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Ag and Rural Caucus Call to Meeting 2, February 2023

Posted on February 16, 2023

Ag and Rural Caucus

Wahkiakum School District 200 v State of Washington
Brent Freeman, Superintendent

6:30 pm Thursday 16 February

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83419676203?pwd=NUo0NVVYOHU4Ky91RTYxa1Q0cjdXQT09

School finance dull? School bond thresholds make you yawn? Well, you have not yet met Brent and Jim. They bring passion to school issues that most of us gloss over. After all, they are talking about children – our children. Forget the notion that school issues are nerdy and best left to dry administrators. These are our issues and Brent and Jim bring an engagement that should make you proud.

To beat the late-winter doldrums, join us tomorrow (Thursday) evening. Expect to want to know where you can sign up.

And about school bond thresholds, check the Wenatchee World.

Don
15 February 2023
Jim Kwalkowski joins Brent Freeman in our briefing on rural school finance. Jim is recently retired superintendent from Davenport and heads up the Rural Education Center. Jim will put Wahkiakum’s argument in the context of rural school districts across the state. Jim and Brent are an exceptional team.

Don
8 February 2023

The Wahkiakum School District is suing the State of Washington to make good on its “paramount duty” to fund education by paying for the schools in which students are taught.

This is a story about the heroics of a rural community in Washington; it is a story about the inequities of school finance; it is a story about the State of Washington making good on its constitution; it is story about having or not having political representation; this is story about winners and losers, about rich and poor; this is a story about how equality defeats equity; this is a story about our children.
Wahkiakum School District v. State of Washington is all this.  

Our guest on the 16th is the hero of our story, Brent Freeman, Wahkiakum Superintendent, who will deny it. Brent will lay out the School District’s case and how Wahkiakum is speaking for all rural school districts and their communities.

Don
5 February  2023

Background sources for the Wahkiakum case:
https://wahksd.k12.wa.us/District/1572-Untitled.html#:~:text=The%20Wahkiakum%20School%20District’s%20lawsuit,Washington%20school%20district’s%20education%20facilities.

https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/washington/articles/2021-12-30/lawsuit-small-wa-districts-hurt-by-relying-on-property-tax

https://www.seattletimes.com/education-lab/small-washington-district-sues-state-for-relying-on-local-property-taxes-for-school-construction/
Legacy news items:

Surprising turn in buffers for salmon: Third time is the charm for riparian habitat bills: https://www.capitalpress.com/opinion/columns/commentary-third-time-is-the-charm-for-riparian-
habitat-bills/article_265af72a-a28a-11ed-9bae-bb530d7bdf46.html

Clean Fuels: Proposed biomethane plant in Sunnyside could bring benefits, but environmental advocates have concerns: https://www.yakimaherald.com/news/local/lower_valley/proposed-biomethane-plant-in-sunnyside-could-bring-benefits-but-environmental-advocates-have-concerns/article_bbe50342-88b5-11ed-b511-1354c0a89051.html

Renewable siting: Horse Heaven Wind Project: https://www.efsec.wa.gov/energy-facilities/horse-heaven-wind-project [note comment section]

Gun control: Federal appeals court strikes down domestic violence gun law: https://www.dallasnews.com/news/2023/02/04/federal-appeals-court-strikes-down-domestic-violence-gun-law/
Prospective sources: Re issues coming up

Electric Grid
NORTHWEST STATES NEED TO BUILD NEW POWER LINES, FAST: https://www.sightline.org/2022/10/13/northwest-states-need-to-build-new-power-lines-fast/

By 2050, Washington might need to buy energy from other states: https://crosscut.com/politics/2023/02/2050-washington-might-need-buy-energy-other-states?

Introducing Cascade Renewable Transmission: https://www.cascaderenewable.com/

Child care:
Cost of child care in Washington among the highest in the country: https://www.kxly.com/cost-of-child-care-in-washington-among-the-highest-in-the-country/

Copyright © 2022 Ag and Rural Caucus, All rights reserved.
Ag and Rural Caucus of State Democratic Central Committee
Our mailing address is:
Ag and Rural Caucus
2921 Mud Creek Rd
Waitsburg, WA 99361

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6 days ago

Benton County WA Democrats
The Benton-Franklin Fair is right around the corner!Sign up to march and toss candy with us during the Parade and/or help out at our booth!🔗Parade Sign Up ➡️ www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0D4FA5AD2DA7F8C43-50343105-tricities 🔗Booth Sign Up ➡️ www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0D4FA5AD2DA7F8C43-50435640-bentonfranklin ... See MoreSee Less

