Fair Funding in Jeopardy

I'm Bob Larson. A move to eliminate $4-million in funding from state fairs in Washington state was met with a lot of vocal opposition in the state House of Representatives recently. Unfortunately, the amendment to restore the funds was rejected.

Pomeroy Representative Mary Dye, who took part in fairs growing up, spoke on their importance and the real-world experience it gives kids in rural Washington ...

MARY DYE ... "And it is this factor, the fabric of our rural communities. It may seem like a no-big-deal thing for a small appropriation of $4-million dollars, but it is the way we acculturate our children into that sense of personal responsibility, a long-term commitment to an animal, and then to give that up in a market sale and learn the responsibility that they're earning their way in this world."

Dye says it's a generational activity ...

MARY DYE ... "It's part of the history of Washington state. It's part of our culture and we should be very proud of the opportunities we have given kids across this state using the fairs, 4-H, FFA, and teaching these kids that they have a can-do spirit, that they can follow a project through from beginning to end and they can be proud of what they accomplished. So, I urge you Mr. Chairman, please for one thing, the kids of our state, please consider this amendment and vote yes. Thank you!"

While House Democrats voted down the amendment, there is a chance the money could be put back into the budget through the negotiation process, as has happened in years past. The session ends on the 23rd.

Dye says it isn't a done deal until the final budget is passed.