Agriculture, Water, Natural Resources & Parks

March 12, 2026

Legislature unanimously approves supplemental capital budget

The Legislature tonight unanimously passed the 2025-27 state supplemental capital budget  following an agreement earlier this week by Senate and House negotiators on a final budget plan.  The Senate voted 49-0 to pass the budget after the House approved it 96-0. Two eastern Washington Republican senators who helped develop the...
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February 27, 2026

Senate unanimously approves supplemental capital budget

The Senate today unanimously passed its version of the 2025-27 state supplemental capital budget. Republicans who helped develop the spending plan applauded it for addressing needs across Washington. “Our supplemental budget complements the two-year capital budget enacted by the Legislature last year by spending money in a responsible manner while...
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February 05, 2026

Senate passes Schoesler bill encouraging voluntary incentives related to wildfire mitigation

The Senate yesterday unanimously approved Senate Bill 5919, a measure introduced by 9th District Sen. Mark Schoesler that would encourage fire districts and insurance providers to collaborate and develop voluntary incentives to promote wildfire-mitigation best practices related to agricultural activities. Schoesler, R-Ritzville, says SB 5919 aims to encourage incentives much...
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January 30, 2026

2026 session week 3 video update

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January 22, 2026

2026 session week 2 video update

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January 15, 2026

2026 session week 1 video update

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August 05, 2025

Peak season for agricultural fairs has arrived – get those exhibits ready, says 9th District senator

RITZVILLE… More than 40 county, community and regional agricultural fairs will happen across Washington in August and September, and fairs mean exhibits – which has Sen. Mark Schoesler offering friendly and timely reminders to exhibitors and fairgoers alike. “We know the local fair is a place to find great food...
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April 27, 2025

Local senators say new state capital budget funds Odessa water project

The new two-year state capital budget passed unanimously by the Legislature today includes funding for key water-infrastructure projects throughout eastern Washington, including some benefiting the Columbia Basin, according to 9th District Sen. Mark Schoesler and 13th District Sen. Judy Warnick. The capital budget provides $69 million for the Columbia River...
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April 27, 2025

Legislature approves two-year capital budget ‘for the entire state’

On the final day of its 2025 session, the Legislature approved the 2025-27 state capital budget, with the two Senate Republicans who helped develop this budget praising it for addressing needs throughout Washington. “I’m pleased that the capital budget passed by the Legislature addresses many needs throughout the state,” said...
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