For the past two sessions, we’ve heard majority lawmakers complain about state spending cuts. “We’ve cut to the bone” and “People will die” were common refrains to try to garner public sympathy.

But the public seems to know something that state budget writers skipped over – There’s still room to cut. Former Okanogan County Farm Bureau President and current state Rep. Joel Kretz hit that nail on the head in a recent op-ed in the Seattle Times.

Kretz highlighted the need for fiscal reform and scrutiny, and cited specific examples of state environmental agency overlap and duplication. “This has created a web of money funneling that cannot be tracked effectively,” Kretz said.

In fact, total state government spending for this year is actually higher than it was last year.

“Taxpayers deserve a government that is transparent, accountable and run by people who understand every dollar spent is first earned by a hardworking citizen,” Kretz concluded.

Bottom line: This election cycle, we need to elect people who will stop this excessive spending and restore accountability to our government.

Glenn Beck provides an eye opening look at just what is in store for all of us. Exactly how many new government regulations are headed our way remains to be seen, but if this is any indication, expect A LOT.

Each calendar year, the Washington Supreme Court makes an effort to hear oral arguments out in the community. On Monday, the justices visited with students and community members at Big Bend Community College in Moses Lake.

According to the Columbia Basin Herald, residents asked the Washington Supreme Court justices about taxes, constitutional rights, and the court system. For the complete article, click here.

If your schedule allows, take time to visit the state Supreme Court when it does this again. Details are still being finalized, but the next session is scheduled to take place in Spokane. This is something we will definitely be tracking and letting you know about.

Seeing our justice system in action is a refreshing reminder that there are still folks out there who -- whether judge, legal counsel, or parties to the case -- understand the importance of our Constitution and the need to protect the inalienable rights it guarantees all Americans.

At its April 2010 meeting, the Washington Farm Bureau board of directors approved our own push back campaign. We call it Farm Bureau 911. Think of it this way -– when the fire alarm goes off do we run to the fire or away from it? Historically Farm Bureau members have run to the fire when our way of life is threatened as it is now.

“I hold it that a little rebellion, now and then, is a good thing, and as necessary in the political world as storms in the physical.”
-- Thomas Jefferson

“What’s real in politics is what the voters decide is real.”
-- Ben Wattenberg

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