Budget, bills and NASCAR discussed with newspaper

MOSES LAKE - The Columbia Basin Herald met with the 13th District legislators Tuesday morning to discuss the past legislative session.

Sen. Janea Holmquist, Rep. Judy Warnick and Rep. Bill Hinkle reflected on the budget, past bills and the future of a NASCAR track in Grant County.

The Republicans spoke of their opposition to the current budget submitted and approved by Democrat Gov. Chris Gregoire. With new state policies, the budget spends $1.3 billion more than anticipated revenue, said Hinkle. The 14.9 percent spending increase in the budget is double the 7.4 percent revenue growth projects.

New policies for state agencies require funding and are the majority of the spending increase at $2 billion. The policies account for increases such as 3 percent for natural resources, 3 percent for early learning programs, 5 percent for government operations, 18 percent for public schools, 20 percent for special programs and 30 percent for the Department of Social and Health Services.

Despite the large increase in spending, all three agreed the 13th District received a large amount of money for projects, more than $74 million.

"It's the best capital budget I've ever seen," Holmquist said.

Several million dollars were secured for multiple Basin projects including the Soap Lake Spa and Wellness Center, a horse park in Cle Elum, the Port of Ephrata Transportation Center, the Moses Lake Museum and Art Center and a municipal wastewater treatment facility for Warden.

Legislation on scrap metal thefts, sponsored by Warnick, traveled through the legislative process to increase penalties against thieves and ensuring scrap metal dealers identify those who bring in metal.

Warnick spoke of a scrap metal thief who was arrested and released on a $1,000 bond the next day.

"It still paid to the crime," said Holmquist.

All three legislators are working to bring a NASCAR track to the Columbia Basin, but said the idea faces many hurdles.

They commented how some feel there are not enough hotels or dining establishments to support the people using the track, but agreed such business could be built between the time there is an agreement to build the track and when it would be completed five years later.

Warnick said there are several reasons why NASCAR would want to come to the area including affordable electricity, inexpensive land and great weather.

The legislators plan to continue efforts to bring the track to the Columbia Basin.