November 5, 2024

By: Congressman Dan Newhouse (District 4)

In Central Washington, agriculture is not just an industry—it is the lifeblood of our communities and the foundation of our economy. As a third-generation farmer from the Yakima Valley, I understand better than most in Congress the challenges our farmers face, from unpredictable weather to undesirable market conditions. Over the past few weeks, I have met with orchardists, specialty crop growers, and other producers throughout our region to discuss these issues and talk about possible solutions.

In my visits with farmers, I heard firsthand how natural disasters in recent years have severely impacted their operations. Central Washington is one of the top agricultural regions in the country, but if we are to keep our edge in markets, we must establish a common-sense safety net for our growers in the face of uncontrollable events. That is why I have advocated for provisions in the Farm Bill to expand access to crop insurance and increase our agricultural exports.

Improving access to disaster and conservation programs for producers will help them mitigate losses due to environmental events, which is why I worked with Agriculture Committee Chairman G.T. Thompson to include provisions in the Farm Bill to make the Tree Assistance Program more effective by lowering the number of plant deaths needed to qualify and expanding the type of crops that are eligible. These changes will not only broaden access to critical assistance, but also enable our producers to rebuild and prepare for the next growing season.

There are significant restrictions on disaster and conservation programs, which make it difficult for producers to receive assistance even if agriculture is their primary source of income. To address this, I have proposed a waiver that eliminates Adjusted Gross Income limitations for participants who receive 75% or more of their income from agriculture. If our producers cannot afford to cover their basic costs, they risk going out of business, and these provisions will provide some much-needed relief.

I have also heard from producers about the barriers they face in exporting crops to foreign markets. I introduced the Agriculture Export Promotion Act of 2023, which doubles the Market Access Program and Foreign Market Development Program—essential trade promotions designed with our growers in mind—and I am pleased to announce it has been included in the House Version of the Farm Bill. By boosting our exports, we can reduce the amount of crops going to waste and increase profit margins for our farmers.

To maintain our region's agricultural prowess and support the hardworking individuals who feed our nation, we must ensure our farmers have the resources and support they need. This is not just an investment in their future, but in the future of our entire economy. We must prioritize a comprehensive Farm Bill that works for producers and sets the industry up for success, and I am committed to continuing to advocate for Central Washington’s producers throughout this process.

from the Franklin County Graphic >>

The Franklin County Graphic (FCG)  is a locally owned and operated, weekly source of community news and information across Franklin County. The Franklin County Graphic is a Legal Newspaper (approved January 11, 1955).

October 24, 2024

By: TJ Martinell

(The Center Square) - A newly released brief published by a Washington-based think tank claims the state operating budget will have a $5.1 billion shortfall for the upcoming 2025-2027 biennium driven by new state spending.

However, the state agency tasked with helping write the governor’s budget proposal says the final figure could be different depending on next month’s revenue forecasts.

In its Oct. 21 brief, the Washington Research Council claims that “the cost of maintaining current services in the upcoming 2025–27 operating budget is expected to be higher than currently-forecasted revenues for funds subject to the outlook.”

Using figures based on the State Economic Forecast Council’s latest revenue forecast from last month, they estimate the budget ending balance could be negative $5.120 billion, with just $2.977 billion in the budget stabilization account also known as the rainy day fund.

However, the WRC notes that “these are preliminary estimates, and there are two more revenue forecasts and two more caseload forecasts before the Legislature enacts the 2025–27 budget. These forecasts could considerably change the revenues and maintenance level spending in our estimated outlook.”

Washington state’s operating budget is constrained by a four-year balanced budget requirement in which spending through state accounts cannot exceed state revenue forecasts put out by ERFC, which it does on a quarterly basis.

While there are several initiatives on the November ballot that could repeal several state revenue sources such as the Climate Commitment Act and the excise tax on income derived from the sale of capital gains, WRC asserts that the estimated shortfall is “the result of choices made by the Legislature. In short, the state increased spending even as it knew revenues would come in more slowly. Further, the Legislature used reserves to increase general spending; as a result, remaining reserves are expected to be insufficient to cover the shortfall.”

The state Office of Financial Management helps the Governor’s Office with handling other state agency budget requests before releasing an operating budget request to the Legislature. Following the September ERFC revenue forecast, OFM Director Pat Sullivan, a former state representative, warned in a statement that "we will face significant challenges in meeting all our obligations in our next budget. There are some tough fiscal choices ahead.”

Read full article on Franklin County Graphic >>

The Franklin County Graphic (FCG)  is a locally owned and operated, weekly source of community news and information across Franklin County. The Franklin County Graphic is a Legal Newspaper (approved January 11, 1955).