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Benton County WA Democrats
You have until August 4th by 8pm to vote!It is too late to mail your ballot. Drop it off at one of the ballot boxes ASAP!⬇⬇⬇ Find a drop box near you ⬇⬇⬇www.bentoncountywa.gov/government/elected_officials/auditor/elections/current_election/drop_boxes... ... See MoreSee Less

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2 weeks ago

Benton County WA Democrats
Time is running out to vote! Drop your ballot off at one of these ballot boxes: www.bentoncountywa.gov/government/elected_officials/auditor/elections/current_election/drop_boxes...If you know someone: a parent, sibling or friend, who doesn’t vote because they have a feeling it doesn’t matter.... Tell them to vote for their kids, to vote for their brother or sister, for their neighbor. It might matter to that other person and we are MUCH stronger when we do things for each other... not for ourselves. #vote #franklincountywa #bentoncountywa #tricities ... See MoreSee Less

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Benton County WA Democrats

3 weeks ago

Benton County WA Democrats
Time is running out to cast your ballot —find a drop box near you!!! ⬇️www.bentoncountywa.gov/government/elected_officials/auditor/elections/current_election/drop_boxes...I voted today! Deliver your ballot to a drop box before 8:00PM on August 4th to make it count!Here's a list of official ballot drop boxes in District 4 counties. Find yours.www.johnduresky4congress.com/ballot-drop-boxes ... See MoreSee Less

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Benton County WA Democrats

4 weeks ago

Benton County WA Democrats
Our July General Meeting is Thursday (7/23) at Round Table Pizza, the Kennewick location.Meet fellow advocates and help mobilize our voters for change!🗓️ Thursday, July 23rd🕡 6:30pm - 8:00pm📍 Round Table Pizza - Kennewick location (3300 W Clearwater Ave.) ... See MoreSee Less

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Party Calendar

August 2026

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
1
  • No One Is Above the Law: Monthly Hermiston Visibility Rally

    No One Is Above the Law: Monthly Hermiston Visibility Rally

    August 1, 2026  11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
    East Highland Avenue & South Highway 395 Hermiston, OR 97838

    Join local community members in Hermiston for our No One Is Above the Law visibility action!
    On the first Saturday of each month join folks in fighting for accountability, democracy, and justice — reminding our neighbors that the rule of law applies to everyone.

    Bring your signs, your voice, and your energy for an hour of peaceful sign-waving and community visibility.
    📅 When: 1st Saturday of every month at 11:00 AM | 📍 Where: Corner of Hwy 395 & Highland (by Safeway), Hermiston, OR

    See more details

•
2
3
4
  • Tri-cities Protest Tuesday

    Tri-cities Protest Tuesday

    August 4, 2026  3:30 PM - 4:30 PM
    John Dam Plaza, 815 George Washington Way, Richland, WA 99352, USA

    "Protest Tuesday" at John Dam Plaza on GWay in Richland from 3:30pm to 4:30PM. Bring your own sign or flag or one will be provided. Join our stalwarts and protest whatever is bothering you most that day.
    If possible, also bring a donation for the Food Bank.
    https://www.facebook.com/events/999996418325987/999996484992647/

    See more details

  • Richland City Council

    Richland City Council

    August 4, 2026  7:30 PM - 8:30 PM
    Richland City Hall, 505 Swift Blvd, Richland, WA 99352, USA

    See more details

• •
5
  • BADGER FORUM: ADDICTION

    BADGER FORUM: ADDICTION

    August 5, 2026  12:00 PM - 2:00 PM
    https://badgers.clubexpress.com/content.aspx?page_id=722&club_id=392306&emtid=3183729656135

    ADDICTION not only disrupts lives but also has significant social and economic impacts for the larger community. Opening of the Columbia Valley Center for Recovery represents a major advancement in the regional services needed to help address addiction challenges.

    In recognition of the opening of the Center for Recovery, the August 5 Badger Club Forum will feature an important conversation about causes, prevention and treatment of addiction. Two experts will consider what addiction is; the gap between what we know and what we do; what the community is and can be doing; what families need to know; and substance abuse prevention and looking to the future.

