Rep. Buys’ bill to help farmers gets a hearing

Rep. Vincent Buys, R-Lynden, introduced a bill that would provide relief for a number of farmers in Whatcom County. These farmers have been struggling for the last 20 to 25 years to maintain their existing water rights. The legislation, House Bill 1438, was heard yesterday in House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee.
“Working alongside farmers, water experts and the Department of Ecology this bill may finally provide some relief for the farmers in my district,” Buys said. “I'm glad that I can help this vital industry with a common-sense solution to a complex issue.”
The bill is scheduled for a vote on Feb.14 in the House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee. Cut-off for bills to be voted out of policy committees is Feb. 22. The session began Jan. 14 and is scheduled to last 105-days.