State legislators led lively conversations at Battle Ground City Hall as Republican Sen. Ann Rivers and Republican state Reps. Stephanie McClintock and Greg Cheney hosted a town hall on Jan. 6 as they prepared for the short state legislative session this week.
Rivers invited the dozens of attendees to voice their concerns during the meeting.
“It’s very important as we enter this legislative session to hear from the people that we represent what’s on your hearts and minds,” Rivers said.
A variety of topics were discussed during the meeting, including inflation, gas taxes, water quality, rural transportation, artificial intelligence and educational vouchers.
Inflation and fuel prices
Many town hall participants expressed concern over inflation and rising fuel prices. Cheney attributed the rising costs to the state’s cap-and-trade program, which began in 2023.
“When you raise the cost of fuel through gasoline tax or diesel tax, it goes into everything we purchase,” Cheney said. “When you raise the cost and taxes on diesel or fuel, it’s terrible because it sets a new baseline of expense that goes everywhere because everything is shipped.”
Cheney spoke of an upcoming bill that would provide registered vehicle owners a $180 rebate check, pulled from cap-and-trade’s revenue.
“It’s important to note that none of us [here] voted for that [cap-and-trade]. The Democrats are in control. They’re the majority party,” McClintock said. “That’s why these policies are being passed.”
Alternative language in upcoming ballots
During the meeting, Cheney cautioned attendees about alternative language, which is when an initiative is reinterpreted and its initial meaning possibly skewed. He claimed the Democratic Party may use reinterpret ballot initiatives approved by voters in 2024.
“If they’re gonna put out alternative language, how close is it matching the intent of what the voters clearly wanted when they turned in those initiatives?” Cheney asked.
Cheney was unable to provide an example of alternative language when questioned.
“We haven’t seen initiatives like this ever, or at least not in years,” Cheney responded.
Using Artificial Intelligence in Washington
The use of artificial intelligence in Washington was also discussed. Bills regarding the use of artificial intelligence in the state will likely be discussed during this legislative session, Cheney said.
Rent control
Rent control for more affordable housing was a hot topic during the town hall. Rivers cautioned attendees on the downsides of rent control.
“There are people who love the idea of rent control, and there is a certain allure to it,” Rivers said. “Every time the Legislature even whispers rent control, you know what happens? Landlords sell their little house into private home ownership, thereby reducing the number of available rentals, or they jack up the rents because who knows the next time they’ll be able to do a rent increase. The Legislature doesn’t seem to understand that if they cough funny then people are going to react to that.”
I-5 bridge replacement
The Interstate Bridge Replacement Program for Interstate 5 was also discussed. Resident Dave Rowe said he supports building a tunnel instead of a new bridge. Others were concerned about funding bridge repairs through tolls and asked representatives to push for more federal funding rather than asking Washington residents for more money.
Rivers responded that getting more federal funding would be difficult, though she agreed that federal programs should contribute more due to the importance of I-5.
Water changes
During the meeting, Battle Ground resident Laurel Pascual pleaded for the legislators present to consider changes to the county’s water policy.
“I’m asking you to stop fluoridation in Clark County. If you take a good look at this, it has a skull and crossbones on the package because it’s poison. If you look at your toothpaste box, it says consult poison control because it’s poison if you swallow too much,” Pascual said.
Rivers asked for clarification regarding Pascual’s statements but made no further comment.
Rivers is the ranking Republican on the Senate Health and Long-Term Care Committee and a member of the Senate Ways and Means Committee, where she is assistant ranking Republican for the capital budget, a press release by Washington State House Republican Communications (WSHRC) stated. The La Center lawmaker also serves on the housing and rules committees.
Cheney is the ranking Republican member on the House State Government and Tribal Relations Committee. He also serves on the capital budget, civil rights and judiciary, and regulated substances and gaming committees, the press release stated.
McClintock is the assistant ranking Republican on the House Capital Budget Committee, according to the press release. She also serves on the education and consumer protection and business committees.
After the Battle Ground town hall, Rivers, Cheney and McClintock hosted another meeting at Washington State University-Vancouver.
