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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.
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
Warnick plans Tuesday hearing on collaborative approach to Washington rural development
The chair of the Senate’s water-policy committee has responded to an anti-rural ruling from the state Supreme Court by filing legislation concerning the availability of water for new household wells. Sen. Judy Warnick, R-Moses Lake, has scheduled Senate Bill 5239 for a public hearing Tuesday, Jan. 24 at 8 a.m. before the Senate Agriculture, Water,...
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Senate approves Braun bill to rein in authority of state agencies
Today the state Senate approved legislation introduced by Sen. John Braun, R-Centralia to limit the power of state agencies by changing the way they make rules. Senate Bill 6396 would require proposed rules to be submitted to the state attorney general’s office for an opinion on their constitutionality. In addition, any new rule would automatically...
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Braun bill to boost state’s mental-health system approved
Today the state Senate approved legislation introduced by Sen. John Braun, R-Centralia to expand the pool of medical professionals capable of addressing mental-health needs of Washingtonians. Senate Bill 6445, which cleared the Senate unanimously, would clarify state law to include physician assistants in the delivery of mental-health services. “Our state needs more mental-health professionals to...
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Schoesler named ‘Legislative Champion’ by Washington Association of Realtors
Schoesler, R-Ritzville, is a co-winner of the award with Sen. Andy Hill of Redmond, the Senate majority’s budget chief. They helped lead the Legislature to adopt a new 2015-17 operating budget which is balanced without general tax increases that would have hit Main Street employers and family-level investors.
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Senate majority makes college more affordable with historic tuition cuts
Senate Majority leader Mark Schoesler recaps the news coverage of an historic session: ‘Historic’ tuition cut sets state apart from rest of U.S. Seattle Times, June 13, 2015 Washington’s move isn’t well-known elsewhere in the country, but some say it could spur other states to think about cuts. “I don’t know how widely known this proposal...
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A messy session with a splendid finish
This post originally appeared on the leadership blog of the Majority Coalition Caucus, Exit 105. If ever there was a legislative session that proved Otto von Bismarck right, it is the one we just finished. Von Bismarck is the former German chancellor we always quote about legislating and sausage-making: “Laws are like sausages – it...
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Social Media
Dubious Distinction: For the cost of doing business, Washington State has gone from 28th place to 48th place in the U.S. according to the Puget Sound Regional Council.This comes after budgets with both the largest and second largest tax increases in state history were passed by the far left and Gov. Bob Ferguson. Many of these steep new taxes targeted small business (HB 2081) and even charities, non-profits, foodbank, childcare, and health care (SB 5814). It’s straight up government greed and it’s costing us all.Former WA Governor Christine Gregoire joins a growing number of commonsense Democrats, Independents, and Republicans who recognize the far left majority in state government has a massive spending problem. WA budget policies are crippling our economy and is at the heart of our affordability crisis.It's well-past time rein in spending and use taxpayer dollars wisely. #GovernmentGreed #StopTheGreed #ReturnAffordability #waleg
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 $5.27 a gallon — a full $1.17 higher than the national average of $4.10. 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
Back-to-back budgets with the largest tax increases in WA State History (SB 5167 in 2025 & SB 5998 in 2026), the bill allowing WA to decertify and remove your locally elected Sheriff at-will (SB 5974), and more come to mind.State government should reflect the will of the people and respect our state constitution, not cater to the far left and special interests. We need policies that lower your cost of living, honors our constitution, and restores public safety & accountability (SB 5810, SB 5060, & more).You and your family deserve better.#WADeservesBetter #ReturnAffordability #waleg
