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Senators

John Braun
20th District | Centralia
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John Braun
Republican Leader
20th District | Centralia
Judy Warnick
13th District | Moses Lake
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Judy Warnick
Republican Caucus Chair
13th District | Moses Lake
Keith Wagoner
39th District | Sedro-Woolley
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Keith Wagoner
Republican Whip
39th District | Sedro-Woolley
Shelly Short
7th District | Addy
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Shelly Short
Republican Floor Leader
7th District | Addy
Drew MacEwen
35th District | Shelton
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Drew MacEwen
Deputy Leader
35th District | Shelton
Chris Gildon
25th District | Puyallup
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Chris Gildon
OPERATING BUDGET LEADER
25th District | Puyallup
Ron Muzzall
10th District | Oak Harbor
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Ron Muzzall
Vice Caucus Chair
10th District | Oak Harbor
Matt Boehnke
8th District | Kennewick
Sen. Matt Boehnke is serving his first term representing the 8th Legislative District in the State Senate after serving two terms in the Washington House of Representatives.
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Matt Boehnke
8th District | Kennewick
Paul Harris
17th District | Vancouver
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Paul Harris
17th District | Vancouver
Jeff Wilson
19th District | Longview
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Jeff Wilson
19th District | Longview
Nikki Torres
15th District | Pasco
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Nikki Torres
Deputy Floor Leader
15th District | Pasco
Jim McCune
2nd District | Graham
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Jim McCune
2nd District | Graham
Curtis King
14th District | Yakima
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Curtis King
Transportation Budget Leader
14th District | Yakima
Jeff Holy
6th District | Spokane
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Jeff Holy
6th District | Spokane
Leonard Christian
4th District | Spokane Valley
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Leonard Christian
4th District | Spokane Valley
Phil Fortunato
31st District | Auburn
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Phil Fortunato
31st District | Auburn
Mark Schoesler
9th District | Ritzville
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Mark Schoesler
Capital Budget Leader
9th District | Ritzville
Keith Goehner
12th District | Dryden
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Keith Goehner
12th District | Dryden
Perry Dozier
16th District | Waitsburg
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Perry Dozier
16th District | Waitsburg

ExitWA

For decades, Washington attracted more people and more income than it lost. But that trend has now reversed. For the second year in a row, more income has left the state than arrived. And for the third year in a row, IRS data shows Washington is losing more taxpayers to migration than it gains.

Are you moving from Washington? Tell us more.

The People’s Initiatives

Giving parents a voice and protecting fairness in girls’ sports

  • Initiative IL26-001 – Restoring Parental Rights in Schools—It recognizes parents as the primary stakeholders in their children’s upbringing
  • Initiative IL26-638 – Protecting Fairness in Girls’ Sports—This initiative aims to protect the integrity of girls’ interscholastic sports

Top Stories

July 30, 2026
Senate Republican Caucus

Decoding 340B: The $81 Billion Drug Discount Program Explained | The Elephant in the Dome

In this episode of The Elephant in the Dome, Senator Chris Gildon hosts Senator Ron Muzzall the ranking Republican on the Senate Health and Long-Term Care Committee. They break down the complex 340B Drug Pricing Program—a federal initiative designed to help safety-net health clinics and hospitals acquire discounted prescription medication for low-income patients. They discuss...
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July 24, 2026
Senate Republican Caucus

AUDIO: Democrats’ spending draws warning from business leader: ‘It’s time to wake up’

Washington business leaders are sounding the alarm on state spending — and it’s not just Republicans. Tracy Ellis explains. Seattle Kraken CEO Tod Leiweke — a lifelong Democrat — is urging lawmakers to ‘wake up’ as spending nears 80 billion dollars. State Senator Chris Gildon notes that Leiweke joins two former Democratic governors and other critics...
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July 24, 2026
Chris Gildon

Democrats’ spending draws warning from business leader: ‘It’s time to wake up’

