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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
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
Leonard Christian
4th District | Spokane Valley
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Leonard Christian
4th District | Spokane Valley
Jim McCune
2nd District | Graham
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Jim McCune
2nd District | Graham
Perry Dozier
16th District | Waitsburg
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Perry Dozier
16th District | Waitsburg
Drew MacEwen
35th District | Shelton
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Drew MacEwen
Deputy Leader
35th District | Shelton
Jeff Wilson
19th District | Longview
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Jeff Wilson
19th District | Longview
Curtis King
14th District | Yakima
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Curtis King
Transportation Budget Leader
14th District | Yakima
Keith Goehner
12th District | Dryden
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Keith Goehner
12th District | Dryden
Nikki Torres
15th District | Pasco
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Nikki Torres
Deputy Floor Leader
15th District | Pasco
Phil Fortunato
31st District | Auburn
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Phil Fortunato
31st District | Auburn
Ron Muzzall
10th District | Oak Harbor
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Ron Muzzall
Vice Caucus Chair
10th District | Oak Harbor
Chris Gildon
25th District | Puyallup
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Chris Gildon
OPERATING BUDGET LEADER
25th District | Puyallup
Mark Schoesler
9th District | Ritzville
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Mark Schoesler
Capital Budget Leader
9th District | Ritzville
Jeff Holy
6th District | Spokane
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Jeff Holy
6th District | Spokane

COUNTDOWN

2026 Legislative Session

Day(s)

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Hour(s)

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Minute(s)

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Second(s)

 

Bills Washington Can’t Afford—CLICK HERE Affordable Solutions for Washington—CLICK HERE

BILL WATCH

Every legislative session brings a wave of new proposals:

  • Some protect taxpayers and strengthen our communities
  • Some grow government, raise costs, and move Washington in the wrong direction.

Bill Watch is your guide to what really happened this session.

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

Social Media

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Washington State Senate Republican Caucus

3 days ago

Washington State Senate Republican Caucus
Sen. Nikki Torres shares the devastating economic impact the income tax will have on small businesses in our state (SB 6346). Torres previously served as President of the Tri-Cities Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.SB 6346 is disingenuously being branded as a "millionaire tax" by the far left and special interests, but they rejected Amendment 696 which ensured this tax is only for millionaires. This tax can be applied to everyone as early as next year by amending it --- without a vote of the people."This bill is about giving the government more money. It's not about helping people." -Sen. TorresWashington State has a spending problem, not a revenue problem.#UnaffordableWA #UnconsititutionalWA #GovernmentGreed #waleg ... See MoreSee Less

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Washington State Senate Republican Caucus

4 days ago

Washington State Senate Republican Caucus
Dubious Distinction: Another $416 MILLION unaccounted for in WA?!Governor Ferguson's Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) have an un-auditable $416 MILLION of taxpayer funds, according to State Auditor Pat McCarthy (D). At the same time, taxpayer funded daycare fraud is being exposed nationwide.This recent grim news comes after decades of tax increases from WA Democrats, record spending, a squandered $15 BILLION surplus, the largest tax increases and spending spree in state history last year, $1.17 BILLION in missing COVID money, $1 BILLION in wasted Labor & Industries tech projects, $646 million of unemployment money being stolen by Nigerian scammers, $340 million going to non-citizens, and so much more.There must be more accountability and transparency of your money. Our $ave WA budget focused on savings by targeting waste, fraud, and abuse (SB 5810). Imagine what these BILLIONS alone could have paid for.#UnaccountableWA #UnaffordableWA #waleg ... See MoreSee Less

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Washington State Senate Republican Caucus

4 days ago

Washington State Senate Republican Caucus
Good News! The Socialist Jobs Tax is Dead (HB 2100)! Another tax on jobs is a terrible idea that would disincentivize hiring and put more people out of work. Thank you to everyone who Signed-in CON on HB 2100! ... See MoreSee Less
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WashingtonSRC

Video updates from Washington State Senate Republican Caucus members.

