Tag Archives: Senate

Two State Senate Republican Leaders on Centennial Anniversary of Women Being Allowed to Vote

By tracyellis | Published on January 27, 2020

August 26th is the 100th Anniversary of the ratification of the 19th Amendment, giving women the right to vote.

State Senate Republican Floor Leader Shelly Short and Senate Caucus Vice Chair Judy Warnick share their thoughts.

Click here for more information on our state’s celebration.

 

The views expressed by individual members are not necessarily those of the entire caucus.

This Week in Olympia Jan. 20 – Jan. 24

By tracyellis | Published on January 24, 2020

Tracy Ellis and Mikaela Hobson take a look back at this week in Olympia.

 

 

The views expressed by individual members are not necessarily those of the entire caucus.

Senate Republican’s comprehensive plan to address homelessness

By tracyellis | Published on January 21, 2020

State Senate Republicans have a plan to address homelessness.

They’re ready to fight for real solutions instead of throwing money at a broken system.

Senators Hans Zeiger, Phil Fortunato, Steve O’Ban and John Braun held a homelessness crisis news conference.

 

The views expressed by individual members are not necessarily those of the entire caucus.

Senator Mike Padden details problems at the scandal plagued state Department of Corrections

By tracyellis | Published on January 15, 2020

The prison problems are prompting a trio of Senate Republicans to introduce a package of sweeping reforms. Senators Padden, Keith Wagoner and Steve O’Ban are sponsoring measures.

The views expressed by individual members are not necessarily those of the entire caucus.

Elephant in the Dome Podcast – A nursing home funding crisis a state legislator wants to fix

By tracyellis | Published on November 08, 2019

Pierce County Republican Senator Steve O’Ban held a press conference at the Tacoma Lutheran Retirement Community to introduce his bill to increase the state reimbursement for Medicaid patients.

 

The views expressed by individual members are not necessarily those of the entire caucus.

Senate Budget Priorities

By Laudan | Published on March 31, 2015

Senate budget fully funds education, cuts tuition without raising taxes

Students, teachers and parents would see significant funding increases for the state’s public schools while in-state tuition would be reduced for the first time since at least the 1970’s without raising taxes under Senator Andy Hill’s budget proposal released Tuesday.

2015 Senate Budget By the Numbers

“We crafted this budget  to prioritize education, protect our most vulnerable citizens and live within the state’s means,”said Hill,

of Redmond, who has served as chairman of the Senate Ways and Means Committee since 2013. “When Washington taxpayers see the state is taking in an additional $3 billion under the existing tax system, they believe that’s enough for us to provide the services residents want and deserve.”

Almost 80 percent of the revenue growth is dedicated to education including: an additional $1.3 billion to K-12 addressing the McCleary decision; funding for an average 25 percent tuition reduction at state colleges and universities by 2017; and almost $100 million to expand high quality early learning opportunities.

“Preparing students for success in college and in life starts by improving our 77 percent high school graduation rate and persistent opportunity gap,” said Hill. “If at-risk students can enter kindergarten better prepared through early learning programs, research shows they have a higher chance of graduating high school. It’s just as important that we make college accessible given the changing demands of the job market. This budget invests in a 21st-century education system.”

The plan also includes more than $70 million in additional support for mental health programs, protects funding for individuals with developmental disabilities, enhances protections for senior citizens, and makes Washington’s roads safer by reducing the number of DUI’s before an individual can be charged with a felony.

“Despite a consistent call for new taxes from the House of Representatives and governor, it’s clear that we can fulfill our priorities, make significant investments in important programs, and do so without taking more money out of taxpayer’s pockets,” continued Hill.

The 2015-17 operating budget proposal is scheduled for a public hearing on Tuesday, March 31, at 3:30 p.m. and can be viewed live on TVW at www.TVW.org.