11/06/08 A post-election state outlook from Senator Schoesler

November 6, 2008 There may be a few changes here and there in the make up of the state legislature following Tuesday's election but Republican State Senator Mark Shoesler of Ritzville says that and the re-election of Governor Chris Gregoire really makes for an unchanged scenario. The Democrats remain in control. Schoesler, who ran unopposed for re-election to the Senate, was the ranking Republican on the Senate Agriculture and Rural Development Committee last session and says a large state general budget deficit as well as shortfall in the transportation budget are the big issues lawmakers must face in January. And Schoesler says that means agriculture has to be on guard for tax increase proposals. Shoesler: "Because the JLARC Committee came out for example and said maybe we should exempt agriculture's B&O exemption. That would be pretty brutal. And when you are looking at over three-billion dollars I think a lot of things are on the table that would be unthinkable otherwise." The farmer-lawmaker says pointing out that commodity prices have fallen from their peak and may be entering a valley makes a good argument that agriculture shouldn't be burdened with higher taxes or costs right now. Other issues to for agriculture to watch, water and energy. Schoesler: "Environmentalists and unionists won a big victory and they are going to expect their agenda move forward which isn't necessary good for production agriculture." Schoesler thinks it may take a special session next year to resolve the state's budget issues. I'm Bob Hoff.