In the United States and in Washington, we are fortunate to have an abundance of agriculture. We are even more fortunate to have the hard-working men and women who work to keep food on our tables. Keeping our food supply chain stable – especially in times of crisis or distress – is critical to ensuring the health and safety of all Americans.

For generations, farmers and ranchers in Central Washington have understood that in order to continue their important job of feeding the world, we must work together to conserve one of our most precious assets: our land. Much of the land is rich with fertile soil, making it one of the most diverse and productive agricultural regions in the country, but our producers also understand that it is also rich with wildlife and natural resources that are worth protecting.

The COVID-19 virus is one of those problems that should cause elected officials to put aside their partisan differences and work for the common good. I’m proud to say that’s precisely what is happening in Washington state.

March is Women’s History Month, and there are a number of extraordinary women from Central Washington to celebrate. Our state has a strong history of female leaders who have paved the way for future generations and exemplified the values we hold dear.

The Columbia River serves as the lifeblood of the Pacific Northwest. In Central Washington, we realize the critical benefits provided by the hydroelectric dams on the Snake and Columbia Rivers – from clean, affordable, renewable energy to flood control, irrigation, and transportation of our goods to port. The economic impact these dams have on our communities is nearly immeasurable.

We just learned that Washington state will take in $2.4 billion more in taxes than was predicted. Should we spend it, save it or give it back? I disagree with my friends across the aisle, who want to spend it all. I think we should save some and give the rest back.

Before I tell my story, I must acknowledge that I borrowed the title from a Christian author and former BYU professor named Stephen E. Robinson. The story, however, is mine.

There is no doubt about it that the Catholic Church in America has been damaged by the scandal of sexual abuse at the hands of clerics. Starting with the explosive reporting and investigating by the Boston Globe back in 2002 and continuing up to this day with the defrocking of the ex-Cardinal Theodore McCarrick sexual abuse by priests has been at the forefront of the news.

Have you ever had a need for something and did not know how it would be supplied? Jesus said, “Your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask Him.” Sometimes we forget this, and we stress out as to what to do.

We are a government of the people, by the people, for the people, as President Abraham Lincoln eloquently explained in his Gettysburg Address. To me, this means that the government is obligated to conduct its business in an open and honest way in full view of the citizens we represent.

President Trump recently delivered his third State of the Union address to a joint session of Congress. The State of the Union is traditionally a unifying event, where the President speaks of his vision for the future of our country. I often leave these speeches full of optimism, ready to continue working for the people of Central Washington and creating a better tomorrow for future generations.

Local skills centers in Sunnyside and Yakima are at a disadvantage when it comes to hiring instructors to train students in high-demand fields like cybersecurity.