Washington State Budget Debate: Inslee's Final Proposal and Ferguson's Fiscal Approach
  • Governor Inslee’s budget proposal would add $13 billion in new taxes
  • Additional taxes would target Washington employers, raising the cost of doing business
  • Republicans suggest that instead of increasing taxes, the state should focus on reducing spending
  • The shortfall is not due to a recession or drop in revenue but rather because of overspending
  • Senate Republicans have expressed cautious optimism regarding Governor-elect Bob Ferguson’s approach to the state’s fiscal challenges.
  • Unlike his predecessor, outgoing Governor Jay Inslee, Ferguson has signaled a willingness to consider spending reductions over tax increases.

VIDEO

TVW: Inside Olympia: Senate Budget Leaders

Republican leaders find hope and promise in the new Democratic governor’s inaugural address

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News from the Caucus

January 24, 2025
Senate Republican Caucus

The Elephant in the Dome Podcast: A Better Future for Washington’s Children

In this episode of “The Elephant in the Dome,” the official podcast of the Washington State Senate Republican Caucus, hosts Tracy Ellis and Laudan Espinoza sit down with Senate Republican Leader John Braun. They delve into Democrat efforts affecting parental rights, the challenges and opportunities in education funding, and a vision for reimagining The Evergreen...
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January 23, 2025
Senate Republican Caucus

AUDIO: Senate panel passes Holy bill to help hire more law-enforcement officers

A bipartisan bill to increase the number of law enforcement officers in Washington is a step closer to being signed by Governor Bob Ferguson. Tracy Ellis explains.
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January 23, 2025
Senate Republican Caucus

AUDIO: State Senate Republican leadership update with Senator John Braun

Legislative Democrats are attempting to overturn the Parental Rights Initiative 2081 through Senate Bill 5181. The initiative, which was endorsed by over 400,000 Washingtonians, enshrined and clarified parental and familial rights in public education.
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January 21, 2025
Senate Republican Caucus

AUDIO: Budget and spending are top issues for 2025 Legislature, Short says

Washington taxpayers are being asked to cover the costs of unfortunate spending decisions by majority Democrats in Olympia, according to a state legislator. Tracy Ellis explains.
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January 21, 2025
Senate Republican Caucus

VIDEO: Legislative Republican Leadership Media Availability

Senators John Braun and Shelly Short and other Legislative Republican leaders hold their weekly media availability to discuss the 2025 legislative session.
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January 19, 2025
Senate Republican Caucus

VIDEO: Senate Republican Leader John Braun legislative update

Welcome to the first legislative update of the 2025 session from Senator Braun. Throughout this session, Senator Braun will provide regular updates to keep you informed about the latest developments and legislative activities. Stay tuned for more insights and progress reports as we work together to make a positive impact.
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News from the Senators

January 21, 2025
John Braun

Braun proposes transforming The Evergreen State College to address Washington’s growing health-care workforce crisis

OLYMPIA…Senate Republican Leader John Braun, R-Centralia, introduced a bill today that would better position Washington to manage the critical demand for 3.2 million additional health-care workers within the next five years. Senate Bill 5424 would change the mission of The Evergreen State College (TESC), which, as an institution of higher education, has declined in recent...
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September 18, 2024
Matt Boehnke

Boehnke looks to improve rules for siting of power plants

Sen. Matt Boehnke, R-Kennewick OLYMPIA… The state Energy Facility Site Evaluation Council (EFSEC) held a special meeting on September 13 to approve the revised site certification agreement for the controversial Horse Heaven Wind Project. Sen. Matt Boehnke, R-Kennewick, believes the EFSEC’s process to approve the revised site certification agreement (SCA) did not properly account for...
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April 26, 2024
John Braun

Infant fentanyl overdoses warrant felony charges, says Braun

CENTRALIA…Three infants in the Everett area overdosed on fentanyl over four days this week, including a 13-month-old who died. Senate Republican Leader John Braun, R-Centralia, shared the following reaction to these preventable tragedies. “It’s completely indefensible when an infant or child gets sick or dies because someone in the household is using deadly drugs such...
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April 15, 2024
John Braun

Right to protest does not include blocking airport access, says Braun

CENTRALIA… Senate Republican Leader John Braun, R-Centralia, released the following statement following the anti-Israel protest that blocked access to SeaTac Airport for several hours today. “People have the right to peaceably protest, but they don’t have the right to put themselves and drivers at risk by blocking access to our busiest airport. I understand that...
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April 08, 2024
John Braun

Braun appalled by Seattle teacher’s blatantly antisemitic comments

OLYMPIA…Senate Republican Leader John Braun, R-Centralia, today shared his reaction to comments made by Seattle school teacher Ian Golash during an interview posted Friday to X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter. When asked if the Oct. 7, 2023 attack by Hamas terrorists on Israeli citizens was justified, Golash responded, “Yes.” As the...
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April 08, 2024
John Braun

Sen. Braun on Sen. Rivers’ decision not to seek reelection: ‘We will deeply miss her leadership and service’

CENTRALIA… Senate Republican Leader John Braun offered this response to today’s announcement by Sen. Ann Rivers, R-La Center, that she will not be seeking a new term as the 18th Legislative District’s state senator: “Having served with Senator Rivers for more than a decade, from a neighboring district, I know how hard she has worked...
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The official Facebook page of the Washington State Senate Republican Caucus

Legislative Republicans have long argued that car thefts are more than just property crimes. Car thefts impair people's ability to work, get groceries, and see loved ones -especially for those on low and fixed incomes. "Catch-and-release" must end. #UnsafeWA #waleg ... See MoreSee Less
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#tbt Last year, Sen. Chris Gildon, R-Puyallup, called out hypocrisy on legislation allowing MASSIVE increases in property taxes and rental costs without a public vote (SB 5770 in 2024, now HB 1334).Legislative Democrats pushed a regressive tax in name of helping police, after working to defund police. Fortunately, we defeated SB 5770 last year and the bill died after major pressure from the public and our determination. However, the terrible regressive tax proposal is back this year (HB 1334). Stay vigilant. Sen. Gildon also explains why major property tax and rental increases should not happen this year, next year, or beyond. #UnaffordableWA #waleg ... See MoreSee Less
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#tbt Legislative Republicans joined citizens in Olympia rallying in support of legislative action on the people's Initiatives, including Parental Rights in education (I-2081), which was passed into law last year.We strongly stand with parents and their rights. #waleg ... See MoreSee Less
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