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This condensed transcript is a summarized version of the original podcast episode and is intended for informational purposes only. It may omit portions of the full conversation for clarity and brevity. For the complete discussion, please refer to the full podcast recording.
Tracy Ellis:
It’s the Elephant in the Dome, the official podcast of the Washington State Senate Republican Caucus. I’m Tracy Ellis with Senate Republican Leader John Braun. It was just Labor Day—what’s the climate for labor in Washington State right now?
Sen. John Braun:
It’s a complex labor market. Broadly, it’s plateaued. We had a couple of years of very low unemployment, which gave workers more options and leverage. Wages rose, especially for lower and middle-income folks. But now, costs—food, gas, housing, childcare, healthcare—are rising faster than wages. That’s largely due to the Democratic majority’s policies: taxes, regulations, and rules that drive up the cost of living.
Tracy Ellis:
What can the legislature do to help?
Sen. John Braun:
Stop pretending they can regulate and tax without consequences. The recent tax increases are being passed on to everyday people. Even with higher wages, many can’t afford basic living costs.
Tracy Ellis:
Despite higher taxes, companies are still creating jobs. Do you think employers will keep hiring?
Sen. John Braun:
It varies, but overall, Washington sends a strong signal that it’s expensive to do business here. Taxes and regulations are burdensome. Most employers care deeply about their workers—they want to invest in benefits, not bureaucracy. But the Democratic majority doesn’t get that.
Tracy Ellis:
Do employers and employees generally get along?
Sen. John Braun:
Yes, in most well-run companies. Democrats often frame it as adversarial, but that’s not reality. Success comes from collaboration—happy employees make productive companies, which leads to better compensation.
Tracy Ellis:
Some Democrats point to your opposition to unemployment benefits for striking workers and minimum wage hikes as anti-worker.
Sen. John Braun:
Unemployment insurance is meant for people who lose jobs through no fault of their own. Striking is a choice. Giving benefits to strikers is unfair to the majority who keep working and end up footing the bill. As for minimum wage, I’m not against people earning more—I just think market forces are better at determining fair wages than mandates.
Tracy Ellis:
Are you anti-union?
Sen. John Braun:
Not at all. I meet with trade union leaders weekly. We don’t agree on everything, but there’s a lot of common ground. We’re pro-worker—union and non-union alike. Public sector unions, however, often push partisan agendas and forget that the private sector funds government programs.
Tracy Ellis:
Public employees recently got a big raise despite budget constraints. You opposed that?
Sen. John Braun:
Yes. Public sector employees are already well-compensated—often better than private sector workers. We proposed a $5,000 flat bonus instead of percentage raises, which would’ve helped lower-income workers more and avoided billions in new costs.
Tracy Ellis:
Is the state hiring away private sector workers?
Sen. John Braun:
Absolutely. I’ve heard from employers who train entry-level staff only to lose them to state jobs with better pay and benefits. Ironically, the state claims it needs big raises to reduce turnover, but its turnover rate is already low—better than most public and private sectors.
Tracy Ellis:
Washington has one of the highest minimum wages. Thoughts?
Sen. John Braun:
Again, I support higher wages, but mandates aren’t the way. Most employers already pay above minimum wage. Let the market decide. Mandates can reduce job opportunities, especially for teens and entry-level workers.
Tracy Ellis:
There were Labor Day protests about economic inequality and corporate influence. Are billionaires exerting too much control?
Sen. John Braun:
I don’t see it. I’m not here to defend billionaires, but I don’t think they have outsized influence. Many lean left politically. I want everyone to have opportunity—not everyone will succeed the same way, but they should have the chance.
Tracy Ellis:
Is economic justice a concern?
Sen. John Braun:
It’s a buzzword. People don’t want jargon—they want jobs, fair wages, and manageable costs. The left’s language often alienates the very people they claim to support.
Tracy Ellis:
Is the social safety net weakening?
Sen. John Braun:
Yes, especially Medicaid. The Democratic budget cut billions from it, hurting hospitals and vulnerable populations. They’ll blame the feds, but federal Medicaid spending is up. The problem is mismanagement at the state level.
Tracy Ellis:
Can Democrats and Republicans find common ground on labor?
Sen. John Braun:
I believe so. Republicans offer amendments and solutions, but the Democratic majority is increasingly driven by far-left activists. Still, there’s always room for middle ground.
Tracy Ellis:
Eastern Washington faces different challenges. What’s unique about agriculture?
Sen. John Braun:
Ag labor is seasonal and complex. Urban lawmakers often don’t understand it and impose regulations that hurt workers. Farmers know they must treat workers well—they won’t come back otherwise. The overtime debate is a prime example of policy disconnect.
Tracy Ellis:
What advice do you give young people entering the workforce?
Sen. John Braun:
Start early. Any job builds experience. Work hard, learn, and find what you enjoy. Whether it’s college, certification, or apprenticeships—there’s no one path. Apprenticeships, especially, offer great careers without debt.
Tracy Ellis:
Are Republicans anti-college?
Sen. John Braun:
Not at all. Many of us went to college. We’re pro-choice—education should fit the individual. We even lowered tuition in 2015 to make college more accessible.
Tracy Ellis:
How much of your job is about helping workers?
Sen. John Braun:
All of it. Whether it’s labor policy, budgeting, or economic development, it’s about creating opportunity for working people. That’s the heart of our coalition.
Tracy Ellis:
Thanks, Senator Braun. This is the Elephant in the Dome, the official podcast of the Washington State Senate Republican Caucus.