Season of Change - Update on Farm Hall

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December 2016

Greetings Friends and Neighbors

Warnick Farm Hall

I want to thank everyone that attended our second annual Farm Hall, November 18th. It was a success. We had many from around eastern Washington attend to provide their insights on the challenges our agricultural and rural communities are facing.

We discussed a variety of topics, but as the Chair of the Senate Agriculture, Water and Rural Economic Development Committee, I focused on the recent Hirst Decision from the state Supreme Court. In essence, this ruling puts a significant burden on rural areas with permit-exempt wells, limiting growth and shifting state responsibilities onto already resource limited counties.

I recently sat down for an interview on TVW on this topic. Please click here to watch.

Blue Ribbon Commission on Children and Families

While the Legislature has been out of session, I have been working on a variety of projects and interim committees. One that has taken up a great deal of my time has been the governor's blue ribbon commission on children and families. This group of legislators, state agencies, and community stakeholders has been looking at ways to improve delivery and coordination of state services. The ultimate goal is to create a new state agency that, "...will align state policies across agencies and have accountability for better using the state’s resources to improve the lives of children and families."

I do support making sure that those in need have access to state services, but the state needs to do a better job coordinating with community and faith-based resources. I am concerned with the costs of creating a new state agency which may be prohibitive. You can read the final report of the Commission here and read a recent editorial from the Seattle Times Editorial Board on the work here.

Kyle

Saying Goodbye

Over the Thanksgiving Holiday, my long-time legislative assistant and friend, Kyle Lynch, lost his battle with cancer. He passed away in the presence of his loving family. If you've called my office you've likely spoken with Kyle. He was a great advocate for our community and a kind and devoted family man. He will be missed.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Dec.17 at Moses Lake Presbyterian Church, 1142 W. Ivy Ave. Members of the community can read and share memories of Kyle here.

Signature

Judy Warnick,

13th District Senator

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Contact Me

Olympia Office:

103 Irv Newhouse Bldg.

P.O. Box 40410

Olympia, WA 98504

 

District Phone:

509.766.6505


Olympia Phone:

360.786.7624

 

E-mail:

Judith.Warnick@leg.wa.gov

 

Website:

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