Washington state becomes national leader in drug-overdose deaths

Washington is now a national leader in drug-overdose deaths and two Republican state Senators say credit goes to Legislative Democrats. Senators Mike Padden and Jeff Wilson say statistics show drug deaths skyrocketed after Democratic leaders insisted on eliminating felony penalties for the possession of hard drugs in 2021.

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Bill to Allow Opt Out of Long-Term Care Payroll Tax

Paychecks for most Washington workers are now smaller thanks to the new long-term care payroll tax. Senate Republicans are introducing legislation to allow workers to opt out of the tax. Senators John Braun, Curtis King, Lynda Wilson, and Chris Gildon held a news conference on the proposal.

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Green Energy with Sen. Matt Boehnke

It seems at times that the conversation around green energy often centers on wind and solar. But sometimes the wind doesn’t blow, and the sun doesn’t shine. So, what does reliable green energy look like? Sen. Matt Boehnke of Richland joins Tracy Ellis to talk about it.

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More Cap-and-Trade with Sen. John Braun

We continue our discussion about the Democrats’ cap-and-trade program and its effect on Washington gas prices, which are now the highest in the country. Senate Republican leader John Braun is featured.

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Cap-and-Trade with Sen. Mark Schoesler

Will the latest cap-and-trade carbon auction raise fuel prices again? Certain industries in Washington are subject to a statewide cap on carbon pollution. To cover their emissions, they’re required to purchase allowances. The price for a Washington carbon allowance in the May auction was just over $56. Senator Mark Schoesler joins Tracy Ellis to talk […]

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The Long-term Care Payroll Tax with Sen. John Braun

Washington workers must start paying the WA Cares long-term care payroll tax next month. Someone making just over $50,000 a year will pay about $24 a month. If you don’t move out of Washington, you’ll be eligible for a lifetime maximum benefit of $36,500 after paying into the program for ten years for extended care […]

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Irv Newhouse Building Replacement Groundbreaking

The Irv Newhouse Building on the state capitol campus in Olympia is gone. Built as a “temporary” structure in 1934, the building housed the Senate Republican Caucus until the end of 2022. Construction of a new building is getting underway and is expected to be finished in November 2024. Senator Mark Schoesler and Former Senator […]

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