Rep. Richard DeBolt tells KELA the Legislature’s urban-rural divide is real

January 17, 2018

Rep. Richard DeBolt, R-Chehalis, tells KELA the struggle to work out a remedy for well water restrictions imposed by the Hirst court ruling is symbolic of a growing urban-rural divide in the legislature. The 20th District lawmaker says negotiators could reach an agreement on that issue within the next couple days, but he will have to study any solution before committing his vote.

The ranking Republican on the Capital Budget Committee also discusses the importance of the capital budget, the passage of which Republicans have said is contingent on a Hirst solution. DeBolt also discusses various subjects impacting rural areas, including the status of a science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education pilot project, a proposed sugar tax, flood relief and rural broadband internet speeds.