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Ag and Rural Caucus – November 2023

Posted on November 2, 2023

Ag and Rural Caucus for November

November Schedule

Better Practices
6:30 pm Thursday 2 November
: Ann Mare Danimus, CD 5 Candidate

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81582823697?pwd=V1FaVlV3Ly8xTHFBTTZZM1VxblVjQT09

Paste link into browser or click heading to go to meeting.


Reminder
[CD 3: Let’s hear from a winner]
[CD 4: Different strategy for Eastern v Central Washington?]
[CD 5: This is us!]
[CD 1,2,6,7,8,9,10: My, there a lot of you -need advice]

Better Practices
Ann Marie Danimus is running for Congress in CD 5.
Meet her.
Hear her ideas.
Give her advice.
Learn her election plan.
Talk policy.
Share campaign stories.

Carmela Conroy, Spokane County chair, is also running in CD 5. Meet Carmela in the new year.

Don
31 October 2023


Policy Briefing
6:30 pm Thursday 16 November
Climate Change, Insurance and Reinsurance
David Forte
Senior Property and Casualty Advisor
Insurance Commission

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

Paste link into browser or click heading to go to meeting.


Manage Risk? …Mitigate

Climate change is real, and the insurers are early to know just how expensive it can be to fix the damage. The problem is straight forward: Risk of property damage from natural catastrophe is increasing. And ultimately it is us who pays. The answer is not for the insurance commissioner somehow to make someone else pay or to make the climate-induced risk go away. One answer, though, is straight forward – mitigate the risk.

Mitigation may actually be one way to make the risk go away. Wildfire is an important climate-accelerated risk for us in Washington state. Lightning from an extreme weather event may spark ignition. Strong dry wind working on drought-stressed vegetation will speed a fire’s spread. These factors are not unique to climate change but climate change increases their coincidence and spikes their amplitude. Dave Forte, our presenter last Thursday, knows all this. He knows, too, that mitigation works to reduce the risk of fire to property. It is his business to know.

Severe wildfire certainly happens but the damage to homes, shops and barns depends on how well the owner is able to “harden” their property. This is familiar territory. A lot of us are familiar with Fire Wise programs from their local fire departments, county emergency services, conservation districts, or DNR. Usually what is offered is information.
.

Fire Wise is public policy light. There is a community feel to it because the message is delivered at neighborhood meetings. Uptake is voluntary, though, and your success may depend on what your neighbor does.  Dave was insistent that we need a community approach. He used that language.

We did talk about several “heavier” public policies. Paying contractors directly to harden property in exposed zones can increase program effectiveness. Building codes for the wildland-urban interface (WUI) could require building design and materials to resist ignition. Land-use planning changes could discourage WUI residences. Washington State this year did pass disaster resilience legislation (HB 1728) but handicapped it by housing it in Washington State Military Department, Emergency Management Division which lacks the tools and culture to work with individuals. There is that community approach again.

David did report to us on the specific question of whether Washington State property owners are being denied insurance. The short answer is “no”. We are not seeing the same problems as California.

In the event that Washington property owners are denied insurance the Insurance Commission can refer applicants to Washington Fair, a reinsurance plan financed by all licensed insurance companies in the state. Currently, WA Fair covers 130 properties and, of these, only a minority are the consequence of a natural disaster.

Let me know if you would like a link to the recording. There is much more to David’s presentation.

Don
20 November 2023


Reinsurance: Backstop drooping?

Reinsurance is what makes the (insurance) world go around. Primary insurance writers go to re-insurers to hedge the risks that keep them up at night. And what might that be? Well, climate change. Climate change pushes up the amplitude of natural catastrophes, moves them around to unsuspecting regions, and simply makes more of them. Nat CAT (natural catastrophes) translate rather directly into losses for home owners, businesses, and farmers who turn to their insurance agents to make them whole, or mostly so, after a flood, fire, wind.

The fickleness and power of climate-induced natural catastrophes throws a curve at risk modeling and the hedging of those risks. The whole system works pretty smoothly when risks are predictable: property owners pay premiums, primary insurers off-loan a portion of their liability to reinsurers just in case, and reinsurers go to the financial markets to invest their share and get extra cash when needed.

Natural catastrophes stress the system and nothing stresses like wildfires east and west of the Cascades or summer flooding in Nova Scotia or sudden hurricanes in Acapulco. The smooth system of premiums paid and risk shared is shaken. It is too much. Losses exceed the pile of money stocked up to cover. The system responds by increasing the price of sharing risk and, in some cases, backing out of issuing insurance at all.

