Water, Capital Gains Big Issues For Honeyford In 2020

When looking back on 2019, state Senator Jim Honeyford called the legislative year disconcerting for the farming community.  He said legislation claiming farmers are slave owners and don’t pay taxes put a bad taste in the mouths of many.  When it comes to 2020, Honeyford says he will have several bills in his sights.

And it won’t just be about stopping bad legislation.  One, that’s he’s been working on for several years, he calls the Big Water Bill.

“Trying to get a reliable source of funding for water projects.  I think this will be the 4^th of 5^th year I’ve had it.  Trying to find a source of revenue that we can agree to, and so far I haven’t gotten that.  Many people think it’s a good idea to have a stable source of funding for flood controls, storing water, water supplies.”

Honeyford noted if funding can be secured, he feels there will be support.  In addition, Honeyford says he will work on legislation addressing water rights and drought.  The Sunnyside Republican added he is concerned that Governor Jay Inslee will push through a capital gains tax, which would greatly hurt the farm economy.

“He claims that he will exempt homes and farms from [a capital gains tax], but we’ll have to keep a close watch over that, to see if it has any traction at all, to make sure those exemptions for farms are out of it.  Because for most farmers, that’s their retirement income.”

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