PUYALLUP — A prominent Washington business leader and self-described lifelong Democrat has joined former Governors Gary Locke and Christine Gregoire in raising concerns about Olympia’s budgeting practices. Sen. Chris Gildon said the comments add to a growing debate over the state’s fiscal direction. Gildon, R-Puyallup, pointed to remarks by Tod Leiweke, chief executive officer of the...
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July 08, 2026
Senate Republican Caucus

NEWSFLASH: Senate Republicans demand special session to address gas prices

In a letter sent this week to Governor Ferguson, a group of Senate Republicans demanded that a special session be called to address how the so-called “Climate Commitment Act” affects our gas and diesel prices. According to AAA, the average price in Washington for a gallon of regular unleaded gasoline on July 1 was $5.125...
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July 08, 2026
Ron Muzzall

Why our health care system needs more than another workaround

Sen. Ron Muzzall, R-Oak Harbor, explains his vote against Senate Bill 5981, legislation expanding protections for Washington’s 340B Drug Pricing Program. Speaking on the Senate floor, Muzzall makes clear that his vote was not against helping hospitals. Instead, he argues that while the 340B program provides important financial support, expanding it does not address the...
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July 07, 2026
Judy Warnick

Senate Republicans demand special session to address gas prices

Citing the extreme financial pain being felt at the pump, State Sen. Judy Warnick, R-Moses Lake, is leading a formal legislative push for the governor to convene a special session of the Legislature to address Washington’s unaffordable fuel prices. “We cannot afford to wait until the next regular legislative session while our families choose between...
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Washington State Senate Republican Caucus

1 day ago

Washington State Senate Republican Caucus
LOWER GAS PRICES NOW: WA State Senate Republicans are formally requesting that Governor Bob Ferguson immediately call a special session for one clear purpose: Lower gas prices by pausing climate fuel taxes from the Climate Commitment Act (SB 5126, passed in 2021 and enacted in 2023) and the low-carbon fuel standards. These actions would take 55 cents off the price of a gallon of gas.These sky-high state taxes are hitting Washington families and individuals hard at the pump.According to AAA, the average gas price in Washington is currently $5.23 a gallon — a full $1.14 higher than the national average of $4.09. Gas taxes went up again on July 1st.It’s time for state government to lower the cost of fuel, not keep raising it. Families and working people need real, meaningful relief.Read the full letter calling on Governor Ferguson to act now: ow.ly/OQtn50ZvxR5#PainInTheGas #UnaffordableWA #GovernmentGreed #StopTheGreed #ReturnAffordability #waleg ... See MoreSee Less

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Washington State Senate Republican Caucus

2 days ago

Washington State Senate Republican Caucus
WA is projected to have a significant budget shortfall in the BILLIONS, AFTER Gov. Bob Ferguson and the far left passed budgets with the largest tax increases in state history back-to-back, cut $782 MILLION out of Medicaid, and went on a reckless spending spree since 2025 (SB 5998 & SB 5167).It didn't have to be this way! We repeatedly proved that it was possible to have a budget with no new taxes, no tax increases, and no service cuts in our $ave WA Budget (SB 5810). It is a common sense, working-class budget. The far left majority refused to have a vote on our budget, then voted it down TWICE when we forced votes on it in rare parliamentary maneuvers. Instead, Gov. Bob Ferguson and special interests in the majority went for higher taxes, unnecessary cuts, and reckless spending.Families and individuals are struggling with affordability and the far left in our state continues to make it worse. It's well past time for the majority of state government to recognize that Washington State has a spending problem, not a revenue problem. You deserve better.#GovernmentGreed #StopTheGreed #ReturnAffordability #waleg ... See MoreSee Less

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Washington State Senate Republican Caucus

3 days ago

Washington State Senate Republican Caucus
If you have suffered losses in this year’s wildfires here in Washington, you may qualify for the Disaster Cash Assistance Program (DCAP), administered by the Department of Social and Health Services. Go to: washingtonconnection.org ... See MoreSee Less
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WashingtonSRC

Video updates from Washington State Senate Republican Caucus members.

