State bills discussed at Moses Lake town hall meeting

Senate bill on engine size fails to pass

MOSES LAKE - Members of the 13th legislative district had a chance to speak with their representatives Saturday at a community Town Hall meeting.

Representatives Bill Hinkle, R-13th district, and Judy Warnick, R-13th district, discussed Legislative bills and answered questions from the approximately 10 residents attending the meeting.

A member of the House Health Care and Wellness Committee, Hinkle spoke of the problems with the health care system, using the analogy of a man taking his dog to the vet. The man is trying to find out what coverage he can get for different prices, and meanwhile the dog is sitting there wondering why he doesn't have a say.

"You get the plan (the employer's) negotiated with the government," he said. "We think you need to own your health care."

Premiums for health care in small businesses increased from less than $150 in 2000, to more than $300 in 2007.

In addition to talking about the cost of health care, Hinkle emphasized the need for choices and for individual ownership.

"We think it's time to let the dog talk," Hinkle said.

Warnick discussed the status of several Legislative bills. She said Democratic party-proposed Senate Bill 6900, which would have taxed people based on the size of their vehicle's engine, did not pass.

As a member of the Transportation Committee, Warnick said she voted against the transportation budget because it would have required bonding capacity to be increased to 118 percent.

Moses Lake resident Robert Lyons brought up concerns with House Bill 2815, related to greenhouse gasses.

"I just can't believe what's going on," Lyons said.

He wanted to know if there was any way to water the bill down or get rid of it entirely.

Hinkle said he does not support the bill. He said he would try to keep Lyons updated on the bill's status.

Warnick talked about DUI-related bills, as mentioned by an audience member.

The sobriety checkpoint bill brought controversy on both sides of the issue, she said. Warnick said in addition to being concerned about individual rights, she was concerned with the cost of implementation and with whether the bill would work.

"Anyone in their right mind would go around where those check points are going to be," she said.

She said the bill did not make it through the Legislature. She did not know whether it would go through the Senate next.

She noted she is not against DUI-related legislation.

Another major discussion at the meeting related to gang problems.

Warnick talked about a $3 million pilot project, in which she said the Yakima area would likely participate.

Hinkle said the funding would pay for the court costs of heightened prosecution and law enforcement. He said the bill allows for civil penalties which cannot currently be used.

Some of the funding goes toward a grant fund to create a statewide gang database, Warnick added.