium, I found it unbelievable that we could even be considering such an expensive option. Click here to read about how I declared to be Batman to a silenced room of politicians, agency officials and lobbyists!  Sometimes you have to make an outrageous statement in order to draw attention to the outrageousness of the proposals being discussed.  It was all in good fun and I think the point was made.

Dam breaching proponents continue their quest...
Despite record and near-record numbers for several Snake River salmon runs, dam breaching proponents continue to insist that removing the unsightly fish obstacles remains the only real solution for healthy salmon.

The Obama administration included the option of dam breaching along the Snake River in its recently submitted plan to manage and protect the salmon.  I want you to know that I adamantly oppose such an option and will work with my colleagues in Eastern and Central Washington to ensure that our dams are not sacrificed at the altar of environmental extremism.

I've always believed that the first environmentalists, the first conservationists, were - and are - the farmers and ranchers that depend upon our natural resources for sustenance.  And yet we still have environmental elitists living in urban areas trying to dictate the future of our economy, our energy needs, our jobs and our families.  It's time for this to stop.

The dams in our region provide agricultural irrigation, recreational opportunities and affordable hydro power that cannot be replaced.  Just recently, at a Legislative Council on River Governance meeting in Spokane, legislators from Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and Montana learned that hydro power is one of the best forms of power in terms of reliability and consistency to compliment wind power.  Because wind power literally comes and goes with the wind, you need a consistent and flexible power base to backstop the highs and lows found in wind power generation.  Our hydro power is actually a catalyst for wind power development in our state and in the Northwest, making the expansion of wind power a possibility.

		The notion of breaching Snake River dams in this state looks even more ominous than usual under current economic conditions.  Our families are desperate for jobs and our state, local and federal governments should be doing everything possible to help attract and retain employment opportunities.  Instead, it seems employers and jobs-friendly policies are being opposed every step of the way. Removing Snake River dams is an unreal expectation that puts fish before families, extreme environmentalism before gainful employment, and embraces the will of a vocal minority rather than respecting the wishes of the productive majority.
Rep. Hinkle attends the Legislative Council on River Governance meeting in Spokane

Grant County Human Services...
I will be in Grant County on Wednesday, Oct. 15 to see firsthand the effects of recent budget cuts to our area's mental health and human services community.

While I know that Grant County has integrated all human service administration operations, and is looking at ways to consolidate services to save money, the fact remains, there are cuts that hurt our most vulnerable populations.  People have been laid off, services and treatments have been reduced or eliminated.  These actions have a real impact on our citizens and our communities.

My hope is that, even in the midst of a difficult budget situation, we can take care of those within our society that truly need our help.  While I don't believe it's government's job to take care of everybody from cradle to grave, I do believe that we have a duty and an obligation to care for those who are developmentally disabled and need a safety net for survival.

However, as I've said before, the problem comes when that safety net becomes so big and becomes so stretched that those who truly need our help fall through the cracks.

I will be working next session to see that our safety next is restored and those who need our help, receive it.

Hinkle says goodbye to Washington Horse Park Authority...
As a member of the seven-person volunteer Washington Horse Park Authority from its inception, I am proud of the accomplishments we've achieved.  It's been a long journey -- from the planning stages, to securing the land; from gathering supporters from across the state, to securing state funding, the Washington State Horse Park is now closer than ever to becoming a reality.

As a county commissioner, my experience and expertise in local government issues and land use planning were critical in negotiating land deals and agreements on behalf of the horse park.  As a legislator, I worked across the aisle and with the governor's office to secure $3.5 million in the state's capital budget for the horse park.

But now, with the park moving on to the design and construction stage of operations, it is time to pass the reins on to someone who knows horses better than I do.

My seatmate, Rep. Judy Warnick, is a frequent horseback rider and member of the Backcountry Horsemen of Washington.  She has been appointed by the Governor to replace me on the authority.  I know Judy will do a fantastic job in making this a great place and a great fit for our locals in the district.

For more information on the Horse Park and how you can be involved, check out their web site here.