Serving Whitman County since 1877
Serving Whitman County since 1877
Whitman County Commissioners took in a conference call with Rep.
Cathy McMorris-Rodgers last Monday morning, June 15.
The call had no specific purpose, other than her updating the commissioners on her current work and vice versa.
She began by relaying that six of 12 appropriations bills had made it through the House of Representatives earlier in the year, and work on the Medicare reimbursements structure was complete.
For this summer, McMorris-Rodgers said she is aiming to secure a transportation funding bill by the end of July.
“There are tremendous infrastructure needs in Eastern Washington and around the country,” she said.
The congresswoman noted that she was now promoting a bill for high-skilled worker visas, along with her direct work on a forest act.
“With the West facing catastrophic fires, there may be an opportunity to move on forestry issues,” she said.
McMorris-Rodgers continued, noting her work with the Port of Whitman on telecommunications infrastructure funding.
“I want to mention the V.A.,” she said.
“I hear the concerns everywhere I go in Eastern Washington.
I’m concerned about access to care…We’ve tripled the V.A. budget since 2000, yet there’s this pulling back of service.
Holding them accountable is a top priority for me right now.” Commissioner Dean Kinzer asked her about water rule changes.
A short discussion followed, regarding changes proposed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
“The idea that the EPA could regulate every mud puddle in America is way too far,” McMorris-Rodgers said.
Commissioner Mike Largent then saluted her for her work on the matter.
“You understand the stories and are helping us out with that, and I thank you,” he said.
Further discussion took place before the call concluded.
“I’m more concerned today than ever that a big part of my job is to keep decisions at the local level,” said McMorris-Rodgers.
“The results are better than any Washington, D.C., entity can micromanage.”
Garth Meyer is a former Whitman County Gazette reporter.
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