WashingtonSRC
In this episode of The Elephant in the Dome, Senator Chris Gildon hosts Senator Ron Muzzall the ranking Republican on the Senate Health and Long-Term Care Committee. They break down the complex 340B Drug Pricing Program—a federal initiative designed to help safety-net health clinics and hospitals acquire discounted prescription medication for low-income patients. They discuss how the program expanded from $12 billion to $81 billion, the balance between supporting struggling community hospitals and keeping private insurance costs manageable, and the legal battle surrounding Senate Bill 5981. 00:00 - Introduction & Welcome: Senator Chris Gildon & Senator Ron Muzzall 01:12 - What is the 340B Drug Pricing Program? (Margin vs. Savings) 02:26 - History & Explosive Growth: From $12B to $81B 06:14 - Shift in Funding: Hospitals vs. Community Health Centers 07:31 - Hospital Solvency & Financing Charity Care (UW Health Example) 09:04 - Senate Bill 5981: State Regulation vs. Federal Scope 12:40 - Lawsuits, Split Court Rulings & Supreme Court Outlook 15:06 - State Liability & The High Cost of Litigation 16:34 - The Under-Reimbursement Trap & Hospital Financial Strain 20:09 - Socialized Healthcare, Canadian Patient Travel & Monopolies 24:42 - Medicaid Reimbursement Realities & Maternity Care Losses 28:03 - Industry-Wide Complexity & Provider Shortages 29:34 - 2027 Legislative Outlook: Workforce Pipeline & System Sustainability 30:42 - The "Difficult to Discharge" Crisis & Long-Term Care Bottlenecks 33:38 - Fiscal Realities: State Budget Cuts & Final Remarks
Decoding 340B—The $81 Billion Drug Discount Program Explained—The Elephant in the Dome w/Sen. Gildon
Sen. Ron Muzzall, R-Oak Harbor, explains his vote against Senate Bill 5981, legislation expanding protections for Washington's 340B Drug Pricing Program. Speaking on the Senate floor, Muzzall makes clear that his vote was not against helping hospitals. Instead, he argues that while the 340B program provides important financial support, expanding it does not address the underlying problems driving Washington's health care crisis. Muzzall discusses the financial challenges facing hospitals, the growing burden of uncompensated charity care, and why he believes Washington should pursue long-term, sustainable reforms rather than relying on increasingly complex funding mechanisms involving contract pharmacies, pharmacy benefit managers, and large pharmacy chains. As ranking Republican on the Senate Health and Long-Term Care Committee, Muzzall remains committed to finding solutions that strengthen rural hospitals, improve access to care, and build a health care system that works for patients, providers, and taxpayers alike.
Why our health care system needs more than another workaround
Senator Chris Gildon pulls back the curtain on the real issues facing Washington. From the controversial impacts of the Climate Commitment Act on gas prices and utility bills to a deep dive into Olympia's looming budget shortfall, Sen. Gildon breaks down the numbers that the majority party isn't talking about. Plus, hear a unique perspective on America’s 250th milestone from a veteran who has served both in the military and the state legislature. 00:00 – Gas Prices & The Climate Commitment Act (CCA) 02:54 – Political Deflection vs. Intellectual Honesty 04:46 – The Truth Behind Washington's Revenue Forecasts 07:15 – Why the State Budget is a "House of Cards" 09:57 – Looming Shortfalls & Government Spending 14:44 – Bipartisan Wins: The World Cup in Seattle 16:42 – Perspective on Freedom: America at 250
Elephant in the Dome Podcast—Ferguson's Gas Crisis, Shaky Budgets, America @ 250 w/Sen. Chris Gildon
In this episode of Elephant in the Dome, Senator Chris Gildon sits down with foster parent and healthcare professional Tracie Jefferson. They dive deep into the devastating, unintended consequences of Washington State's "Keeping Families Together Act," examining how its high removal thresholds and systemic issues impact vulnerable children. • 00:00 – Introduction to the Keeping Families Together Act • 01:02 – The Original Intent vs. The Reality of House Bill 1227 • 03:10 – The Problem with the "Imminent Physical Harm" Standard • 05:19 – Systemic Failures and Child Fatality Statistics • 08:28 – Narcan, Harm Reduction Kits, and Fentanyl Enigma • 13:05 – Controversial Safety Plans in Substance-Affected Homes • 15:05 – Solutions: Staffing Realignment and Child-Centric Welfare • 18:53 – Outro and How to Subscribe
