Tag Archives: capital budget

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 and something fun and interesting to do, but to me the heart of the fair is in the exhibits,” said Schoesler, R-Ritzville.

“It’s easy for entry deadlines to sneak up on people, so if you’re planning to enter something in your local fair, take a moment to go online and double-check the information for exhibitors. For the many fairgoers across our state, this is the time to mark your calendars – and if you haven’t been to a fair lately or at all, go see what you’ve been missing.”

The Washington State Fair Association’s list of fairs for 2025 is available at this link. While the majority take place this month, the 9th Legislative District served by Schoesler is home to more fairs in September than any other district in the state.

While livestock exhibits are always popular, Schoesler said, typical categories also include fruits and vegetables, plants and flowers, and other farm-rooted traditions like food preservation, baking, clothing and woodworking. There are arts and crafts galore, and exhibits related to mechanics and machinery.

“Whoever first described fairs as the ‘state’s largest classroom’ sure got it right, because a fair might have everything from A to Z on display. Someone can touch the wool while it’s still on the sheep, or see a stalk of wheat before it becomes flour, and get a sense of how far agriculture – our state’s largest employer – has come in the past century or more.

“But again, that education doesn’t happen without exhibits; check the rules and deadlines so you can be ready to share your efforts for the enjoyment and education of others,” he said.

Schoesler, a fifth-generation wheat farmer, is also Republican leader on the Senate’s capital-budget team. While majority Democrats cut the state fair fund by 35% in the new operating budget for 2025-27, he successfully pushed for a record $9 million in the new capital budget to support health- and safety-improvement projects at fair facilities.

“Many legislators attend their local fair to see constituents. When they see more exhibitors and strong attendance, they can better appreciate how fairs are good citizens and economically important. That can only help to keep the support from Olympia coming.”

Schoesler to serve on Senate Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee

Sen. Mark Schoesler will return to the Senate committee that addresses agricultural issues when the Legislature’s 2025 session begins next month.

The 9th District senator today learned he has been appointed to the Senate Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee.

Schoesler, a fifth-generation farmer who grows wheat, barley and fall peas and raises cattle, is pleased about coming back to the ag panel. For many years, his Senate leadership responsibilities prevented him from serving on that committee. Schoesler stepped down as Senate Republican leader in November 2020 after eight years.

“In addition to being a longtime farmer, I represent and serve a district that relies on agriculture,” said Schoesler, R-Ritzville. “Ag remains an important part of our region’s economy. I understand the challenges that farmers and ranchers face. I look forward to again offering an ag-friendly voice on this committee when session starts.”

Schoesler will continue his long streak of serving on the Senate Ways and Means Committee when the Legislature convenes Jan. 13 for 105 days. The 2025 session will mark the 21st straight year Schoesler has been a member of the budget-writing Ways and Means Committee since joining the Senate in 2005.

“I take great pride and responsibility in serving on the Ways and Means Committee and I’m pleased to continue doing so,” said Schoesler. “Tax and spending issues have always been among my highest priorities as a legislator. As a Ways and Means member, I watch out for families and businesses in my district and our state by working to keep taxes and spending in check.”

Schoesler will again be the Ways and Means Committee’s lead Republican on the capital budget, which helps fund construction projects for state government buildings, state parks and colleges and universities.

“In this role, I work with my fellow Republicans and lead Democrats on the committee to produce a list of worthwhile projects to include in the state capital budget for the next two years, including those impacting local school districts and higher education institutions like WSU and Eastern,” said Schoesler, whose district includes the Pullman-based Washington State University and Eastern Washington University in Cheney.

Schoesler also will continue serving on the recently renamed Senate Labor and Commerce Committee. He says he will continue advocating for regulatory reform and other issues that will benefit Washington’s job creators and working families.

“My years of experience in the business of farming have helped me understand regulatory issues, which along with workers’ compensation and unemployment insurance are among the key topics this committee addresses. I know how overzealous regulations imposed by government agencies can be as hard on employers as taxes,” said Schoesler.

Schoesler said the Labor and Commerce Committee should focus on shrinking and simplifying Washington’s vast, complex regulatory system.

“Washington’s regulatory code has over 196,000 separate regulations, which is more than all but five states have. That should tell you there is serious need for reform – and this committee is the place to start,” added Schoesler.

Schoesler represents the 9th Legislative District, which covers all or part of Adams, Asotin, Franklin, Garfield, Spokane and Whitman counties.