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: The public defender shortage crisis](https://src.wastateleg.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Sen.-Torres-Podcast-1080x675.png)
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.
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...
Democrats in the state Legislature passed a bill requested by Puget Sound Energy that insulates PSE from paying for state-mandated carbon-reduction goals by cutting off gas natural service to its customers. Listen to what Republican Senators John Braun, Chris Gildon,...
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...