Residents of rural Washington are increasingly frustrated with state policies, prompting some lawmakers to call for action. During a recent visit to the Lewiston Tribune, Senator Mark Schoesler, a Republican from Ritzville, expressed concern over the exodus of individuals leaving Washington due to dissatisfaction with the state government, particularly its Democratic-led taxation policies. He highlighted the impact these taxes have on business owners and residents alike.
One striking example Schoesler cited was the expansion of SEL, owned by Ed Schweitzer, at the Lewiston-Nez Perce County Regional Airport. Schoesler remarked, “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,” noting that Schweitzer is expanding operations in Idaho as a direct result of Washington’s business climate.
Schoesler pointed out that high fuel prices in Washington are benefiting neighboring border towns like Lewiston, Moscow, and Post Falls. Residents crossing state lines can find significantly cheaper gas, which has become a pressing concern for those living in eastern Washington. “If you live in eastern Washington, and you’re concerned, you can’t be complacent and just talk among yourselves,” Schoesler urged. He encouraged residents to contact the governor’s office to voice their concerns.
Preparing for his 34th session in Olympia, Schoesler has made it clear that he will advocate for funding for indigent defense services in his district, which includes Asotin, Garfield, and Whitman counties. He expressed that the financial burden of these mandated services is straining county budgets, with insufficient support from the state. “Indigent defense should be funded like we fund our county prosecutors and judges,” Schoesler stated, adding that the current system may need reevaluation to prevent abuse.
Schoesler’s legislative priorities also include protecting property rights and local control. He remains committed to these causes as the short session approaches, which begins on January 12, 2026. Additionally, he is co-sponsoring a bipartisan bill aimed at making it more difficult to release serial rapists from confinement, particularly in light of the controversial release of Kevin Coe, a notorious criminal known as the “South Hill Rapist.”
Reflecting on Coe’s release, Schoesler remarked, “It’s still shocking and unbelievable that the state released him this year.” Coe, who was convicted in the early 1980s of raping multiple women and girls, was released by the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) after spending years in confinement without showing remorse or undergoing treatment.
In response to public outrage over Coe’s release, Schoesler is advocating for legislation that would prevent the release of individuals who have refused sex-offender treatment while incarcerated and have not expressed remorse for their crimes. “We need to place the public’s safety above the freedom of a serial rapist who was unrepentant to the end,” he emphasized.
The proposed bill has already garnered support, with 16 co-sponsors, including Senator Marcus Riccelli, a Democrat from Spokane. The legislation aims to ensure that serious offenders are not released without a thorough review of their treatment compliance and attitude toward their crimes.
As the upcoming session approaches, Schoesler’s call to action resonates with many rural residents who feel their voices have been overlooked. His commitment to advocating for both local interests and public safety highlights ongoing tensions within state governance and the need for effective representation.
