Below is a link to the list of bills that we are tracking as of Feb. 17, 2017. Today marks the first cutoff date of the 2017 legislative session, as policy-related bills need to pass out of their policy committees by 5 p.m. We will continue updating this list with more information and positions as session progresses.
Bill tracking can be found at http://wastatedairy.com/wsdf_bill_tracking_2017-02-17/.
Below is a link to the list of bills that we are tracking as of Feb. 3, 2017. At the point in session, more bills are still being introduced. We will continue updating this list with additional bills and more information and positions.
Bill tracking can be found at http://wastatedairy.com/wsdf_bill_tracking_2017-02-03/.
This session we are focused on several aspects of the state budget. We continue to be vigilant about preserving the tax exemptions for agricultural inputs (feed, fertilizer, seed, etc). We are also working to see funding in the budget to keep the Yakima and the Chehalis Basin Plans for water and fish work moving forward. Additionally, we are supporting Conservation funding to adequately support staff and cost share for programs like the Voluntary Stewardship Program (VSP) and nutrient management updates. We are also working to find funding for demonstrating innovative nutrient management technology, nutrient recovery, and manure processing. Lastly, we support updating the WSU animal disease diagnostic laboratory in Pullman.
At the January WSDF Board of Directors meeting, President Chris Sybrandy appointed two people to At-Large positions on the Board. Dwayne Faber was appointed for Western Washington, and Austin Allred for Eastern Washington.
Ballots for the District 3, Position 6 seat on the Board (vacated by Tom DeVries) are in the mail now. Completed ballots must be returned to the WSDF office postmarked by Feb. 10, 2017.