Hard-fought battles further top Republican priorities
Braun praises work of outgoing House Republican Leader Wilcox
Bill to expand standard for vehicular pursuit “simply not enough,” says Senate Republican Leader
Senate Bill 5770 – the property tax increase on EVERYONE
Wagoner bill to recognize history, contributions of Americans of Chinese descent wins full legislative approval
STATEMENT: Republican senators say banning specific firearms won’t make Washington measurably safer
OLYMPIA… All members of the Senate Republican Caucus voted against a bill passed today by majority Democrats to ban a specific group of semi-automatic firearms in Washington. The legislation, approved on a 27-21 vote, would prohibit the sale, offer of sale, manufacture, import, and distribution of modern sporting rifles, which Democrats call “assault weapons.” House... Read More
Sen. John Braun’s leadership video update — education in the Senate budgets
Senate Republican Leader John Braun shares a few of the details in the Senate’s capital and operating budget proposals that with our top three priorities. Read More
Washington State Supreme Court got it wrong, says Braun
Republican budget leader has warning for taxpayers after Supreme Court backs capital-gains income tax
Braun: Bipartisan Senate budget addresses ‘equity issue of our time’
Republican budget leaders encouraged by ‘inclusive’ Senate operating-budget proposal
Senate Republican Leader John Braun addresses what’s happening in education
Senate Republican Leader John Braun updates us on the progress of police pursuit reform
Torres bill on missing and murdered Indigenous people passes Senate
Bill threatening rights of parents passes Senate
Sen. John Braun’s weekly leadership update – week 6
Watch: Police pursuit and drug possession remain top concerns for Senate Republicans as we try to convince Legislative Democrats to grant hearings for the bills that would remedy some of these issues. Read More
Committee passes Padden bill to keep repeat property offenders behind bars longer
Democracy on the ballot: SB 5082 & SB 5209
Wagoner bill to recognize history, contributions of Americans of Chinese descent heads to House
Leadership Video Update – Day 23
Common sense, accountability needed to fix bad police pursuit law
Senate Republicans elect 2023 deputy leadership
Senate Republicans announce 2023 committee assignments
Senate Republicans retain top leadership for 2023
Braun: Bipartisan emergency powers reform must happen in 2023
Shorter sentence for man convicted in brutal car crash is terrible result of war on public safety, senators say
Shorter sentence for man convicted in brutal car crash is terrible result of war on public safety, senators say
Robert Jackson was among 3,000 prisoners released in earlier Department of Corrections fiasco OLYMPIA – Resentencing of a man who got life without parole after he killed his girlfriend in a bloody 2015 car crash is a travesty that illustrates the terrible human consequences when the Legislature goes “soft on crime,” Republican senators say. Robert... Read More
Decision on environmental policy places power back in the people’s hands, says Braun
Better support for pregnant women should be common goal after SCOTUS decision, says Braun
Why all the Democrat disinformation about suspending gas tax?
For a guy who recently wanted to criminalize certain false statements, Gov. Jay Inslee certainly seems to have no qualms about spreading disinformation himself. It happened again Wednesday, after the new state revenue forecast had me and our Senate Republican budget leader repeating our call for a temporary suspension of the state gas tax. Here... Read More
8.6% inflation: Washington families need a tax break – call special session now
Republican leader denounces threats against public officials
Canceling parole for murderer Timothy Pauley should not have been a tough decision, says Braun
Senate Republican Caucus joins in tribute to Slade Gorton, former U.S. senator, statesman
‘Unscrupulous’ leak intensifies acrimonious, passionate debate on abortion, says Braun
Seattle’s ‘Quality of Life Index’ aligns with Senate Republican priorities
Muzzall seeks audit, investigation into housing money corruption
Direct anger about crime toward Democrats’ public-safety failures, says Republican leader
Follow Oregon’s example – end state-employee vaccine mandate, say Republican leaders
Kreidler needs to resign, says Sen. Jeff Wilson
Reports of staff abuse are last straw, says ranking member of State Government committee OLYMPIA – Staff complaints of abusive behavior from Washington’s insurance commissioner are the latest in a series of incidents that warrant Mike Kreidler’s resignation, says Sen. Jeff Wilson, R-Longview. Staff reports allege the hot-tempered Kreidler frequently makes snide remarks and belittles... Read More
VIDEO: Sen. Keith Wagoner’s Legislative Update
Inslee shouldn’t assign motives to legislators who dare to question him
Republican leaders: End statewide mask mandate, state of emergency today
AUDIO: Bill to add more abortion providers goes too far, lacks accountability, says Padden
Democrats’ budgets treat taxpayers harshly, Republican leaders say
Legislative Republican leaders: Don’t wait another month to end state mask mandates
Republican leaders: Democrats’ transportation plan misses mark by costing people more
Braun hopeful governor announces end to statewide mask mandate
