Farm Internship Bill

Farm Internship Bill

Bob Larson
Bob Larson
I’m Bob Larson. A Senate bill passes to help with the challenges of recruiting the next generation of farmers.

Senate Bill 6421, that addresses the farm internship program, was introduced by first-term Senator Ron Muzzall of Oak Harbor …

MUZZALL … “I understand that this is a good little bill and since I’m not chair of Ways and Means it would mean as a freshman Senator, I would be presenting this. This is a reestablishment of the pilot program, put together by Labor and Industries. It’s for small farms and their interns.”

And, Muzzall says it’s been an effective program …

MUZZALL … “A well put together program. Only ever had one claimed L&I, no missed days. It presents an opportunity for beginning farmers and also interns who want to be farmers. So, I ask for support of this bill.”

But, like most freshmen Senators introducing their FIRST bill, Muzzall got a lot of good-natured ribbing from his colleagues, including Clark County Republican Ann Rivers …

RIVERS … “Madam President, I just don’t think I can support this bill. I don’t think that farm internships are even necessary. We all know that food comes from Safeway and Albertsons. So, I think, you know, these are the tough lessons you have to learn that people are going to call you out on bad legislation, so sorry about that.”

In the end, Rivers, and every other Senator for that matter, voted in favor of the bill, which now moves to the House for consideration.

Previous ReportUrban Vs Rural in Olympia Pt 3
Next ReportPotato Variety Management Institute Pt 1