Schoesler calls out Dem on cap and trade tax statement
By Terry Murry on Friday, April 2nd, 2021 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories
OLYMPIA – Sen. Mark Schoesler (R-Ritzville) is irate over a recent quote attributed to Sen. Reuven Carlyle (D-Seattle) in which he said that the state’s agricultural industry backs his cap and tax bill. The fifth-generation farmer who runs a wheat farm is not alone.
Carlyle’s statement has also been criticized by the Washington Farm Bureau, Northwest Agricultural Cooperative Council, and the Washington Cattlemen’s Association
“When you have officials from these important ag groups all saying this claim by Sen. Carlyle, is false, it really make s you shake your head,” Schoesler said. “As someone who serves an agricultural district, I’ve been in touch with a wide section of people in the sector. At best, they are apprehensive about the proposal. At worst, they are flat-out against it.”
Senate Bill 5128 has been placed on the Senate’s voting calendar after being approved along party lines by three committees. It went through the Environment Energy and Technology, the Ways and Means, and the Rules committees. Schoesler said there was a fourth committee to which it should have been assigned.
“The fact that this bill never went to the Senate Transportation Committee, despite the enormous effect it could have on the cost of fuel, clearly indicates Democratic leaders don’t care much about the negative effect it will have on drivers and on companies that rely on our roads to ship products and goods,” Schoesler said.
People who wish to comment to Democratic leaders on a particular bill can call the toll-free Legislative Hotline at 800-562-6000.