Senate majority passes ‘unconscionable’ bill that would let murderers, rapists pursue quicker release from prison
Only fix for problematic long-term care tax is repeal, says Braun
VIDEO: KOMO: Federal and state aid for Whatcom County flood victims, featuring Sen. Simon Sefzik
Proposal to slash in-person schooling alarming, says Braun
Tax relief critical as higher prices crush working families
Simon Sefzik named to fill Senate vacancy in 42nd District
Will fill seat held by Sen. Doug Ericksen, R-Ferndale, who died Dec. 17 OLYMPIA – Simon Sefzik of Ferndale, who worked as an intern in Congress and was employed at the White House, has been named to replace the late Sen. Doug Ericksen in the Washington State Senate, and will assume the 42nd District Senate... Read More
Priorities for Washington
STATEMENT — Republican leaders: Call special session to fix or repeal long-term care tax before tax collections begin
Governor’s delay of ‘Washington Cares’ tax won’t prevent January deductions from paychecks OLYMPIA…In response to new information about how the governor’s delay of the long-term care tax won’t stop tax collections in January, Senate Republican Leader John Braun of Centralia and House Republican Leader J.T. Wilcox of Yelm issued this statement: “The governor’s announcement last... Read More
Legislature’s new legal challenge to gubernatorial vetoes a united effort, says Braun
Sen. Jeff Wilson issues statement on passing of Sen. Doug Ericksen
Sen. Jeff Wilson, R-Longview, released the following statement regarding the death of Sen. Doug Ericksen, R-Ferndale. Ericksen, 52, died Friday following a month-long illness. “Doug was one of the giants of the Washington Legislature, a fearless voice for the principles he and his constituents held dear. Protection of individual rights and freedoms, preserving the people’s... Read More
STATEMENT — Senate Republican budget leader says Inslee spending plan disrespects taxpayers
Supreme Court’s acceptance of Redistricting Commission maps best solution, says Braun
Braun urges Supreme Court to adopt Redistricting Commission’s plan
Braun: Inslee unfairly characterizes unvaccinated Washingtonians, ignores people’s true motives
Republican leaders: Today’s vaccine deadline threatens critical services, public safety
Sen. Braun on Sen. Rivers’ move: ‘We will deeply miss her leadership’
Commissioner Fain releases straightforward plan for Washington’s new congressional districts
Wilson’s plan for property-tax relief gets boost from latest revenue forecast
Bipartisan group of senators asks Inslee to suspend upcoming payroll tax, deadline for buying long-term care coverage
Commissioner Joe Fain releases draft 2021 legislative redistricting plan
Senate report sounds alarm about effort to empty prisons, return felons to the street
Intimidating, publicly shaming those with vaccine concerns is wrong path, says Braun
Republican leaders call for special session to fix confusing, controversial police reform bills
Democrat sponsor of legislation admits fixes are necessary OLYMPIA… Senate Republican Leader John Braun, R-Centralia, and House Republican Leader J.T. Wilcox, R-Yelm, issued the following statement in response to continued Democrat insistence in the press that law enforcement and legislators are overreacting to controversial new laws on policing that lack clarity and endanger the public,... Read More
Wilcox and Braun call on Democrats and governor to fix the problems created by controversial police-related bills
Government failed Cowlitz County on methanol project, say senators
OLYMPIA… The state senators representing Cowlitz County say the loss of a proposed $2.3 billion methanol plant at the Port of Kalama is another example of state government being out of touch with the needs of families and employers across the state. “The leaders at the port, the people at Northwest Innovation Works, and everyone... Read More
Republican leaders again call on Gov. Jay Inslee to fully reopen the state
House Republican Leader J.T. Wilcox and Senate Republican Leader John Braun released the following statement today: “We are calling on Governor Inslee to fully reopen the state immediately. He had left the door open to a reopening before June 30, and we viewed June 15 as a more appropriate target. Now, with vaccination rates continuing... Read More
Braun: Inslee again violates state constitution with illegal veto
That’s a wrap: Republican leaders wish Legislature had listened to the people more
Senators call for action on emergency powers issue
People deserve a voice in COVID lockdown decisions, Wilson says OLYMPIA – In the final hours of the 2021 legislative session, Senate Republicans are calling on majority Democrats to restore the people’s voice in COVID lockdown decisions and other public emergencies. In a letter to Senate Democratic Leader Andy Billig, Republican senators observe that if... Read More
Republican leaders say endorsement of 3-foot spacing would help classrooms reopen
Wilson encouraged by new revenue forecast, disappointed by majority’s continued push for taxes
Senate Republican leaders: Inslee’s school-choice approach to reopening K-12 instruction solid step toward improving youth mental health
Senate Republicans encouraged Washington moving ahead in reopening
Senate Republicans oppose income-tax bill; Braun calls out ‘emergency clause’
