Tens-of-millions of dollars set aside to protect schools from earthquakes is not getting spent, and state Senator Judy Warnick wants something done about it. The Office of the State Superintendent of Public Instruction is supposed to be distributing the money.
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...
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...
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.
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.
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.
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.
What makes Senate Republicans tick? How do they come up with their priorities? What are they doing to tackle those priorities? Sen. John Braun talks public safety, affordability, education, and abortion in this episode of the Elephant in the Dome Podcast.
A recent Seattle Times Op-Ed asks: Washington is losing farms and food-producing land - does anyone care? Senator Ron Muzzall, a farmer, and the ranking Republican on the Senate Ag Committee explains why people should care.
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.
Governor Inslee signed a Democrat bill that he says creates the roadmap and tools for Puget Sound Energy to get out of the natural gas business. What does that mean? Senator Chris Gildon provides a comprehensive explanation of this controversial new law.
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.
