It is an honor and privilege to represent the communities, families, students, and individuals from the 9th District in the state House of Representatives. We have a unique blend of agriculture, small business, university, health care, and transportation sectors to our regional economy. Please know that I keep these unique factors, along with our collective priorities, principles, and values in mind while making decisions on your behalf in Olympia.
This session, despite a record $15 billion budget surplus over the next four years, the majority party in Olympia refused to give any back to hardworking taxpayers. We tried property tax relief, B&O tax reductions for small businesses, and even sales tax relief. Buy Olympia seems to have an insatiable appetite for your hard-earned money.
I believe state government should live within its means and give back to taxpayers when it has ample excess. Or, at the very least, put that excess away for a rainy day. Most economists are predicting a recession in the very near future. Instead of spending every dime of that extra $15 billion, the Legislature should have saved some of that for inevitable downturn in our state economy. I will continue to push my legislative colleagues for fiscal prudence and responsibility. I will remind them that every dollar that shows up in the state's budget came from an individual or business that's just trying to make ends meet, put food on the table, and keep their workers employed.
If you want to see our unique economy protected, our values honored, and a consistent voice of fiscal restraint, please allow me to continue serving you in Olympia. As I often say, you and I will not agree on every issue the Legislature faces. But no one will work harder than me to protect your families, earn your trust, and uphold our rural values.
I would appreciate your vote and look forward to visiting with you about these and other important issues facing your family and our community.
Joe
AGRICULTURE - Agriculture is one of the most important industries to the 9th District and the state. As a former second-generation farmer, I dealt with the challenges on a daily basis. This past session there were many attempts to burden the agricultural industry with additional costs that could not be passed on. We must protect the jobs
AGRICULTURE - Agriculture is one of the most important industries to the 9th District and the state. As a former second-generation farmer, I dealt with the challenges on a daily basis. This past session there were many attempts to burden the agricultural industry with additional costs that could not be passed on. We must protect the jobs that agriculture brings to our region. I will work continually to keep the agricultural industry healthy.
WATER - Water is the lifeblood of our rural agriculture communities and their economies. I will work to protect our access to water and keep our agricultural economy thriving.
JOBS - We all know that it is not the government's function to create jobs. Government needs to foster an atmosphere where jobs can thrive. Small business provides the majority of jobs in our state and country. According to the Small Business Administration (SBA) 53.3% of all jobs are in small businesses. Taxes, regulatory environment, an
JOBS - We all know that it is not the government's function to create jobs. Government needs to foster an atmosphere where jobs can thrive. Small business provides the majority of jobs in our state and country. According to the Small Business Administration (SBA) 53.3% of all jobs are in small businesses. Taxes, regulatory environment, and size and scope of government all directly impact our employers' ability to expand job opportunities.
TAXES - We don't have a revenue problem, we have a spending problem. The state's two-year budget in 2011-13 was $30.9 billion. Ten years later, the 2021-23 biennial budget has more than doubled to over $65 billion. This rate of spending is unsustainable and far outpaces the incomes of Washington residents, especially those of us in Eastern Washington. We need to curb state spending and treat taxpayers with respect.
EDUCATION - The funding of education is of "paramount duty" according to our state constitution. It is the only item specifically singled out that the state must spend taxpayer money on. I have three principles on education. First, there should be more control given to the local school board. Decisions made a t the local level are usuall
EDUCATION - The funding of education is of "paramount duty" according to our state constitution. It is the only item specifically singled out that the state must spend taxpayer money on. I have three principles on education. First, there should be more control given to the local school board. Decisions made a t the local level are usually the best decisions. Secondly, the burgeoning state education bureaucracy needs to be kept in check. And third, parents have a right to be involved in their children's education and know what is being taught in the classroom.
PUBLIC SAFETY - Democrats in the state Legislature, fueled by the 'Defund the Police' movement, have attempted public safety and police reforms that have made our communities, families, and students less safe. Our police need the tools, support, and clarity of law in order to keep us safe. Right now, they are not getting that. I will continue to work on legislation that allows our law enforcement officers to do their jobs and keep our communities safe.
Public School Employees
Kalispell Tribe
Franklin County Republicans
Will & Arden Edwards
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