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Tariffs prompt 'wait and see' reaction from Washington Republican leaders representing agricultural districts
Summary
Reporters asked Republican leaders how national tariffs affect state agriculture and revenue; senators and representatives from ag districts described mixed local reactions and said producers are cautiously watching possible short-term pain and long-term shifts in trade patterns.
Republican legislators representing agricultural districts told reporters they had heard mixed reactions from producers about national tariffs and were adopting a "wait and see" approach.
When asked about immediate impacts, Senator Keith Wagoner said some in the ag community are very concerned while others are not, and described tariffs as likely to cause "short-term pain for long-term gain," adding he favors reciprocity in trade. "So reciprocity is simply the golden rule in reverse," he said.
An un-named legislator who described a farming background said their family grows potatoes, onions and apples and trades with Canada; they noted potential opportunities — for example, replacing some imported frozen potato products with domestic production — while acknowledging exporters may face immediate challenges.
On whether tariffs would materially affect the state's revenue outlook, leaders said the Legislature lacks control over national tariff policy and that the fiscal consequences are uncertain; several speakers said they were more immediately concerned about state tax policy changes than the effect of tariffs on state revenue forecasts.
No policy action on tariffs was announced during the press availability.
