State government, including the Legislature, needs to do more to help combat the increase in retail crime in Washington, says 9th District state Sen. Mark Schoesler. “While we’ve seen a spike in many areas of crime, retail theft and other retail crimes are especially a problem,” said Schoesler, R-Ritzville. “Retail...

The statewide transportation package passed primarily by Puget Sound-area Democrats in March is now fully subsidizing public-transit and state-ferry travel in some parts of the state for anyone 18 or younger. An eastern Washington legislator, 9th District Sen. Mark Schoesler, says the free-rider program discriminates against kids in rural Washington....

Sen. Mark Schoesler opposes a suggestion by Washington’s highest-ranking elected education official that the state should cancel the testing of student learning levels. During last week’s Washington State Board of Education meeting in Spokane, state Superintendent of Public Instruction Chris Reykdal said that using tests to assess the true level...

Sen. Mark Schoesler has been recognized for his efforts to help Washington small businesses. The National Federation of Independent Business announced yesterday that the longtime 9th District legislator has earned the group’s Guardian of Small Business award. The letter from NFIB Washington State Director Patrick Connor to Schoesler informing him...

Following last week’s announcement that state government is projected to collect $1.46 billion in tax revenue this biennium beyond what was already expected, 9th District Sen. Mark Schoesler is calling on Gov. Jay Inslee to bring the Legislature back to Olympia for a special session to pass a bill creating...

A group has honored 9th District Sen. Mark Schoesler for his work on behalf of hunters in Washington. The Hunters Heritage Council, Washington’s largest hunting-rights organization, has named Schoesler a “Legislator of the Year” for 2022. The award was announced this week by Hunters Heritage Council President Mark Pidgeon. “I’m...

Sen. Mark Schoesler received a pleasant surprise this morning: an award from Habitat for Humanity of Washington State for his service and support of affordable housing. Jennifer Wallace, the executive director of Habitat for Humanity’s Palouse affiliate, presented the award to Schoesler during a legislative breakfast hosted by the Pullman...

A measure introduced by 9th District Sen. Mark Schoesler that increases retirement benefits for firefighters and law-enforcement officers was signed by Gov. Jay Inslee today. Senate Bill 5791 provides Law Enforcement Officers’ and Fire Fighters’ Retirement System Plan 1 members with a one-time payment equal to $100 per month of...