As I reflect on what I am thankful for this week, one item at the top of my list is the opportunity I have to serve you as your State Representative. So today I want say thank you for the continued honor!
Appointment as Ranking Member on House Appropriations Committee
As you may have heard, I also will have the additional privilege of serving as the House Republicans’ lead budget negotiator starting next year. I’m looking forward to using this position to help shape the budget in a way that puts the priorities of our district first.
Even in this new capacity I will continue to serve as a member of the Agriculture & Natural Resources Committee. The issues we handle in this committee are of high priority to our district and I am eager to stay involved. I will also continue to play a leading role in developing water management policy, especially as it pertains to the Yakima River Basin Water Plan.
Important Information Regarding the Columbia River Treaty
Speaking of water, one issue that is becoming more and more significant is the possibility of modifying the decades-old Columbia River Treaty between the U.S. and Canada. Long taken for granted, this Treaty has huge implications for the Northwest and, especially, the Yakima Valley.
I will be sharing more about this significant issue in the coming weeks. In the meantime, here are a few articles that will get you started if you want to learn more:
- Columbia River Treaty: Review of landmark deal could have big implications for county – The Columbian
- Canada wants more from U.S. under Columbia River Treaty – The Yakima Herald
- Federal regulators: Columbia River treaty should be renegotiated – The Yakima Herald
- U.S. utilities say Columbia River Treaty payments to Canada are excessive – The Spokesman-Review
Last Chance to Participate in Water Plan Survey!
If you haven’t yet, this is the last chance for you to share your opinions in my survey about the Yakima River Basin Integrated Water Resource Management Plan and our next steps for managing our water supply.
Please click here to fill out the survey.
Thank you for reading…I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
All my best,
Bruce Chandler
