PEF funds on block for state cutbacks

Nearly one-fifth of the Palouse Empire Fair’s annual budget could fall casualty of Washington’s budget crisis.

The loss of funding comes as part of the legislature’s efforts to close a $4.6 billion shortfall in the overall state budget.

Members of the House have approved a plan to slash half of the funding that annually goes to state fairs. The Senate ways and means committee was slated to vote on the same proposal Wednesday.

“That’s the way it works,” said Bob Reynolds, manager of the Palouse Empire Fair. “Take the funding away from the kids. They don’t vote yet.”

Last year, the state cut the...