WashingtonSRC
Senator Mark Schoesler outlines concerns about the state’s proposed income tax and the significant differences between budget plans in the Legislature. He warns that relying on one‑time funds, unrealistic growth assumptions, and a likely court challenge creates serious long‑term fiscal risk, leaving future lawmakers accountable for today’s decisions.
The connection between budget risks and income tax uncertainty: Sen. Schoesler’s legislative update
Beef Day at the Washington State Capitol in Olympia with sizzling tri-tip, local ranchers, and happy lawmakers and staffers. Hear from producers and legislators while enjoying scenes of people lining up, sharing plates, and supporting Washington’s cattle community.
Beef Day 2026
As Washington lawmakers enter the final stretch of the legislative session, Senate Republican Leader John Braun discusses a recent meeting with Governor Ferguson and the growing debate over a proposed state income tax. In this episode of Elephant in the Dome, Braun shares what was discussed in the meeting, where negotiations stand, and why Republicans believe the proposal could affect families, businesses, and Washington’s economy. The conversation also covers concerns about the state operating budget, potential future deficits, and legislation aimed at protecting children from fentanyl exposure. In this episode: • What happened during the meeting with the governor • The latest developments in the income tax debate • Concerns about the proposed state budget • How tax policy could impact businesses and economic growth • Efforts to address fentanyl exposure among children Transcript: https://src.wastateleg.org/blog/eitd-transcript-washington-income-tax-showdown-braun-reveals-happened-governor-meeting/ Subscribe for more updates and behind-the-scenes discussions from Olympia.
Washington Income Tax Showdown? Braun Reveals What Happened in Governor Meeting
Sen. Matt Boehnke speaks on the Senate floor in support of an amendment to SHB 1390 that would require individuals leaving the Community Protection Program to remain at least 500 feet from schools, child care facilities, and other places where children gather. Boehnke said that if the state eliminates the program, lawmakers must ensure protections remain in place to safeguard children, families, and communities.
Sen. Matt Boehnke: Amendment seeks to add 500-foot safety buffer near schools and child care
Sen. Matt Boehnke speaks on the Senate floor in support of an amendment to SHB 1390 that would require individuals leaving the Community Protection Program to remain at least 500 feet from schools and child care facilities. Boehnke said the state must balance treatment and support services with the safety of children, victims, and surrounding neighborhoods when determining where individuals are placed in the community.
Sen. Matt Boehnke calls for safeguards on where high-risk individuals are placed
Sen. Matt Boehnke speaks on the Senate floor about an amendment to SHB 1390, arguing that individuals leaving the Community Protection Program should receive appropriate, specialized treatment while ensuring communities remain protected. Boehnke said previous recommendations called for reforming the program, not eliminating it, and urged support for amendments focused on treatment, accountability, and safer transitions back into the community.
Sen. Matt Boehnke urges reform, not repeal, of Community Protection Program
Sen. Matt Boehnke speaks on the Senate floor in support of an amendment to SHB 1390 that would add transparency, accountability, and clear safeguards as the state transitions individuals out of the Community Protection Program. Boehnke said codifying these protections in law would ensure better oversight, stronger decision-making, and greater confidence for families and communities impacted by the program’s repeal.
Sen. Matt Boehnke: Safeguards must be written into law, not left to agencies
Sen. Braun talks about what's happening in the 8th week of the 2026 legislative session. The budget and the income tax remain at center focus. This week, Sen. Braun highlights how the Senate proposal would cut funding for the Running Start program that allows high school kids to earn an A.A. degree while earning their high school diploma. It would also make cuts to the "transition to kindergarten" program. Both moves would hurt kids in our state, especially in rural areas. Hear more.
Senate Republican Leader John Braun gives his weekly video update for the 2026 legislative session.
9th District Sen. Mark Schoesler talks about what the Legislature is doing as it enters the final days of this year's 60-day session, including Senate and House negotiators trying to reach a final agreement on the state supplemental operating budget. He also discusses the supplemental capital and transportation budgets.
Sen. Mark Schoesler 2026 session week 8 update
In a budget year defined by a multibillion-dollar gap, Democrats look to future revenue from a proposed millionaires tax. Sen. Chris Gildon argues the budget leans on one-time fixes and “hope,” backing structural reforms, accountability metrics and changes to education and childcare funding.
TVW: Inside Olympia -- Senate Supplemental Budget w/Sen. Chris Gildon
Sen. Phil Fortunato explains his zero-based budgeting amendment during debate on the Senate’s supplemental operating budget. After hours on the Senate floor considering amendments, Fortunato discusses why he believes the current budgeting process relies too heavily on automatic percentage increases rather than careful review. His proposal would have required 25% of the state budget to be reviewed from zero each biennium, ensuring that within eight years every agency would justify its spending line by line. Fortunato outlines how zero-based budgeting would increase transparency, strengthen accountability, and help identify outdated or ineffective programs — all while protecting taxpayer dollars.
