Articles written by Mark Schoesler
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Schoesler: Address school maintainance
For the fifth straight year, I’ve introduced a bill that aims to help school districts in Washington address their building-maintenance needs. Senate Bill 5403 would allow school districts to create a “depreciation subfund... — Updated 1/26/2023
Back in Olympia
We are back at the state Capitol for the 2023 legislative session, which began Jan. 9 and is set to last 105 days, ending April 23. After being forced to endure a virtual legislative session in 2021 and last year due to... — Updated 1/19/2023
Schoesler: Fuel price rising
CHENEY — A local lawmaker says two environmental laws from the Democratic-controlled Legislature and Gov. Jay Inslee that took effect Jan. 1 are already causing a fuel price increase. Republican Sen. Mark Schoesler or... — Updated 1/12/2023
Crimes increase while student learning decreases
It’s no secret that crime has worsened throughout Washington in recent years, thanks to laws passed by the Democrat-controlled Legislature and a decrease in the number of law-enforcement officers in many communities. While... — Updated 11/3/2022
Inslee trading money for booster shots
I recently commented on negotiations between Gov. Jay Inslee and unions on the upcoming contracts for state employees. As I said before, while I don’t fault the proposed salary increases for state workers under the reported deal... — Updated 10/13/2022
Lower tuition instead of "forgiving" loans
As the senator representing Washington State University-Pullman, tuition costs have always been of particular interest to me. The Biden Administration’s controversial plan to “forgive” hundreds of billions of dollars in... — Updated 9/15/2022
Once again, Governor Inslee attacks natural gas
In recent years, environmentalists have targeted natural gas, even though it is an affordable energy source for so many. Their efforts have failed in the Legislature. But, apparently, Gov. Inslee and his environmental allies found... — Updated 5/5/2022
Worst bill of the week
Last week, I wrote that two bills addressing the state’s flawed and controversial long-term care program (nicknamed the “short-term care program”) and the costly payroll tax (dubbed the “long-term tax”) funding it had... — Updated 2/3/2022
Keep our legislative sessions open
My first session was way back in 1993, and as a freshman state representative, I was very humbled and excited about being elected to serve the people of the 9th District in the House. Now, almost 30 years later, I’m still... — Updated 1/13/2022
Gov. Inslee should offer tax relief
With Christmas coming up, I’ve been out shopping for gifts for family members. During these busy times, I’m sure all of you have noticed (like I have) that many items in stores – especially groceries – have increased quite... — Updated 12/23/2021
Gov. Inslee resumes targeting dams
It’s no secret that Gov. Jay Inslee wants the removal of the four federal dams on the lower Snake River between Clarkston and the Tri-Cities. Back in December 2018, his proposed 2019-21 operating budget included $750,000 for a st... — Updated 10/28/2021
Senate operating budget is proof Democrats can't resist higher spending
The Senate operating budget for 2021-23 was approved on April 1 by a 27-22 vote, with two Democrats joining all Republicans in opposition. It is fitting this plan (Senate Bill 5092) was passed on April Fools’ Day. The sharp... — Updated 4/8/2021
Democrats have many proposals to raise or create taxes
Democrats in Washington’s Legislature traditionally haven’t been shy about raising taxes. This legislative session is no different. In fact, there are several Democrat-sponsored proposals that would increase existing taxes or... — Updated 3/4/2021
Businesses need your help during outbreak
Some years back, in the biggest town in a small county outside our 9th District, there was a clothing store. Upstairs was the office of the area’s weekly newspaper. Week after week, year after year, the clothing store published... — Updated 4/2/2020