What can we do to insure against Nat CAT risk? The underlying problem is that our property losses exceed our ability to pay. What role do we want for our elected governments and just what can they do to make risk go away? Or at least make hedging our risk affordable?

Don
8 November


Uncertain about Climate Change? Ask your Insurance Agent

Last evening, I asked our guest, Ann Marie Danimus, about how to persuade a climate skeptic that climate change is real. She said, “Ask a farmer.” She added, “and ask your insurance agent” (or words to that effect). The point is that our economy is adjusting to the risks of floods and drought, wind and fire. Professional managers are hedging their bets faster – and more air-tight – than most of us. And insurance companies are densely populated with professional managers. That leaves the rest of us playing catch up.

Where are we now? Are we in rural Washington finding it more difficult to insure our homes, shops and farms? Are our premiums simply higher to reflect the increased risk of wildfire, or rising sea levels? How does our economy work to hedge the enormous risks of a disruptive climate? Is there anything we can do?

Questions. We may not have the answers but the Insurance Commission can give us information and context.

Don
3 November 2023


Climate Change, Insurance and Reinsurance

It is reported that Allstate and State Farm have stopped writing new insurance policies in California. Climate change – and insurance losses – are the culprits. Wildfires and floods are causing major losses of property.

November’s policy briefing informs us on an emerging issue. We will look at the incidence of property insurance pull back in Washington. Is it currently a fact or just a fear? Either way, climate change poses serious challenges to the viability of the insurance and reinsurance industry. You may at first yawn at the prospect of a profit squeeze on the insurance industry. Remind yourself, though, about how your bank manages its risk by requiring you to provide proof of property insurance to back up your mortgage.

Our economy works on allocating risk, and typically risk allocation replicates the distribution of political power. The vulnerable ultimately bear more than their share of risk, whether paid in dollars or not.

In the State of Washington, the vulnerable have a champion, The Insurance Commission. Staff from the Insurance Commission will help us understand how climate change feeds pretty much directly through to private homeowners and our ability to manage our own risk. Along the way, they will assess what role the state can play in helping us buffer the financial consequences of fires and floods in our neighborhoods.

So, our goals are to get a report on whether insurance denial is happening in Washington and, if not now, when. We will learn about insurance and reinsurance and why climate change (heat, rain, fire, flood) is challenging these fundaments of our economy. And we will learn to what extent state policy (Insurance Commission, Legislature) can buffer the financial burden of climate change for rural home and business owners.

Happy Halloween.

Don
31 October 2023


Our Better Practices roundtable is on the first Thursday of each month at 6:30 pm.. Use the link above for 2023.

Our Policy Series is on the third Thursday of each month at 6:30 pm. Use the link above for 2023. 


Copyright © 2023 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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Washington state releases new vaccine recommendations ahead of flu season

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The state of Washington announced its vaccine recommendations for the 2025-26 respiratory virus season.
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If we're reading this correctly, Trump has just broken the law by advising the public to buy Lilly stock, which is a violation of the STOCK Act - short for the Stop Trading on Congressional Knowledge Act, the STOCK Act is a 2012 law that aims to prevent insider trading among members of Congress, government officials, and their staff.🚨INVESTMENT ALERT🚨Eli Lilly is set to build a $5,000,000,000 manufacturing plant in Virginia! ... See MoreSee Less

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What’s different now is the looming threat of entire research programs being eliminated, not just reduced.www.tricitiesbusinessnews.com/articles/our-view-sept-2025?fbclid=IwY2xjawM3oFVleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHo... ... See MoreSee Less

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The real risk of PNNL layoffs is brain drain on a national scale.
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Party Calendar

October 2025

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
1
2
  • Indivisible TC - Founder Hour, Thurs

    Indivisible TC - Founder Hour, Thurs

    October 2, 2025  12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
    https://zoom.us/j/94107976607?pwd=qZeb9jUuH9e3DwVvukrhqxuwrNTWvv.1

    Join in and ask questions, get updates or just say hi! Zoom link below, let me know if you need the mobile version. These are held every Thursday at 12pm and occasional weekends.

    See more details

•
3
  • Indivisible Tricities - First Fridays Happy Hour

    Indivisible Tricities - First Fridays Happy Hour

    October 3, 2025  4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
    Moonshot Brewing 8804 W. Victoria Ave Kennewick, WA

    We are going to start a social every first Friday of the month and BIG thanks to Moonshot Brewing who has agreed to let us meet there. Join us on Friday, Sept 5th, 4-6pm. Let’s come together and have some fun! Hope to see you there!