OLYMPIA… Last evening a majority on the Senate Ways and Means Committee voted to recommend the passage of Senate Bill 5096, which would put a 7-percent tax on income from the sale or exchange of capital assets. The proposal, which is another attempt to impose a state income tax on Washington residents, was requested by... Read More
Senate Republicans unveil budget to help state restart and recover
Braun to Inslee: Time to take the security fences down
Let people gather in safe, regulated public places – open Washington
Majority dodges vote on bipartisan bill to safely reopen Washington
Braun bill to reopen Washington receives staggering amount of public support
Legislative Republican leaders respond to Gov. Jay Inslee’s extension of statewide restrictions
Republicans respond to governor’s extension of tighter restrictions on small business
Senate Republicans announce 2021 committee assignments
Lawmakers renew their call for special session to address pandemic’s impact on business owners and workers
Braun, Rivers, Short, Wagoner tapped as top Senate Republican leadership
OLYMPIA…Washington Senate Republicans today elected their leadership team for the 2021-22 legislative term. The caucus elected Sen. John Braun, R-Centralia, as its new leader and Sen. Ann Rivers, R-La Center, as the new caucus chair. Sen. Shelly Short, R-Addy, was reelected as Republican floor leader and Sen. Keith Wagoner, R-Sedro-Woolley, is the new Republican whip.... Read More
Relief package is a start, but no substitute for full Legislative response
State’s newspapers agree: Refusal to call a special session is a big mistake
Wilson dismayed by governor’s new restrictions related to COVID-19 situation
VANCOUVER…Sen. Lynda Wilson said Gov. Jay Inslee’s announcement of new restrictions on Washington employers, workers and families has her questioning whether he truly understands the depth of the economic and personal damage they will cause. Wilson, R-Vancouver, is Republican leader of the Senate committee on economic development and trade. She also served on the governor’s... Read More
Schoesler: Safety measures and restrictions more likely to be widely supported if not dictated by governor alone
New revenue forecast highlights continued threat to critical public services, need for special legislative session
OLYMPIA… Six months after most of Washington’s economy was shut down due to COVID-19, the state Economic and Revenue Forecast Council has received 2020’s third-quarter forecast of state-government revenues. Today’s update reduces the deficit projected in the June 2020 forecast but leaves legislators on track to still deal with a $3.9 billion deficit. Sen. John... Read More
“Washington has lost a giant” says Senate Republican Leader of former U.S. Senator Slade Gorton’s passing
Calling special session now most responsible path forward
“Let the people weigh in”: Senate Republicans again call for special session
Senate Republicans push back results in redrafting of emergency proclamation
Senate Republican leader responds to criticism over denying extension of proclamation that limits due process
OLYMPIA…Senate Republican leader Mark Schoesler, R-Ritzville, released the following statement in response to criticism that the Senate Republican denial of the extension of Proclamation 20-45 will hurt victims of domestic violence. “Senate Republicans have always been, and will always be, champions for victims’ rights. We are extremely concerned about the 21 percent increase in domestic... Read More
Inslee four-phase plan forces many businesses to stay on path to failure
Mass release of convicted felons violates state constitution, Senate Republicans warn
Republican lawmakers step up with plan for safe restart of economy
OLYMPIA… Republicans in the state Senate and House of Representatives today shared the first plan for safely restarting Washington’s economy while state government’s response to the COVID-19 emergency continues. “Employers across our state are looking to government for a strategy that starts to take the brake off the economy. Republicans have come through with a... Read More
Legislative Republicans’ Safe Economic Restart Plan — April 17, 2020
Legislative Republicans Safe Economic Restart Plan — April 17, 2020 Read More
Senate Republicans call for compassionate economic policies under “Stay Home, Stay Healthy” extension
Caucus letter
Senate Republicans’ letter asks Inslee to veto sex-education bill
Senate Republicans will miss retiring Senator from 2nd Legislative District
Schoesler: Army Corps’ rejection of Snake River dam-breaching ought to end the argument
Prolific offenders struggling with mental illness would receive help under O’ban’s CARE Act
Senate Republicans to all of Washington: We hear you
O’Ban: Early returns on I-976 send strong message to Sound Transit
Schoesler welcomes new Senator from 10th Legislative District
Senate Republican Caucus celebrates 7th anniversary of Gov. Jay Inslee’s anti-tax pledge
Governor has proposed $23 billion in new taxes since inaugural OLYMPIA – Republicans in the Washington Senate today are celebrating the 7th anniversary of Gov. Jay Inslee’s promise not to raise taxes – a campaign pledge that will live in Washington history as one of the clearest and firmest ever uttered by a political candidate.... Read More
Senate Republican leadership: Illegal veto sets dangerous precedent, must not be allowed to stand
Supreme Court accepts O’Ban amicus brief in Sound Transit case
