News from the Caucus
Boehnke joins Western Energy Caucus and international delegation to Denmark
Sen. Matt Boehnke, R-Kennewick (4th from the left) with the Western Energy Caucus in Denmark. Photo courtesy of the Western Energy Caucus. This June, I joined an elite bipartisan group of lawmakers from across the western United States to help launch the new Western Energy Caucus (WEC)—a regional initiative focused on advancing practical, forward-looking energy...
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AUDIO: Accountability Over Fear: Sen. Braun Breaks Down the “Big Beautiful Bill” on KVI’s Ari Hoffman Show
Sen. John Braun joins Ari Hoffman to explain how the federal “Big Beautiful Bill” benefits Washington—highlighting Medicaid reforms, tax relief, and ag support—while calling out political fearmongering and overspending by state Democrats.
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The Elephant in the Dome Podcast – Braun’s Big Beautiful Bill Breakdown
Senator John Braun responds to Governor Ferguson’s harsh criticism of the federal “Big Beautiful Bill.” While the governor warns of devastating impacts to health care, food assistance, clean energy, and rural hospitals, Braun argues that the bill introduces thoughtful reforms that improve accountability, affordability, and support for vulnerable groups. He emphasizes that most changes target...
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AUDIO: Dozier applauds latest sign of support for Snake River dams
A big thumbs up from a state senator on the decision to stop federal talks about breaching the Snake River dams. Tracy Ellis reports.
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The Elephant in the Dome Podcast – Out of Order – When Politics Turn Violent and Budgets Break
Following the tragic act of political violence in Minnesota, Washington Senate Republican Leader John Braun urges bipartisan condemnation of all violence. He also warns of looming budget shortfalls after a sobering revenue forecast, criticizes tax hikes, and argues that unsustainable spending threatens essential services.
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AUDIO: Sen. Chris Gildon on KVI’s Ari Hoffman Show – Budget “Reckless,” Ferguson “Caved to the Left”
Washington’s budget is “$3.50 from disaster,” says Sen. Chris Gildon on KVI’s Ari Hoffman Show. Gildon slams the Legislative Democrats’ spending and Gov. Ferguson’s record tax hikes after new forecasts show a looming shortfall.
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AUDIO: Sen. Chris Gildon on the Lars Larson Show – Budget Barely Misses Iceberg
Sen. Chris Gildon joins Lars Larson to unpack Washington’s shaky budget outlook, blasting record tax hikes and warning of looming shortfalls despite billions in new revenue. “It didn’t have to be this way,” he says.
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AUDIO: New revenue forecast is ‘near-miss’ but big trouble may be ahead, says Republican budget leader
A near financial disaster is looming in Washington State. Tracy Ellis reports.
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Elephant in the Dome Podcast: Washington’s Health Care Crisis: Hospital Closures & Hidden Costs
Hospitals across Washington are hurting, clinics are shutting down, and costs are skyrocketing. In this episode of Elephant in the Dome, state senators break down the crisis hitting our health care system—from new taxes impacting hospitals to hidden costs that could drive up insurance premiums for families. What role does government play in this growing...
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Legislative leaders condemn political violence in Minnesota
OLYMPIA – The leaders of all four caucuses in the Washington State Legislature released the following statement regarding the assassination and attempted assassinations of Minnesota elected officials: “Our deepest sympathies go out to the family of Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark, and we are sending wishes for a complete recovery to Senator...
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The Elephant in the Dome Podcast: Gov. Ferguson’s First Big Test: What He Signed, Vetoed, and Didn’t
Senate Republican Leader John Braun reacts to Governor Bob Ferguson’s bill signings, a surprising veto, and the policies he let stand. From tax hikes to housing studies, police funding to rent control, we break down what made the cut—and what didn’t—in his first legislative session as governor.
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Governor signs Goehner bill, opening the door to duplexes, townhomes in rural growth areas
Sen. Keith Goehner/R-Dryden/Credit: Washington State Senate OLYMPIA… Last week, the governor signed landmark legislation sponsored by Sen. Keith Goehner, which gives counties the option to allow middle housing, such as duplexes and townhomes, in unincorporated growth areas and rural communities already poised for responsible development. Goehner’s bill passed both chambers with overwhelming bipartisan support, reflecting...
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