    See more details

•
4
5
6
7
  • TCD Democrats Protest Tuesday

    TCD Democrats Protest Tuesday

    October 7, 2025  3:45 PM - 5:45 PM
    John Dam Plaza, 815 George Washington Way, Richland, WA 99352, USA

    "Protest Tuesday" at John Dam Plaza on GWay in Richland from 3:45pm to 5:45PM. Bring your own sign or flag or one will be provided. Join our stalwarts and protest whatever is bothering you most that day.
    https://www.facebook.com/events/999996418325987/999996484992647/

    See more details

  • Richland City Council

    Richland City Council

    October 7, 2025  7:30 PM - 8:30 PM
    Richland City Hall, 505 Swift Blvd, Richland, WA 99352, USA

    See more details

• •
8
9
  • Indivisible TC - Founder Hour, Thurs

    Indivisible TC - Founder Hour, Thurs

    October 9, 2025  12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
    https://zoom.us/j/94107976607?pwd=qZeb9jUuH9e3DwVvukrhqxuwrNTWvv.1

    Join in and ask questions, get updates or just say hi! Zoom link below, let me know if you need the mobile version. These are held every Thursday at 12pm and occasional weekends.

    See more details

  • MiniVan Training: Democrats University

    MiniVan Training: Democrats University

    October 9, 2025  5:30 PM - 6:30 PM
    https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/JAmvKeUER7yEYZtEgU2dBQ#/registration

    Information you provide when registering will be shared with the account owner and host and can be used and shared by them in accordance with their Terms and Privacy Policy.

    See more details

• •
10
  • Tri-City Democrats Meeting/Potluck

    Tri-City Democrats Meeting/Potluck

    October 10, 2025  6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
    For current location please visit https://www.facebook.com/TriCityDems/

    See more details

•
11
12
13
  • Benton County Executive Board

    Benton County Executive Board

    October 13, 2025  6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
    Meeting details will be provided over email from the Benton County Democrats Chair.

    See more details

•
14
  • TCD Democrats Protest Tuesday

    TCD Democrats Protest Tuesday

    October 14, 2025  3:45 PM - 5:45 PM
    John Dam Plaza, 815 George Washington Way, Richland, WA 99352, USA

    "Protest Tuesday" at John Dam Plaza on GWay in Richland from 3:45pm to 5:45PM. Bring your own sign or flag or one will be provided. Join our stalwarts and protest whatever is bothering you most that day.
    https://www.facebook.com/events/999996418325987/999996484992647/

    See more details

  • Kennewick City Council Workshop

    Kennewick City Council Workshop

    October 14, 2025  6:30 PM - 8:00 PM

    See more details

• •
15
16
  • Indivisible TC - Founder Hour, Thurs

    Indivisible TC - Founder Hour, Thurs

    October 16, 2025  12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
    https://zoom.us/j/94107976607?pwd=qZeb9jUuH9e3DwVvukrhqxuwrNTWvv.1

    Join in and ask questions, get updates or just say hi! Zoom link below, let me know if you need the mobile version. These are held every Thursday at 12pm and occasional weekends.

    See more details

•
17
18
  • NO KINGS Zillah Washington

    NO KINGS Zillah Washington

    October 18, 2025  10:30 AM - 12:00 PM
    1st Avenue & Vintage Valley Parkway Zillah, WA 98953

    **In Zillah, we don’t put up with would-be kings. Come out and let your neighbors know they aren’t alone.

    Our peaceful movement is only getting bigger and stronger. “NO KINGS” is more than just a slogan—it’s the foundation our nation was built upon. Born in the streets, carried by millions in chants and on posters, it echoes from city blocks to rural town squares, uniting people across this country to fight dictatorship together.

    The president thinks his rule is absolute. But in America, we don’t have kings, and we won’t back down against chaos, corruption, and cruelty. Grow our movement and join us.

    A core principle behind all No Kings events is a commitment to nonviolent action. We expect all participants to seek to de-escalate any potential confrontation with those who disagree with our values and to act lawfully at these events. Weapons of any kind, including those legally permitted, should not be brought to events.

    See more details

  • NO KINGS Tri-Cities WA

    NO KINGS Tri-Cities WA

    October 18, 2025  11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
    Columbia Center Blvd 1321 N Columbia Center Blvd Kennewick, WA 99336

    Keep your eye out for the perfect costume because this year’s HAIRraisin’ FUNraiser will take place on Saturday, October 25, at 6pm at the Pasco Red Lion Hotel and Conference Center. Costumes are encouraged at this Halloween Bash celebrating the amazing work that B5 does.

    Guests will hear an update from Executive Director Theresa Roosendaal, and hear two stories of B5 students who are thriving here in the Tri-Cities. There will be auctions, games, a costume contest, and an opportunity to win a two-year lease for a 2025 Cadillac CT4 generously donated by McCurley Cadillac! 