Seattle lawsuit part of strategy to force income tax on state, McKenna says
Democratic legislators ask Court of Appeals to overrule Washington voters OLYMPIA – When majority Democrats in the state Legislature decided this wasn’t the year to push a new income tax, it didn’t mean the fight was over. The battleground just moved from the Legislature to the courts. The state Court of Appeals heard oral arguments... Read More
The mugging of the taxpayers
Governor Inslee recently engaged in an amazing bit of revisionist history about his role in negotiating a reduction in tax rates for Washington’s aerospace industry. Back in November 2013 he called the agreement “great news for every Washingtonian.” Now, maybe to appeal to the far-left Sanders-Sawant crowd, he compares the negotiations to being mugged. If... Read More
Becker telemedicine bills pass House, move forward for governor’s signature
Statement: Sen. Mark Schoesler on today’s World Trade Organization ruling regarding Washington State subsidies for Boeing
OLYMPIA…Senate Republican Leader Mark Schoesler, R-Ritzville, offered the following statement in response to the ruling issued by the World Trade Organization that the tax breaks Washington State provided to Boeing unfairly benefited the company against its competitors. “The WTO previously ruled that Airbus benefited from $22 billion in illegal subsidies. Today, the WTO ruled that Boeing... Read More
Senate Republicans warn bill to move up state primary would undo 25 years of campaign finance reform
State resources illegally used for Democrat campaign training, says Schoesler
Demands in letter to Democrat leader campaign group’s reservations be canceled OLYMPIA…It is illegal for state resources to be used for campaign purposes, including training, but that is what Senate Republican Leader Mark Schoesler, R-Ritzville says is happening at the Legislative Building in Olympia this session. Schoesler sent a letter to Sen. Democrat Leader Billig... Read More
Inslee nominee to Housing Finance Commission convicted of domestic violence
Senate Democrats unanimously pass nomination out of committee despite knowing nominee lied about his record OLYMPIA…Senate Republican leadership issued the following statement in response to a unanimous vote by Senate Democrats in the Senate Housing Stability and Affordability Committee to pass Noe Castillo’s gubernatorial nomination out of committee, despite a conviction for domestic violence and... Read More
Legislature finally fixes I-940, and does it right
OLYMPIA – The Washington Legislature sent its first bill of the year to the governor’s desk Wednesday, fixing a police-deadly-force initiative approved by voters last fall – and this time it did it without breaking the law. HB 1064, approved by the state House last week and by the Senate on Wednesday, clarifies the new... Read More
Schoesler and Warnick welcome appointment of Ybarra to 13th District vacancy
Senate Republican Caucus announces 2019 Committee Assignments
The Washington State Senate Republican Caucus announces its 2019 Standing Committee assignments, which were finalized today: 2019 SRC Standing Committees List Agriculture, Water, Natural Resources & Parks (4D/3R) Warnick* Honeyford Short Early Learning & K-12 Education (7D/4R) Hawkins* Holy Padden Wagoner Energy, Climate & Technology (6D/3R) Ericksen* Brown Sheldon Environment... Read More
Robust packages of Republican ideas
Way back on October 3, three of my fellow Republican senators publicly announced a package of ideas for improving how state government approaches mental-health treatment. On Wednesday, the Senate’s Democrat majority announced the creation of a policy subcommittee on behavioral health. On November 13, three of my fellow Republican senators publicly announced a package of... Read More
Senate Republicans Announce 2019 Leadership
OLYMPIA…The Washington State Senate Republican Caucus announces its 2019 leadership, which it elected today: Leader: Sen. Mark Schoesler, R-Ritzville Caucus Chair: Sen. Randi Becker, R-Eatonville Floor Leader: Sen. Shelly Short, R-Addy Whip: Sen. Ann Rivers, R-La Center Deputy Leader: Sen. Sharon Brown, R-Kennewick Caucus Vice Chair: Sen. Judy Warnick, R-Moses Lake Deputy Floor Leader: ... Read More
Schoesler: We must redouble our efforts to keep Amazon jobs in Washington
Students are now missing school, statewide officials absent
Senate Republican leader concerned over ‘representation fees’ in third inquiry to Governor over changes in union dues
OLYMPIA… After receiving no direct response from the Governor, Senate Republican Leader Mark Schoesler sent a third letter July 12, requesting clarification from Gov. Jay Inslee on how Washington plans to address changes to union dues collections. “I’m concerned that there are conversations happening behind closed doors to circumvent the Supreme Court decision, including discussions... Read More
Schoesler letter to governor sheds light on troubling union practices in wake of Janus decision
Despite welcome repeal of Seattle’s ‘head tax,’ Senate Republicans will continue fight on behalf of working families
Repeal of Seattle jobs tax makes a statewide ban simpler
The rapid demise of the Seattle jobs tax doesn’t change the need for the bill I’d drafted that would clearly prohibit a tax on jobs (or a “head tax”) unless the necessary taxing authority is explicitly granted by the Legislature. My bill is still needed because the Seattle City Council’s turnaround was not due to... Read More