The Crisis of Washington's "Keeping Families Together Act" | Elephant in the Dome Podcast
“This instance should require us to look much deeper into the above-ground storage tanks,” Wilson told KIRO 7. “I am open to looking at this, but I don’t want to jump the gun too early. I want to respect the work of the state and federal agencies.”
Sen. Jeff Wilson & other Longview leaders react to no regulatory inspections of white liquor tanks
Is housing really the solution to Washington’s homelessness crisis? Senator Chris Gildon and investigative journalist Jonathan Choe discuss why "Housing First" models are failing. They explore the impact of fentanyl, the lack of taxpayer accountability, and why treating addiction as a mental illness is the only way forward for Washington state. • 0:00 – Introduction: The Elephant in the Dome • 0:36 – Misdiagnosing the Problem: Housing vs. Addiction • 1:20 – The Fentanyl Factor: A Game Changer on the Streets • 2:34 – Service Resistance: Why 8 out of 10 Say No • 4:21 – Harm Reduction or "Suicide Kits"? • 6:58 – The Accountability Crisis and Untraceable Money • 8:47 – Moving Toward Treatment and Recovery Models • 10:18 – One Reform to Fix the System • 12:26 – Closing: The Media's Role as Watchdog Jonathan Choe mentions that 80% of people he speaks with on the street decline housing because their primary struggle is addiction. Do you believe the state should prioritize mandatory treatment over free housing? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
Elephant in the Dome: Is Washington Misdiagnosing Homeless Crisis? Jonathan Choe & Sen. Chris Gildon
In this episode of The Elephant in the Dome, Senator Chris Gildon and the Washington Policy Center's Todd Myers break down Washington’s Climate Commitment Act. Discover how this "cap-and-tax" law secretly targets your energy bills, driving gas prices up by 55 cents a gallon, and why Republicans are fighting to pause it. 00:00 | Introduction: The Elephant in the Dome 00:15 | The Human Cost: A Retired Teacher’s Story 02:04 | What is the Climate Commitment Act (CCA)? 02:34 | Is Driving Up Prices the Actual Goal? 04:24 | The Calculation: How Carbon Permits Cost You 55¢ A Gallon 06:15 | The Economic "Tentacles": Impact on Farming & Food Costs 07:29 | Hidden Fees: CCA Costs on Household Utility Bills 08:09 | Trickle-Down Inflation: Why Schools & Colleges Need Tax Hikes 09:10 | Washington’s Economy: Second Highest Gas Prices in the Nation 09:54 | The Solution: Senator Gildon’s Letter & The Republican Budget Plan DROP A COMMENT: How much are you paying for gas in your area right now? Do you think the state should temporarily pause the Climate Commitment Act to give families some relief? Let us know below!
Is This Law Killing Your Wallet? The Truth About WA Gas Prices on The Elephant in the Dome Podcast
Is Washington losing its competitive edge? In this episode of The Elephant in the Dome, Senate Republican Leader John Braun breaks down the affordability crisis hitting our state. From Starbucks’ Nashville expansion and record-breaking tax increases to the stalled progress on the I-5 Columbia River bridge, we examine how current policies are driving families and businesses away. We also take a timeout to talk sports—including the Supersonics, Seahawks, and Mariners—and share an important update on why Senator Braun is stepping away from the mic for a while. • 0:00 Welcome to The Elephant in the Dome • 0:17 The Starbucks Signal: Why Nashville? • 3:47 The "Exit WA" Movement: Real Stories of Leaving • 6:53 How Democrat Policies are Driving Up Costs • 10:24 The I-5 Bridge: Infrastructure or Inaction? • 15:45 Off the Clock: Sonics, Seahawks, and Mariners • 22:15 A Personal Update: Senator Braun’s Transition • 26:05 The Importance of Staying Involved Do you think Democrat policies are making Washington a bad place to live and work? Leave your comment and please remember to subscribe.
