U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) issued the following statement after the Senate voted to override the President's veto of the Farm Bill by a vote of 82-13.

"This year's Farm Bill is a victory for Washington state, our farmers, and our economy. It invests in jobs, ensures more families put a nutritious meal on their table, and for the first time provides meaningful support for our fruit and vegetable growers. It also makes needed investments in our agriculture industry to ensure we remain competitive and innovative in the global marketplace.

From Senator Maria Cantwell:

Today,U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) praised her Senate colleagues for unanimously approvingthe Heroes Earnings Assistance and Relief Tax Act of 2008 (The HEART Act), legislation that was crafted by theSenate Finance Committee under the leadership of Chairman Max Baucus (D-MT). Cantwell, a member of the Finance Committee, was an original co - sponsor of The Heart Actthat will provide significant tax relief to American troops and their families. 

Senator Maria Cantwell's weekly update:

Preserving Wenatchee Valley Medical Center

Last week, I announced that a proposal to ban-physician owned hospitals has been modified to protect and maintain Wenatchee Valley Medical Center. The proposal, included in an emergency supplemental bill that was passed by the Senate Appropriations Committee, will now exempt the North Central hospital from a requirement that would force it to drastically reduce its percentage of physician owners. I’m very encouraged that Wenatchee Valley Medical Center’s unique situation has been recognized by my colleagues. Forcing profound changes in this already-fragile hospital system would be disastrous for the thousands of patients in North Central Washington who rely on its services. The spending bill includes responsible changes that ensure Wenatchee Valley Medical Center can continue caring for those in need.

Submitted by bj bissell:

I have been mildly concerned about rising food prices and the extra markup for the privilege of shopping in Anacortes. We all know we pay a "20 Spur" "tax" for food to be brought here from the Burlington-Mount Vernon corridor.

Now, higher pricing is becoming a serious issue to my fixed income, limited budget.

So, I sent a short shopping list with a friend as she shopped at Costco.  7 items.
Results: 50% to 75% savings on the exact same food items here.

Sobering discovery.  I expected around 15% perhaps.

So, now I will be figuring out a way to by bypass most or all  major local food purchases  (with the help of my friends as I am disabled.)

I wondered if anyone else has had this same experience or if they don't care how high local prices go.  This seems to me to be a dilemma only for people who cannot afford the difference or who have not thought it through.

When last I addressed this dilemma a few years back I was told directly by both large food stores here that they did not  compete with the I-5 market at all.  I held in there with them. But now things are vastly out of kilter.  50%  seems like  usury to me.  75% is off the chart. 

I drove to Portland today and, boy is it hot here. It was interesting feeling the temperature rise and I headed south on I-5. I think it was 59 when I left Anacortes at around 10am. By the time my wife and I crossed the Columbia River and drove into Portland it was 87. And that was the official high temp today at Portland Airport, which you may know is located right along a river.

My wife is participating in a conference put on by Guardian/Conservator Association of Oregon on Friday. And, driving back to Anacortes as soon as we can on Saturday so we won't miss the Waterfront Festival and the opening day for the Farmers Market.

While Lexie (that's my wife) is at her conference, I will be biking. I found a nice sounding paved bike trail in Clackamas. I'll head out early in the morning and save the afternoon for I don't know what. - Art