Schoesler says Republican senators will work to ensure Washington remains best place for aerospace
Schoesler: Seattle City Council voted ‘yes’ on a tax it isn’t authorized to impose
Senate leader says poll results should be ‘nail in the coffin’ for Seattle jobs tax
Schoesler: Recklessly taxing large employers threatens family jobs
Schoesler: Inslee’s signature on sweetheart deal for union is an affront to rights of home health-care workers
Schoesler: Democrat budget wastes opportunity of $2.3 billion surplus
The ‘Olympia Games’: Quantity doesn’t mean quality
I’m not a big watcher of the winter Olympic Games, which are upon us again, but I do know that most of the events are scored or judged in terms of more points and less time elapsed. Here at the winter Olympia Games, the Senate’s new majority hopes to score points by saying it has... Read More
Families across Washington win with deal on water-rights, capital budget
Republican leader: Amazon’s HQ2 list should be a wake-up call
Senate Republican leaders offer condolences amid Amtrak tragedy in Pierce County
Sen. John Braun statement on Gov. Inslee’s 2018 supplemental budget plan
Senate Republican Leader Mark Schoesler cautious about governor’s budget
Schoesler: Here’s what to look for in tomorrow’s budget proposal from Gov. Jay Inslee
Senate Republican Caucus announces 2018 committee appointments
Court recognizes Legislature’s historic education investments
A ruling today by the Washington State Supreme Court largely endorses the bipartisan school-funding reforms recently adopted by the Legislature in line with the 2012 McCleary ruling, according to Sen. John Braun. “Providing students with the support they need and deserve required us to solve a generational problem with a generational solution, which resulted in... Read More
Bipartisan coalition returns to roots as ‘Senate Republican Caucus’
The Senate Majority Coalition Caucus today returned to being the Senate Republican Caucus, although it remains bipartisan. Five years ago the 23-member Senate Republican Caucus and two Democrat senators joined to take the majority in the Senate. They took the Majority Coalition Caucus name to reflect the new bipartisan collaboration. Sen. Tim Sheldon,... Read More
Schoesler confident Legislature satisfied McCleary with bipartisan plan to fully fund basic education
Sound Transit deceived lawmakers, public on ST3, violated constitution, Senate investigation finds
Read executive summary here: ST-ExecSumLtrPaddenOBan OLYMPIA – Sound Transit misled lawmakers and voters in its effort to pass a $54 billion bond issue last year, concealing truth from decision-makers and violating the state constitution in the process, a Senate investigation has concluded. The Seattle-area rail transit agency won voter approval last November for a mammoth... Read More
‘I just wanted to express myself’
This must have been the week for calls from people who were transferred to my Senate office by “robo-calls”. One wave of callers seemed to be prompted by a robo-call about money for state lands and public-recreation projects. The funding is in the proposed capital budget, which should be approved soon after we agree on... Read More
Majority leader confident Legislature will reach budget deal soon
Don’t be taken in by the spin – legislators are negotiating
Democrat lawmakers still are trying to convince anyone within earshot that our Senate majority is boycotting negotiations toward a new operating budget. For instance, the Senate’s minority-caucus chair recently wrote that Democrats are “ready to sit down at the table.” Right after accusing our Senate majority of employing “alternative facts.” A few days earlier the... Read More
Busting the Democrats’ myth about ‘Connecting Washington’
All year long Democrat lawmakers have mentioned the “Connecting Washington” transportation package of 2015 when talking about reaching major agreements this year. For the longest time that didn’t make sense. There wouldn’t have been a 2015 package if Democrats hadn’t fumbled the first try in 2013. Why keep bringing it up? Now it’s clear. Democrats... Read More
Senate passes Corrections reform bill a second time, keeps issue alive
OLYMPIA – The Washington Senate passed a Department of Corrections reform bill for the second time Tuesday, assuring the issue will remain under active consideration during the Legislature’s current special session. Senate Bill 5294, prompted by last year’s early-release scandal, was one of several bills revived Tuesday as the full Senate met for the first... Read More
In first vote of the special session, Senate approves Hirst-fix legislation again
Senate approves temporary extension of local school levy rate with increased accountability
The Washington State Senate today approved legislation extending a temporary increase in the maximum amount school districts can raise through property taxes for public schools and implementing reforms to provide accountability for how local levies are collected and accounted. “Washington students deserve a comprehensive solution that provides a world-class education system instead of a temporary... Read More
Senate’s minority Democrats vote down proposed income-tax ban
Senate votes unanimously for Corrections reform bill, prompted by early-release scandal
