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OLYMPIA–The House is conducting public hearings on measures passed by the Senate. To discuss matters involving Legislature or state government with Sen. Mark Schoesler, (R-9), email him at [email protected] or office phone number 360-786-7620.

Supreme Court ruling on drug possession requires legislative fix

By Sen. Mark Schoesler

OLYMPIA–The state Supreme Court issued a decision, striking down the state’s felony drug-possession law. Prosecutors are not required to prove someone knowingly or intentionally possessed drugs. The decision was based on a ruling of a Spokane woman who claimed she received a pair of jeans from a friend that had a small bag of methamphetamine in a pocket. Some attorneys speculate that the ruling could result in tens of thousands of convictions being vacated. It also could mean shorter sentences for some inmates.

USDA Publishes Federal Register Notice for Public Input on Climate Approach

WASHINGTON, D.C.–The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is requesting public input on a climate-smart agriculture and forestry strategy. This is an important step toward implementing President Biden’s Executive Order on Tackling the Climate Crisis at Home and Abroad. The Order, signed January 27, states that, “America’s farmers, ranchers, and forest landowners have an important role to play in combating the climate crisis and reducing greenhouse gas emissions, by sequestering carbon in soils, grasses, trees, and other vegetation and sourcing sustainable bioproducts and fuels.” The Order directs Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack to solicit input from stakeholders as USDA develops a climate-smart agriculture and forestry approach.

Pomeroy Ranger District offers summer job opportunities for local youth

POMEROY–The local Ranger District is recruiting four to six students between the ages of 15 and 18 for summer employment in the Youth Conservation Corps (YCC). Work can include noxious weed removal, fence removal and construction, recreation and trail maintenance, fuel monitoring and vegetation surveys on the Pomeroy Ranger District.

SB 5371, to impose the City of Seattle soda tax on all areas of Washington State

By Elizabeth Hovde, Research Policy Analyst, WPC Center for Health Care

OLYMPIA–In 2018 the city council and Mayor of Seattle imposed a special tax on “sweetened beverages” which is imposed on the distributor and passed on to the consumers. It was to discourage the consumption of sweetened dirnks delivering a public health benefit. None of these benefits have been realized. Now an effort to enact a soda tax statewide SB5371, to all Washington State.

Ag Secretary Vilsack comments on the American Rescue Plan Act

WASHINGTON D.C.–Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack commented on the passage of the American Rescue Plan Act by the U.S. Congress stating is will jolt our economy back to life. It will significantly help rural America pay mortgages, property taxes and insurance. It expands rental assistance and funds broadband to schools and hospitals and other community facilities. It will also provide historic debt relief to Black, Indigenous, Hispanic, and other farmers of color who for generations have struggled to fully succeed due to systemic discrimination and cycle of debt. “We cannot ignore the pain and suffering that this pandemic has wrought in communities of color. The American Rescue Plan answers tat call to action,” said Vilsack.

Senate passes Schoesler’s SB 5454

OLYMPIA–The Senate unanimously approved bipartisan legislation sponsored by 9th District Sen. Mark Schoesler that would provide property-tax relief for Malden-area residents and other Washingtonians who are rebuilding homes damaged or destroyed by wildfires last September.

Under Senate Bill 5454, passed 49-0, Washington residents who lost a home to wildfire between Sept. 1 and Sept. 19, 2020, would be exempt from paying property taxes on the full value of the original structure for three years, if the home is being rebuilt or physically improved.

Free Meals extended through Summer 2021

WASHINGTON D.C.–The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will extend of several waivers nationwide that allow all children to continue to receive nutritious meals this summer when schools are out of session. These flexibilities are now available through September 30, 2021.

BMAG features Maureen Scoggin’s art students

By Charlotte Baker

POMEORY–The Blue Mountain Artisan Guild (BMAG) is featuring “Things About Our State” art work by students of Maureen Scoggin. Part of their art is exposing interesting facts about the project. With Phase 3 of the State’s reopening plan set for March 22, 2021, the BMAG anticipates an April reception recognizing these artists and sponsor LCCU.