Senator Mark Schoesler, a Republican from Ritzville, has raised alarm over the increasing number of individuals leaving Washington State due to dissatisfaction with state policies. During a recent visit to the Lewiston Tribune, Schoesler criticized the impact of policies driven by the state’s Democratic leadership, particularly regarding taxation, on both business owners and residents.
Schoesler pointed to the expansion of local businesses as evidence of this trend. He specifically noted that Ed Schweitzer, owner of Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories, chose to build hangars at the Lewiston-Nez Perce County Regional Airport rather than in Washington. “If we’re driving Ed Schweitzer out of Washington, we should be sending former Governor Jay Inslee and Governor Bob Ferguson a thank-you note from Idaho,” he stated. This shift highlights how high gas prices in Washington have become a financial incentive for residents of border towns like Lewiston, Moscow, and Post Falls to travel across state lines for cheaper fuel.
In his 34th legislative session, Schoesler plans to address critical issues affecting his constituents, including funding for indigent defense services in the counties he represents, which include Asotin, Garfield, and Whitman in the 9th District. He described the funding requirements for indigent defense as a significant burden on county budgets. “Indigent defense should be funded like we fund our county prosecutors and judges,” Schoesler emphasized. He also expressed concern about the potential misuse of the system, suggesting that standards for appointing attorneys may need review. “We audit food stamps, welfare, and farm subsidies, so why shouldn’t we audit indigent defense?” he asked.
Schoesler is also focusing on property rights and local control as part of his legislative agenda. He remains committed to advocating for these issues during the session, which begins on January 12, 2024. Additionally, he is co-sponsoring a bipartisan bill aimed at making it more difficult to release convicted serial rapists, specifically referencing the case of Kevin Coe, known as the “South Hill Rapist.”
“Kevin Coe was one of the most dangerous and infamous criminals in our state’s history,” Schoesler remarked. His bill, which was prefaced prior to the session, aims to ensure public safety by addressing the conditions under which such offenders can be released. Coe, who was convicted of multiple rapes involving victims as young as 14, was released from a Special Commitment Center in early October 2023. Schoesler opposed this decision, stating, “It’s still shocking and unbelievable that the state released him this year.”
Under the proposed legislation, if a convicted rapist seeks release and the state can prove they refused to participate in treatment and showed no remorse, their release to a less restrictive environment may be denied. This bill has garnered support from 16 co-sponsors, including leading co-sponsor Senator Marcus Riccelli, a Democrat from Spokane.
Schoesler concluded by expressing hope that the legislature will prioritize the passage of this bill, stressing the importance of placing public safety above the freedoms of those guilty of heinous crimes. “After news spread of Coe’s release, several of his victims approached me and told me how angry they were about it,” he stated, highlighting the significant emotional impact on the victims and the community.
As the legislative session approaches, Schoesler’s focus remains on advocating for his constituents and addressing the issues that significantly affect their lives.