OLYMPIA – The Washington Senate voted unanimously Monday for a bill that makes sweeping reforms to the Department of Corrections in the wake of last year’s early-release scandal. Senate Bill 5294, sponsored by Sen. Mike Padden, R-Spokane Valley, enacts recommendations made by the Senate Law and Justice Committee last year following a months-long investigation into... Read More
Senate votes to make 4th DUI a felony – for 6th time
OLYMPIA – The Washington Senate voted 41-0 Thursday morning to make the fourth DUI a felony in Washington state, marking the sixth time the Senate has given such a measure a unanimous vote since 2015. The previous five times, House leaders have declined to bring the measure to the House floor for a vote. “Repeat... Read More
Addressing ‘unconscionable’ agency actions that threaten public safety
Bill prompted by Corrections scandal set for Thursday vote in Senate committee
OLYMPIA – A bill prompted by deadly prisoner releases by the state Department of Corrections is set for a vote Thursday in the Senate Law and Justice Committee, a year after the agency revealed it had turned loose some 3,000 violent and dangerous prisoners ahead of schedule. Senate Bill 5294, sponsored by committee chair Mike... Read More
Senate Majority Coalition Caucus elects 2017 senior leadership
The Senate Majority Coalition Caucus today elected senior leaders for the caucus and the Washington state Senate. The MCC filled its top leadership spots with senior senators. Leadership positions carry a 2-year term and new leaders begin their duties immediately. “We’re anxious to start the 2017 legislative session. We have some big issues to tackle,... Read More
Steve O’Ban: How Washington State Accidentally Released 3,000 Prisoners Early — and How it Failed to Fix the Problem
This guest column was published by The Weekly Standard Online, June 27, 2016. By Steve O’Ban, R-Pierce County In 2002, the Washington State Department of Corrections made a software programming error that wasn’t caught for a decade. Over this period, the error allowed thousands of prisoners to be released before their sentences were completed. In... Read More
Mike Padden: DOC, governor must accept responsibility for deadly prison releases
This guest column was published in The Spokesman-Review, June 11, 2016. By Sen. Mike Padden, R-Spokane Valley One of the most disturbing things about the deadly prison-release scandal at the Department of Corrections is the way top state officials keep telling us it wasn’t their fault. The governor’s investigators went to great lengths to blame... Read More
Randi Becker: Education funding a big, contentious topic
This guest column was published in the Eatonville Dispatch, June 8, 2016. By Sen. Randi Becker, R-Eatonville The state Legislature adjourned its 2016 session on March 29. Since that time, I’ve had a number of local school officials and constituents ask me about progress toward fully funding our public schools. I thought it might be... Read More
Mike Padden: We’re already covered — The federal Voting Rights Act of 1965 makes a state law unnecessary
This guest column was published in The Inlander of Spokane, June 2, 2016. By Mike Padden, R-Spokane Valley The admirable cause of civil rights is being misused by partisans in the progressive camp as a tool to bash Republicans. We saw it happen last month in the Inlander, in an opinion column headlined “Blockin’ the... Read More
Senate report on deadly prison releases blames Corrections execs, governor’s office
Comprehensive legislative inquiry finds incompetence, malfeasance at highest levels OLYMPIA … A draft Senate report says top officials at the Department of Corrections and the governor’s office bear major responsibility for one the worst management failures in state-government history – the improper early release of some 3,000 of Washington’s most dangerous and violent prison inmates.... Read More
Sharon Brown: Olympia misses another chance for quicker project reviews, job creation
This guest column was published in the Tri-Cities Business News, May 13, 2016. By Sen. Sharon Brown, R-Kennewick Economic growth in Washington rests, in part, on political oversight. Our state faces a number of infrastructure and trade opportunities that, if approved in a timely manner, can create more jobs and a stronger local economy. Unfortunately, many... Read More
Pam Roach: State has much to learn from Panama Canal
This guest column was published in The (Tacoma) News Tribune, May 8, 2016. By Sen. Pam Roach, R-Sumner Failure to prepare for a coming storm can lead to disaster. So can the failure of public officials to take action when an approaching crisis is at hand. We have seen proof of this in everything from... Read More
Judy Warnick: Billboards an unfair attack on farmers
This guest column was published in The (Everett) Herald, May 1, 2016. By Sen. Judy Warnick, R-Moses Lake Recently, billboards have popped up in Western Washington that were sponsored by a campaign called “What’s Upstream?” They were paid for with taxpayer money via a grant from the federal Environmental Protection Agency. Their message: Agriculture is... Read More
Sharon Brown: Growing the Industry
This guest column was published in Building Insight, published by the Building Industry Association of Washington, in May 2016. By Sharon Brown, R-Kennewick Small businesses are the engine of growth, and ultimately, it is small business entrepreneurs and other employers who will create the jobs Washington’s economy so desperately needs. State government also has a... Read More