    See more details

•
6
  • Indivisible TC - Founder Hour, Thurs

    Indivisible TC - Founder Hour, Thurs

    August 6, 2026  12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
    The Zoom link can be found in the most recent Indivisible TC Do Something Email Newsletter.

    This is a Zoom meeting. The link to the meeting is provided in the weekly Do-Something email. When you join the organization at this link: https://www.indivisibletricitieswa.org/join-us , you will receive this newsletter.

    Join in and ask questions, get updates or just say hi! These are held every Thursday at 12pm and occasional weekends.

    See more details

•
7
  • Indivisible-Tri-Cities First Friday Happy Hour

    Indivisible-Tri-Cities First Friday Happy Hour

    August 7, 2026  4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
    Moonshot Brewing, 8804 W Victoria Ave # 140, Kennewick, WA 99336, USA

    Join us for socializing and having some fun!

    See more details

•
8
9
10
  • Benton County Executive Board

    Benton County Executive Board

    August 10, 2026  6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
    Round Table Pizza, 1435 George Washington Way, Richland, WA 99352, USA

    Line to public agenda

    See more details

•
11
  • Tri-cities Protest Tuesday

    Tri-cities Protest Tuesday

    August 11, 2026  3:30 PM - 4:30 PM
    John Dam Plaza, 815 George Washington Way, Richland, WA 99352, USA

    "Protest Tuesday" at John Dam Plaza on GWay in Richland from 3:30pm to 4:30PM. Bring your own sign or flag or one will be provided. Join our stalwarts and protest whatever is bothering you most that day.
    If possible, also bring a donation for the Food Bank.
    https://www.facebook.com/events/999996418325987/999996484992647/

    See more details

  • Kennewick City Council Workshop

    Kennewick City Council Workshop

    August 11, 2026  6:30 PM - 8:00 PM

    See more details

• •
12
13
  • Indivisible TC - Founder Hour, Thurs

    Indivisible TC - Founder Hour, Thurs

    August 13, 2026  12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
    The Zoom link can be found in the most recent Indivisible TC Do Something Email Newsletter.

    This is a Zoom meeting. The link to the meeting is provided in the weekly Do-Something email. When you join the organization at this link: https://www.indivisibletricitieswa.org/join-us , you will receive this newsletter.

    Join in and ask questions, get updates or just say hi! These are held every Thursday at 12pm and occasional weekends.

    See more details

•
14
  • Tri-City Democrats - Friday, July 10, 6:00 PM

    Tri-City Democrats - Friday, July 10, 6:00 PM

    August 14, 2026  6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
    Round Table Pizza, 3201 W Court St, Pasco, WA 99301, USA

    It's August, and by the time we meet (at 6pm on August 14th) we should know the result of the primaries! We are inviting candidates who have made it through the primary to come visit with us. We will also have 'Hate Has no Home Here' and 'Vote Blue' signs available.

    Hey all! Due to the smoke forecast, we're going to our backup venue at the Pasco Round Table Pizza. Still at 6pm on Friday the 14th. The group will order a selection of pizzas and some of our generous members will share some pitchers of beer. You're on your own for salad bar and soda. Sorry about the last minute change!

    Come gather with like-minded folks and share some fellowship, food and beverages. We'll have the donation box available for those who care to financially support the group.

    https://www.meetup.com/tri-city-democrats/events/315969142/

    See more details

•
15
  • Indivisible - Tri-Cities Working Meeting

    Indivisible - Tri-Cities Working Meeting

    August 15, 2026  12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
    Mid-Columbia Library (Union) 1620 S. Union Street Kennewick, WA 99338

    Our monthly Indivisible Tri-Cities meetings are all about taking action in our community.📆

    💬We’ll be talking about what’s happening, how our community organizations are stepping up, and how we can help. We’ll also start planning for upcoming events.

    🗣️We want to hear from you! Your ideas and input matter.

    ✊This is how we build power together. Come connect, learn, and take action with us. See you there!

    If you're able, please bring a non-perishable food item for donation. We strive to collect these resources at every Indivisible Tri-Cities event, on behalf of our community partners.