Sen. Phil Fortunato discusses zero based budget proposal
In this week’s update, Matt Boehnke, R-Kennewick, shares the latest from Olympia as the Senate debates a proposed state income tax that has generated historic public response, with more than 100,000 people signing in CON. Boehnke outlines his concerns about how the proposal could affect families’ everyday costs, including groceries, gas, and small-business operations, and thanks constituents for staying engaged in the legislative process. He also provides an overview of the state’s three major budgets — capital, transportation, and operating. The capital and transportation budgets focus on infrastructure, schools, public safety, and emergency response, while the operating budget negotiations center on overall spending priorities and accountability. Boehnke says he will continue advocating for responsible budgeting, safe communities, and policies that support working families in the 8th Legislative District.
Sen. Matt Boehnke: Income Tax Debate and Budget Update from Olympia
Statement from Sen. Jim McCune on the Operating Budget (SB 5998) Sen. Jim McCune voices strong opposition to SB 5998, the operating budget, arguing it drains reserves, relies on an unconstitutional income tax, and grows faster than household incomes. He warns the budget is unsustainable, burdens working families, and could drive many Washingtonians out of the state.
Statement from Sen Jim McCune on the Operating Budget (SB 5998)
Senator Judy Warnick expresses strong concerns about the recently passed Senate budget, describing it as unstable and built on a weak foundation. She criticizes the plan for overspending, lacking sound policy, and failing to support K–12 education. Warnick notes she will work to improve the budget as it moves through the legislative process.
Warnick Has Concerns Over Senate Budget Proposal
Senator Drew MacEwen discusses bipartisan transportation budgets in the House and Senate. He highlights strong cooperation on advancing the Belfair Bypass, emphasizing its importance to the district and region. MacEwen shares optimism about keeping the project on schedule and encourages you to stay tuned for upcoming developments.
Sen. Drew MacEwen on Bipartisan Progress in the Transportation Budget
Sen Mark Schoesler Senate Capital Budget
Sen Chris Gildon Senate Operating Budget
Sen John Braun Senate Operating Budget
Sen. John Braun, R-Centralia, updates everyone on the income tax, the Senate proposal for the state operating budget and the how the chair of the House Community Safety Committee refuses to hear any legislation to protect children from exposure to fentanyl.
Senate Republican Leader John Braun's weekly legislative video update for the week of Feb. 27, 2026
Senator John Braun discusses why the operating budget is growing by $2 billion despite early claims it wouldn’t. A closer look at unexpected cost fixes and rising taxpayer spending. Enjoy this clip? Hear the full conversation on The Elephant in the Dome for a deeper breakdown of the proposed budget, long term spending concerns, and how revenue assumptions shape Washington’s future. Subscribe and listen wherever you get your podcasts, including here: https://youtu.be/Qf_9IULEM1o?si=4NJ_woPR2ouH4ih0
Why Is the Budget Growing After Promising “No Increases”?
Senator John Braun unpacks the Senate operating budget, income tax assumptions, education funding challenges, and concerns over one‑time money used for ongoing programs. TRANSCRIPT: https://src.wastateleg.org/blog/transcript-2-27/ YouTube Chapters: 00:00 – Intro: “It’s the elephant in the dome” 1 00:04 – Podcast overview and Budget Week begins 1 00:13 – In Senator Braun’s office: why this week is busy 1 00:23 – Focusing on the operating budget 1 00:34 – Reminder of budget warning: “No new increases” 1 00:45 – Question: Is the proposed budget growing? 1 00:53 – Braun: Yes, it’s growing — despite earlier claims 1 01:01 – $80 billion budget breakdown 1 01:09 – Growth sources: pension, liability & long‑term IT costs 1 01:22 – Spending $2 billion more than planned 1 01:36 – Income tax revenue being counted before passage 1 01:45 – Legal challenges & initiative possibilities 1 01:54 – Income tax timeline: first collection would be 2029 1 02:13 – Budget already spending 2029 revenue in 2027–29 biennium 1 02:24 – One‑time money used for ongoing programs 1 02:40 – Overspending existing revenue by $5 billion 1 02:56 – Raiding the rainy‑day fund 1 03:06 – “Magical” $800 million savings assumption 1 03:28 – Income tax implementation uncertainty 1 03:40 – Building a new agency to track income 1 03:55 – Earliest possible income‑tax revenue: 2029 for 2028 income 1 04:03 – Will income‑tax revenue go to education? 1 04:13 – Intent section vs. actual law: general fund only 1 04:23 – Education funding growth vs. other spending growth 1 04:42 – “Why believe they’ll spend it on education this time?” 1 04:59 – Is education fully funded now? 1 05:12 – Teacher compensation among the highest 1 05:18 – Ongoing challenges: special ed & learning assistance 1 05:31 – How dedicated funds get bargained away 1 05:45 – Legislature needs stricter spending restrictions 1 06:03 – Negotiation imbalance for school districts 1 06:15 – Ensuring money goes to kids who need help most 1 06:47 – Assistance funds rarely reach intended programs 1 07:03 – Need for stronger safeguards and accountability 1 08:43 – Summary & closing remarks 1 09:13 – Podcast outro (episode ends) 1
The Elephant in the Dome Podcast: How an Income Tax Shapes the Budget—and Schools
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