Starbucks—Sonics—the I-5 Bridge—Washington is more expensive & it’s affecting everyone & everything
Washington is facing $500 million in annual tort claims, largely driven by the Department of Children, Youth and Families (DCYF). Senate Republican Leader John Braun discusses the staggering financial costs and the heartbreaking human toll on vulnerable children in state care. Watch the full podcast here: https://tinyurl.com/yjsa6zvu
DCYF in Crisis: $500M in Lawsuits? The Elephant in the Dome Podcast
Rising energy costs and overspending are pushing Washington families to the brink. Senator Drew MacEwen explains why a special session is urgent: to address the Climate Commitment Act's tax burden, stabilize the unemployment insurance fund, and fix a budget trajectory that risks a structural deficit.
Washington Families Can't Wait—Senator MacEwen calls for Special Session
Senate Republican Leader John Braun discusses the urgent need for oversight at the Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF). He explores massive legal payouts for negligence, the impact of the "Keeping Families Together Act," and how other states are handling similar agency failures through bipartisan investigation. 00:00 – The "Elephant in the Dome" Podcast Intro 00:22 – Massive Lawsuits and Tragic Outcomes at DCYF 01:56 – The Financial and Human Cost of State Liability 03:13 – Analyzing the "Keeping Families Together Act" 04:54 – Concerns Over Overpayments and Potential Fraud 06:18 – Lessons from New Mexico’s DCYF Investigation 08:11 – The Role of Legislative Oversight and Past Precedents 11:08 – The Impact of State Substance Abuse Policies 13:45 – Calls for Transparency and Executive Action 19:39 – Wrap-up and Subscription Info The 'Keeping Families Together Act' was intended to prioritize child stability, but Senator Braun argues it has led to keeping children in dangerous environments. Where should the state draw the line between family preservation and child safety?
Investigating DCYF—Oversight & Accountability for Washington’s Children—Elephant in the Dome Podcast
Washington gas prices are skyrocketing. Senator John Braun discusses how state policies like the Climate Commitment Act and high taxes are driving costs above neighboring states. These regressive costs hit lower-income families the hardest. Watch the full Elephant in the Dome podcast! - https://youtu.be/UsB6SBk3wxI
Why is Washington’s Gas So Expensive?
Senate Republican Leader John Braun discusses Washington's soaring energy costs. From record-high gas prices and the Climate Commitment Act to the future of nuclear power and data centers, Braun explores how state policies impact your wallet and outlines Republican solutions for a more affordable future. 0:00 Podcast Intro: High Cost of Energy 0:42 Regional Fuel Price Comparisons 1:28 Policies Driving Washington's Energy Costs 2:11 The Climate Commitment Act and Cap-and-Trade 2:55 Anticipating the Low Carbon Fuel Standard 3:40 Evaluating Carbon Reduction Progress 4:54 Transportation Funding and Infrastructure Issues 6:03 Why Public Works Projects are Over Budget 7:32 How Diesel Costs Affect the Supply Chain 8:33 Proposed Legislative Relief Measures 9:22 Natural Gas Transitions and Home Utilities 11:15 Maintaining Electrical Grid Stability 13:10 Energy Physics vs. Renewable Goals 15:00 Regressive Impacts on Working Families 17:10 Long-Term Affordability and Reliability Goals 19:15 The Role of Hydroelectric and Baseload Power 20:45 Regulatory Hurdles and Permitting Reform 21:55 Outro and How to Subscribe What do you think is the biggest factor behind these high prices? Leave your comment below. #WaLeg #GasPrices #ElephantInTheDome
The High Cost of Gas and Energy: The Elephant in the Dome Podcast with Senator John Braun