    See more details

•
16
17
18
  • Tri-cities Protest Tuesday

    Tri-cities Protest Tuesday

    August 18, 2026  3:30 PM - 4:30 PM
    John Dam Plaza, 815 George Washington Way, Richland, WA 99352, USA

    "Protest Tuesday" at John Dam Plaza on GWay in Richland from 3:30pm to 4:30PM. Bring your own sign or flag or one will be provided. Join our stalwarts and protest whatever is bothering you most that day.
    If possible, also bring a donation for the Food Bank.
    https://www.facebook.com/events/999996418325987/999996484992647/

    See more details

  • Richland City Council

    Richland City Council

    August 18, 2026  7:30 PM - 8:30 PM
    Richland City Hall, 505 Swift Blvd, Richland, WA 99352, USA

    See more details

• •
19
20
  • Indivisible TC - Founder Hour, Thurs

    Indivisible TC - Founder Hour, Thurs

    August 20, 2026  12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
    The Zoom link can be found in the most recent Indivisible TC Do Something Email Newsletter.

    This is a Zoom meeting. The link to the meeting is provided in the weekly Do-Something email. When you join the organization at this link: https://www.indivisibletricitieswa.org/join-us , you will receive this newsletter.

    Join in and ask questions, get updates or just say hi! These are held every Thursday at 12pm and occasional weekends.

    See more details

  • Franklin County General Meeting

    Franklin County General Meeting

    August 20, 2026  5:30 PM - 8:00 PM
    Mid Columbia Library, 1320 W Hopkins Street, Pasco

    📍Location: Mid Columbia Library, 1320 W Hopkins Street, Pasco

    ⌚️5:30 p.m. (Potluck /Social) - 6:00 p.m. (Meeting begins)
    Or join us via Zoom Here

    Hello Democrats,

    What a fantastic Primary Election results we had! We feel very optimistic about our endorsed candidates, who all will advance to the general election. Now the second leg of this race is here. 85 days to the November General Election and we can’t let off the gas until we get to the goal of electing them.

    See more details

• •
21
22
23
24
25
  • Tri-cities Protest Tuesday

    Tri-cities Protest Tuesday

    August 25, 2026  3:30 PM - 4:30 PM
    John Dam Plaza, 815 George Washington Way, Richland, WA 99352, USA

    "Protest Tuesday" at John Dam Plaza on GWay in Richland from 3:30pm to 4:30PM. Bring your own sign or flag or one will be provided. Join our stalwarts and protest whatever is bothering you most that day.
    If possible, also bring a donation for the Food Bank.
    https://www.facebook.com/events/999996418325987/999996484992647/

    See more details

  • Richland City Council Workshop

    Richland City Council Workshop

    August 25, 2026  6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
    Richland City Hall, 505 Swift Blvd, Richland, WA 99352, USA

    See more details

• •
26
27
  • Indivisible TC - Founder Hour, Thurs

    Indivisible TC - Founder Hour, Thurs

    August 27, 2026  12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
    The Zoom link can be found in the most recent Indivisible TC Do Something Email Newsletter.

    This is a Zoom meeting. The link to the meeting is provided in the weekly Do-Something email. When you join the organization at this link: https://www.indivisibletricitieswa.org/join-us , you will receive this newsletter.

    Join in and ask questions, get updates or just say hi! These are held every Thursday at 12pm and occasional weekends.

    See more details

  • 16th LD Democratic Party Call to Meeting

    16th LD Democratic Party Call to Meeting

    August 27, 2026  5:30 PM - 6:30 PM

    Every month on the Fourth Thu, until Jan 28, 2027, 11occurrence(s)

    Pleasedownload and import the following iCalendar (.ics) files to your calendarsystem.

    Monthly:https://us05web.zoom.us/meeting/tZUldO6hrzwuGd3-10krfe1QmS1Jo9tXBOs-/ics?icsToken=DJVFuCKh_Z4OoP_SCgAALAAAAFdu_ZAfRNNEgm3YY-r-IQJW5lTWuy29jBlclOVfmw-klIsBeuZV2F2PvUCBHbh0ht8yhdyefiR9fBmqRDAwMDAwMQ&meetingMasterEventId=AnaBeSvNSjeuG9ncdABDuA

    JoinZoom Meeting

    https://us05web.zoom.us/j/81837917439?pwd=5kiSQvuTavDmrRe8Vazfbia3G2yvfb.1

     

    MeetingID: 818 3791 7439

    Passcode:Dems2026

    See more details

  • BCDCC General Public Meeting

    BCDCC General Public Meeting

    August 27, 2026  6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
    Locations are at various venues around the county. Please subscribe to the BCDCC mailing list to receive a notification.

    Zoom Link

    See more details

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