Andy Hill and Joe Fain: Constitutional amendment a must for balancing state budget
This guest column was published in the Seattle Times, April 28, 2016. By Sen. Andy Hill, R-Redmond, and Sen. Joe Fain, R-Auburn The Legislature spent months developing a state-budget update that was projected to balance for the current spending cycle as well as the next. We did so because thinking long term puts Washington in... Read More
Rivers’ corrections-partnership bill a ‘game changer’ for law enforcement
Steve O’Ban: Getting out the truth on the DOC debacle
This guest column was published in The (Tacoma) News Tribune April 9, 2016. After this column appeared, the Senate completed its investigation, revealing information about the conduct of the executive branch that was not mentioned in the governor’s report. By Sen. Steve O’Ban, R-Pierce County Action in Olympia is often scored like an athletic contest... Read More
Mark Miloscia: King County’s plan to end homelessness has failed
This guest column was published in the Seattle Times, March 14, 2016. By Sen. Mark Miloscia, R-Federal Way In 2005, as chair of the state House of Representatives’ housing committee, I passed legislation to dramatically increase spending for the homeless while requiring Washington’s counties and state government to create a plan that addressed the root... Read More
Mike Padden and Steve O’Ban: Why the Legislature needs its own investigation of Corrections case
This guest column appeared in the Seattle Times, Feb. 24, 2016. After this column appeared, the Senate completed its investigation, revealing information about the conduct of the executive branch that was not mentioned in the governor’s report. By Sen. Mike Padden, R-Spokane Valley, and Sen. Steve O’Ban, R-Pierce County Just before Christmas, the governor’s office... Read More
Senate approves Braun bill to rein in authority of state agencies
Schoesler: Governor’s highway changes nowhere near enough
Bipartisan plan to keep charter schools open passes Senate
Linda Evans Parlette: 2016 a Year to Build on Results
By Sen. Linda Evans Parlette, R-Wenatchee In a short time, we begin a legislative session in which anything can happen – more true in 2016 than in most years. The key thing to remember is that, at least on the Senate side, we will hold true to the priorities that have guided us since the... Read More
Pam Roach: Preparation can shield state’s valued assets from cyberattack
This guest column was published in the Seattle Times, Jan. 3, 2016. The Legislature tackled cybersecurity during the 2016 session by passing Senate Bill 5628. The bill directs the state chief information officer to devise a process to detect and respond to cybersecurity incidents, and directs the Department of Commerce to advance the state’s leadership... Read More
Mike Padden and Dave Reichert: State needs greater justice system transparency
This guest column was published in The (Tacoma) News Tribune, Dec. 28, 2015. Ultimately the Indeterminate Sentencing Review Board denied Timothy Pauley’s request for early release. The board instead noted the egregiousness of the crime, observed that Pauley’s punishment was mild by comparison with similar cases, and tacked another two decades onto his sentence. By... Read More
Tim Sheldon: Opposing Inslee’s climate proposals is a bipartisan affair
This guest column was published in Crosscut, Oct. 21, 2015. In June 2016, the Inslee Administration released a new plan to impose carbon-cap regulations without a vote of the Legislature. By Sen. Tim Sheldon, D-Potlatch A couple of weeks ago, Gov. Jay Inslee announced a new carbon-emissions reduction plan and declared any lawmaker who opposes... Read More
Sharon Brown and Mike Padden: Videoconferencing the next step in Washington’s participatory democracy
This guest column was pubished in The (Spokane) Spokesman-Review, Oct. 4, 2015. During the 2016 legislative session, opportunities for remote testimony were expanded as the Senate added Skype capabilities to its communication apparatus. Further upgrades to switching equipment in Senate hearing rooms were installed during the interim between the 2016 and 2017 sessions. By Sen.... Read More
Schoesler named ‘Legislative Champion’ by Washington Association of Realtors
Schoesler, R-Ritzville, is a co-winner of the award with Sen. Andy Hill of Redmond, the Senate majority’s budget chief. They helped lead the Legislature to adopt a new 2015-17 operating budget which is balanced without general tax increases that would have hit Main Street employers and family-level investors. Read More
Padden receives “Cultural Hero Award”
Sharon Brown and Tim Sheldon: State needs better clean energy approach than Inslee’s
This guest column was published in The (Tacoma) News Tribune, Aug. 13, 2015. In June 2016, the Inslee Administration released a new plan to impose carbon-cap regulations without a vote of the Legislature. By Sen. Sharon Brown, R-Kennewick, and Sen. Tim Sheldon, D-Potlatch Gov. Jay Inslee is threatening, in the name of the environment, to... Read More
Don Benton: Legislature stepped up for our state’s veterans
This guest column was published in The (Vancouver) Columbian, Aug. 8, 2015. As a result of Senate Bill 5974, the Legislature revisited the issue in 2016 and passed legislation (SB 6405) allowing supplemental veterans’ health insurance to be offered in the state of Washington. By Sen. Don Benton, R-Vancouver While education clearly owned the spotlight... Read More
