Rep. Warnick’s interim update: Aug. 29, 2013

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Dear Friends and Neighbors,

Since I last wrote you, I have remained busy, working on your behalf. I have talked and met with constituents from Yakima to Cle Elum and Ellensburg to Odessa. I appreciate hearing from the people I represent and being able to offer assistance, or at least, a listening ear.

Spotlight on education

I want to thank and congratulate Rebecca Kuch (pictured at right), a teacher from the Creston School District, for participating and completing the Legislative Scholars Program. Rebecca teaches Current World Problems, English, World History and U.S. History. She was one of 20 teachers from across the state to come to Olympia to learn more about representative democracy and be recognized for their work in civics programs. Thank you, Rebecca!

Speaking of education, this year the Legislature provided $90 million more for full-day kindergarten. You can read more about it here. In our district, the following schools will now be able to provide full-day kindergarten classes:

Easton School – Easton School District
Kittitas Elementary – Kittitas School District
Columbia Ridge Elementary – Ephrata School District
Grant Elementary – Ephrata School District
Knolls Vista Elementary – Moses Lake School District
Midway Elementary – Moses Lake School District
Longview Elementary – Moses Lake School District
Park Orchard Elementary – Moses Lake School District
Lakeview Terrace Elementary – Moses Lake School District
Peninsula Elementary – Moses Lake School District
Davenport Elementary – Davenport School District

This doesn’t include the many schools already providing full-day kindergarten. You can view the full list of schools receiving full-day kindergarten funding from the state this year here.

Recent events/celebrations

In July, I attended the First Return Sockeye Ceremony in Cle Elum with the Yakama Nation and other locals. This was the first return of sockeye salmon to the Yakima Basin since the 1800′s, and it was a momentous occasion marked with ceremony and great respect for our environment and the natural resources we enjoy. The photo at left (click on it to view it larger) shows community members watching the salmon return from the shore.

Earlier this month, I attended the dedication and inaugural sailing of Sanpoil (see photo at right), the new ferry to run on the Keller Route, which crosses the Columbia River on State Route 21. This project replaced the old Martha S., a ferry which had been in service since 1948. You can view more photos of the event here. While the ferry terminals were being replaced, the route was shut down for five weeks. I want to extend appreciation to everyone who had to travel around the route during this time.

Keeping an eye on issues affecting our district

Many of you may have heard the recent story in the Columbia Basin Herald about the trade dispute between the United States and China regarding polysilicon. This issue could make it difficult for our own REC Silicon in Moses Lake to stay in business if it continues. While this is an international issue, I want you to know I am watching it carefully and staying up to date to do whatever I can. These jobs are very important to our area.

I’m also watching several important agriculture issues:

Columbia River Treaty – The United States and Canada have a 50-year treaty which could be terminated or renewed by the end of 2014 regarding sharing of the Columbia River. This deeply affects Washington state and especially the Columbia River Basin.
Yakima canals – Yesterday, I toured a test site for generating power through the use of irrigation canals in Yakima. This is a process that’s still being tested but has great potential.
Lemire case – The Supreme Court recently decided against a Dayton farmer after the Department of Ecology found his cattle operation was polluting a nearby creek. He was required to build a fence around the creek to avoid the pollution, essentially cutting off several acres of his property. The results of this case have enormous implications for private property rights, the power of the Department of Ecology to address pollution, and the livelihood of agriculture in general. I am very concerned about this and will be communicating my concerns to Ecology that they work with ranchers and farmers to help ensure their livelihood is protected.

I hope you enjoy summer while it lasts! As always, please feel free to contact my office anytime. My district office in Moses Lake is available for you to meet with me.

Sincerely,