Podcasts about A Safer Washington
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...
The Elephant in the Dome Podcast: Session Closes: Taxes, Public Safety, and Education Updates
As the Legislative Session ends, Senate Republican Leader John Braun unpacks key issues: tax debates, rent control, unemployment benefits for striking workers, public safety strides, and challenges in education policy.
The Elephant in the Dome Podcast: Anti-Semitism on Campus, Public Safety, and Washington’s Budget Crisis
On this episode of The Elephant in the Dome, Senator John Braun is joined by KVI radio host Ari Hoffman for a no-holds-barred conversation about rising anti-Semitism on college campuses, the state of public safety in Washington, and the looming budget crisis. They...
The Elephant in the Dome Podcast: Reducing Sentences for Violent Crimes? Washington’s Shocking New Bills
In this episode of the Elephant in the Dome, Senator John Braun and hosts Tracy Ellis and Lauden Espinoza dive into the shocking legislation proposed in Washington state that would reduce sentences for violent crimes—including those involving firearms. How does this...
The Elephant in the Dome Podcast: Governor’s Inaugural Address, Budget Insights, and Legislative Updates
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 are joined by Senate Republican Leader John Braun. They discuss Governor Bob Ferguson's inaugural address and...
The Elephant in the Dome Podcast: Senate Republican Priorities, Budget Challenges and Transportation Funding
Washington State Association of Broadcasters and Allied Daily Newspapers of Washington legislative session preview Senate Republican Leader John Braun on Senate Republicans' priorities Senator Chris Gildon on the need to identify the actual budget problem Senator...
The Elephant in the Dome Podcast: New Democrat taxes, hiring more law enforcement, repealing sanctuary state status
State Senate Democrats accidentally leak new tax plans. A bill seeks 100 million dollars to help hire more law-enforcement officers. A Senator wants to help illegal immigrants by repealing Washington's sanctuary state status. Guests include: Sen. Chris Gildon, Sen....
The Elephant in the Dome Podcast: Shortage of public defenders and prosecutors – a criminal justice crisis
Washington’s criminal justice system has a big problem – a shortage of public defenders and prosecutors. Senator Mike Padden, a former judge and the Ranking Republican on the Senate Law and Justice Committee is the featured guest. Washington Supreme Court justices...
The Elephant in the Dome Podcast: Senator Blindsided by Department of Children, Youth, and Families mismanagement and transfer and return of inmates
Senator Matt Boehnke says State Department of Children, Youth, and Families mismanagement is leading to dangerous conditions at juvenile detention centers. Juvenile detention center overcrowding led to the transfer of dozens of men to adult prisons, but a judge ruled...
The Elephant in the Dome Podcast: The public defender shortage crisis
A shortage of public defenders is leading to the release of people charged with serious crimes. Senator Nikki Torres is working to address the crisis.
The Elephant in the Dome Podcast: New laws on police pursuits, parental rights, income taxes go into effect
New laws are going into effect that impact police pursuits, parental rights, and income taxes in Washington. The legislature passed three initiatives related to those issues. Senators Mike Padden, Shelly Short, and Matt Boehnke talk about them.
The Elephant in the Dome Podcast: Sen. Mike Padden on increase in fatal car wrecks
Washington is grappling with a surge in deadly and serious injury car crashes. The Traffic Safety Commission says Washington hit a 33-year high in traffic deaths. Nearly half of those deaths involved drivers impaired by drugs or alcohol.
The Elephant in the Dome Podcast: Republicans applaud Center For Behavioral Health and Learning opening
Republican senators applaud the opening of the center, stressing its importance amid the opioid crisis. Senator Lynda Wilson highlights the need for both treatment and accountability.
The Elephant in the Dome Podcast: Antisemitic rhetoric from teacher, and during dangerous illegal protest, Braun reacts
A Seattle teacher makes blatantly antisemitic comments. An illegal antisemitic protest blocks airport access. What’s going on? Senate Republican Leader John Braun joins host Tracy Ellis.
Elephant in the Dome Podcast: Senator Mike Padden will not seek reelection to the state Senate
After four decades of public service, state Senator Mike Padden is calling it a career. The Spokane Valley Republican will not seek reelection to the Senate.
Elephant in the Dome Podcast: A look back at the Legislative Session and a senator says goodbye
Senate Republican Leader John Braun says the three new laws on police pursuits, parental rights and income taxes that came from the citizens of the state highlight the session. He also talks about tax increase proposals, homelessness and rent control. Senator Lynda...
Elephant in the Dome Podcast: Initiatives to the Legislature: Three pass, three go to the ballot in November
Citizens collected more than 2.3 million signatures to put six initiatives before the Legislature. Three of the initiatives received a hearing and a vote. All three passed with bipartisan support. Majority Democrats refused to give hearings to the remaining three...
Elephant in the Dome Podcast: Democrat bill expected to put stores out of business
Many small Washington stores may be forced out of business by a bill passed by legislative Democrats. The legislation calls for employee background checks and several very expensive security requirements. It forces businesses to buy and maintain costly audio/video...
Elephant in the Dome Podcast: Legislative Democrats holding hearings on some of the initiatives to the Legislature
Legislative Democrats are allowing hearings on some of the six initiatives to the Legislature. Senate Republican Leader John Braun and Senator Matt Boehnke react to the Democrats’ decision to hold the hearings and their outspoken opposition to the three initiatives...
Elephant in the Dome Podcast: Excitement over 6 Initiatives and concerns about the Department of Children, Youth, and Families
Senate Republican Floor Leader Shelly Short explains why she’s excited about the six initiatives to the Legislature and Senate Republican Leader John Braun talks about his concerns with the Green Hill School in his district and the agency that runs it, the Department...