State Sen. Phil Fortunato discusses Washington’s abortion laws, noting that while abortion remains legal in the state, the focus should shift to a women’s health approach that ensures full transparency about risks and long-term outcomes. He emphasizes that abortion is a medical procedure with potential complications and argues women should be provided clear, standardized information before making a decision. Fortunato also raises concerns about changes that expand who can perform the procedure beyond physicians, as well as the use of taxpayer dollars to subsidize abortion pills through the Department of Corrections. He argues that, regardless of where someone stands on the issue, women deserve complete information to make informed decisions about their health and future.
Abortion risks and taxpayer funding | "What I think..." with State Senator Phil Fortunato
Sen. Phil Fortunato, R-Auburn, discusses gun control in Washington, expressing concern that legislative restrictions, including magazine limits and storage requirements, disadvantage law-abiding citizens. He maintains that under the state constitution, requirements such as training mandates may be considered an impairment of the right to self-defense.
Gun control and the right to bear arms | "What I think..." with State Senator Phil Fortunato
In an interview with Brandi Kruse on [un]Divided, Senate Republican Leader John Braun responds to a state audit revealing $37 million in questionable payments tied to the Washington Department of Children, Youth and Families, calling for deeper investigation, transparency, and accountability for taxpayer dollars and responsible oversight going forward.
[un]Divided: Braun Calls for Accountability After $37M in Questionable Child Care Payments
Senate Republican Leader John Braun reacts to a troubling audit revealing potential fraud and overpayments in state government. If billions are already being misspent, why is government asking taxpayers for even more? Watch the full Elephant in the Dome podcast… https://youtu.be/IKGrzvwEaH4?si=6KuJ-hwQ8z59N45V …for the deeper conversation on taxes, trust, and accountability.
Where Did the Money Go Taxpayers Demand Accountability
Washington now has a new income tax set to take effect in 2028. But questions remain about how the state manages the money it already collects. In this episode of Elephant in the Dome, host Tracy Ellis sits down with Senate Republican Leader John Braun to discuss a troubling state audit involving the Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families, rising government bureaucracy, and the growing cost of lawsuits against the state. They also discuss whether Bob Ferguson can bring accountability and efficiency to state government after years under Jay Inslee. Topics include: • Washington’s new income tax • Fraud and overpayments in state programs • Growth of government bureaucracy • Lawsuits costing taxpayers hundreds of millions • Problems at Green Hill School • Can government accountability improve? Subscribe for more discussions about policy, politics, and the decisions shaping Washington State. ________________________________________ 00:00 Intro – Income tax signed into law 00:19 When the tax takes effect and legal challenges 00:31 Why Washington keeps facing “budget crises” 01:03 State audit raises concerns about fraud 02:02 DCYF oversight problems and staffing priorities 03:52 Fraud vs. accountability in government 05:02 Why taxpayers are frustrated 06:02 Agency response: asking for more money 06:30 Growth of bureaucracy in state government 07:19 School administration vs. teachers 08:27 Problems at DCYF and failing systems 09:02 Lawsuits costing taxpayers hundreds of millions 10:21 The human cost behind government failures 11:19 Government growth despite budget shortfalls 11:49 Can Governor Ferguson improve things? 13:07 Leadership and accountability challenges 13:59 Green Hill School problems 15:22 Crime policy and juvenile justice debate 16:04 Is there indifference to fraud and crime? 17:20 Closing What do you think about the failures at DCYF? Leave your comment below.
WA Income Tax Signed — But Fraud, Lawsuits & Government Waste Still Growing — Elephant in the Dome
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