    You can purchase tickets at here or contact Larissa at 509-551-1643 or at larissa.knopp@thriveatb5.org.

    See more details

  • NO KINGS Walla Walla

    NO KINGS Walla Walla

    October 18, 2025  12:00 PM - 2:00 PM
    Walla Walla County Superior 315 W Main St Walla Walla, WA 99362

    In America, we don’t put up with would-be kings.

    Our peaceful movement is only getting bigger and stronger. “NO KINGS” is more than just a slogan—it’s the foundation our nation was built upon. Born in the streets, carried by millions in chants and on posters, it echoes from city blocks to rural town squares, uniting people across this country to fight dictatorship together.

    The president thinks his rule is absolute. But in America, we don’t have kings, and we won’t back down against chaos, corruption, and cruelty. Grow our movement and join us.

    A core principle behind all No Kings events is a commitment to nonviolent action. We expect all participants to seek to de-escalate any potential confrontation with those who disagree with our values and to act lawfully at these events. Weapons of any kind, including those legally permitted, should not be brought to events.

    See more details

• • •
19
20
21
  • TCD Democrats Protest Tuesday

    TCD Democrats Protest Tuesday

    October 21, 2025  3:45 PM - 5:45 PM
    John Dam Plaza, 815 George Washington Way, Richland, WA 99352, USA

    "Protest Tuesday" at John Dam Plaza on GWay in Richland from 3:45pm to 5:45PM. Bring your own sign or flag or one will be provided. Join our stalwarts and protest whatever is bothering you most that day.
    https://www.facebook.com/events/999996418325987/999996484992647/

    See more details

  • Richland City Council

    Richland City Council

    October 21, 2025  7:30 PM - 8:30 PM
    Richland City Hall, 505 Swift Blvd, Richland, WA 99352, USA

    See more details

• •
22
23
  • Indivisible TC - Founder Hour, Thurs

    Indivisible TC - Founder Hour, Thurs

    October 23, 2025  12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
    https://zoom.us/j/94107976607?pwd=qZeb9jUuH9e3DwVvukrhqxuwrNTWvv.1

    Join in and ask questions, get updates or just say hi! Zoom link below, let me know if you need the mobile version. These are held every Thursday at 12pm and occasional weekends.

    See more details

  • BCDCC General Public Meeting

    BCDCC General Public Meeting

    October 23, 2025  6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
    Meeting details will be provided over email from the Benton County Democrats Chair.

    See more details

• •
24
25
  • HAIRraisin’ FUNraiser

    HAIRraisin’ FUNraiser

    October 25, 2025  6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
    Red Lion Hotel Pasco Airport & Conference Center 2525 N 20th Ave, Pasco, WA 99301

    Keep your eye out for the perfect costume because this year’s HAIRraisin’ FUNraiser will take place on Saturday, October 25, at 6pm at the Pasco Red Lion Hotel and Conference Center. Costumes are encouraged at this Halloween Bash celebrating the amazing work that B5 does.

    Guests will hear an update from Executive Director Theresa Roosendaal, and hear two stories of B5 students who are thriving here in the Tri-Cities. There will be auctions, games, a costume contest, and an opportunity to win a two-year lease for a 2025 Cadillac CT4 generously donated by McCurley Cadillac! 

    You can purchase tickets at here or contact Larissa at 509-551-1643 or at larissa.knopp@thriveatb5.org.

    See more details

•
26
27
28
  • TCD Democrats Protest Tuesday

    TCD Democrats Protest Tuesday

    October 28, 2025  3:45 PM - 5:45 PM
    John Dam Plaza, 815 George Washington Way, Richland, WA 99352, USA

    "Protest Tuesday" at John Dam Plaza on GWay in Richland from 3:45pm to 5:45PM. Bring your own sign or flag or one will be provided. Join our stalwarts and protest whatever is bothering you most that day.
    https://www.facebook.com/events/999996418325987/999996484992647/

    See more details

  • Richland City Council Workshop

    Richland City Council Workshop

    October 28, 2025  6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
    Richland City Hall, 505 Swift Blvd, Richland, WA 99352, USA

    See more details

• •
29
30
  • Indivisible TC - Founder Hour, Thurs

    Indivisible TC - Founder Hour, Thurs

    October 30, 2025  12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
    https://zoom.us/j/94107976607?pwd=qZeb9jUuH9e3DwVvukrhqxuwrNTWvv.1

    Join in and ask questions, get updates or just say hi! Zoom link below, let me know if you need the mobile version. These are held every Thursday at 12pm and occasional weekends.

    See more details

•
31
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