Comment by March 13

OKANOGAN – Time is running out for local county fair supporters and promoters to add their voices to a pair of bills currently making their way through the State Legislative mill.

House Bill 1283 sponsored by 13th District Representative Tom Dent and companion Senate Bill 5277 sponsored by 13th District Senator Judy Warnick, would ensure funding of agricultural fairs.

“This is important legislation as we need to find a stable funding source,” said Dent in a media release. “Our fairs are critical to our ag industry and our youth. They educate the public about the production of food and fiber and promote the welfare of farm people and rural living.”

Okanogan County Fair organizers are urging citizens, FFA advisors, 4-H leaders and other supports of the local fair to send messages to their legislators supporting both bills. Comments need to be submitted before March 13.

Heather Hansen, Executive Director of Washington Friends of Farms and Forests wrote that passage of HB 1283/SB 5277 “would allow the Fair Fund to increase for the first time in more than 20 years.”

Legislators contact information can be found at https://app.leg.wa.gov/districtfinder