Schoesler returns as Senate Republican leader
on agricultural policy
9th District senator also to continue on budget committee

December 19, 2008

OLYMPIA…

OLYMPIA… Sen. Mark Schoesler, R-Ritzville, will continue to serve as lead Republican on the Senate Agriculture and Rural Economic Development committee and retain his seat on the Senate Ways and Means Committee. 

The committee assignments, made Wednesday, keep the veteran 9^th Legislative District lawmaker well-positioned to work on behalf of Washington’s number-one industry, agriculture; and tackle the primary issue facing the incoming Legislature: An enormous budget crisis caused by year after year of government overspending. 

“I hear people in both Washingtons speak of the need to create jobs. Let’s not forget that we also need to preserve jobs, and agriculture employs more people than any industry in the state,” Schoesler said. “As for the state budget crisis, which is at more than 5 billion dollars and growing – much of that is due to past choices made in Olympia. The solution is a new budget which protects the vulnerable people in our state who truly need government help, does not require a tax increase and is sustainable and transparent. 

"One of the organizations that has contributed to Olympia’s overspending by elbowing its way into line for taxpayer dollars is now suggesting that the Legislature raise revenue by forcing growers to pay more for crop protection products that help them survive and compete,” Schoesler noted. “My committee assignments allow me to go after a short-sighted idea like that from two directions.” 

While his seat on the Senate Higher Education Committee is going to another Senate Republican, Schoesler said his position on the budget committee will still allow him to represent the financial concerns of Eastern Washington University and Washington State University.  

“Eastern and WSU recognized early this year that the state’s revenue picture was changing and wisely began preparing for a downturn. And some of the public school districts in our area have been very smart about spending,” said Schoesler. “For them, some of the spending reductions the governor has proposed for basic and higher education are either impractical or unfair. I can respond to that as a member of the Senate Ways and Means Committee but couldn’t if I was serving on either of the Senate education committees.” 

Schoesler also will continue to serve on the Senate Financial Institutions and Insurance Committee. And because of his recent election to another term as Senate Republican floor leader, the third-highest post on the caucus leadership team, he also retains his seat on the powerful Senate Rules Committee. 

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Additional contact: Eric Campbell
at (360) 786-7503 or campbell.eric@leg.wa.gov