A messy session with a splendid finish
If ever there was a legislative session that proved Otto von Bismarck right, it is the one we just finished. Von Bismarck is the former German chancellor we always quote about legislating and sausage-making: “Laws are like sausages – it is better not to see them being made.” The session this year wasn’t a pretty... Read More
A messy session with a splendid finish
This post originally appeared on the leadership blog of the Majority Coalition Caucus, Exit 105. If ever there was a legislative session that proved Otto von Bismarck right, it is the one we just finished. Von Bismarck is the former German chancellor we always quote about legislating and sausage-making: “Laws are like sausages – it... Read More
A session that rewrote history, not always accurately
I was reading the other day that this year’s Legislature raised taxes by $480 million. This was news to me and I think to just about everyone on my side of the aisle, mainly because it isn’t true. That hasn’t kept our Democratic colleagues from claiming it. The whole thing is a little odd. If... Read More
Legislature backs Padden’s bill on pretrial drug and alcohol monitoring
Senate passes Padden measures aimed at addressing recent Supreme Court decisions
Time at long last for House to pass drunk-driving bill
This post originally appeared in the leadership blog of the Majority Coalition Caucus, Exit 105. Before we wrap up our business for the year and start thinking about the long drive home, a drunk-driving bill awaits our action in the Legislature. Something we need to do before we get behind the wheel. A series of terrible accidents in the... Read More
Time at long last for House to pass drunk-driving bill
Coug nation grieves the loss of WSU President Elson Floyd
Senate Majority Leader Mark Schoesler, R-Ritzville, issued the following statement on the death of Washington State University President Elson Floyd: “It was with deep sadness that I learned of the passing of Elson Floyd this morning. As president of Washington State University, Dr. Floyd was a widely admired leader and a passionate advocate for improved... Read More
Treasurer’s tortured argument for high tuition a matter of politics
We keep hearing the strangest things about our tuition plan in the state Senate – our unprecedented, first-of-its-kind proposal to roll back college tuition at Washington colleges and universities. Sen. John Braun, R-Centralia, and I have proposed the College Affordability Program which would cut tuition an average 25 percent, and make it a matter of... Read More
Collective bargaining shouldn’t be a secret
This post originally appeared in the leadership blog of the Senate Majority Coalition Caucus, Exit 105. What would you say if you were presented with an agreement over which you had no say, was negotiated in secret and cost you millions — and the only thing you could do was turn thumbs-up or thumbs-down? Most likely what you would... Read More
Time to get over the tax-increase obsession
As time runs out on our overtime session in Olympia, I think it’s a good moment to ask an important question. What on earth is keeping us here? Last week should have settled things. State economists told us we can count on another $400 million without raising taxes a dime. Now we can say for... Read More
Collective bargaining shouldn’t be a secret
What would you say if you were presented with an agreement over which you had no say, was negotiated in secret and cost you millions — and the only thing you could do was turn thumbs-up or thumbs-down? Most likely what you would say would be unprintable. Unfortunately, we in the Legislature are limited to yea or nay. For the last 10... Read More
State Voting Rights Act doesn’t live up to noble name
When talk turns to the Voting Rights Act, that old black-and-white news footage starts running through our minds — sit-ins, boycotts and the March on Washington. The federal law of 1965 was one of the most significant bills of the last century, fulfillment of the promise that all shall have the right to vote. And I think those powerful images... Read More
Governor signs Roger Freeman Act to help families in need
Senate panel hears testimony on ‘Victims’ Voice Act’
The curse that haunts the Legislature
It’s one of the facts of political life: Whenever good times return, some people want to spend as though they’re going to last forever. Happy days are here again. Turn that frown upside down! Only a gloomy fellow speaks of recession. And those of us who are grown-ups should know how silly that is. Anyone who... Read More
State Supreme Court decision underscores importance of Rivers’ Cannabis Patient Protection Act
In the days and years leading up to the recent passage of Senate Bill 5052 Sen. Ann Rivers was the subject of angry emails, death threats, even a published caricature depicting her with fangs – all over what critics said was her lack of concern for medical-marijuana patients. Rivers’ Cannabis Patient Protection Act aligns the... Read More
Senate work session examines litigation concerns tied to proposed state voting rights act
Padden urges House to follow Senate lead on remote testimony
Schoesler calls for May 15 finish to special session
OLYMPIA…Senate Majority Leader Mark Schoesler today repeated the call to lawmakers in Olympia to end their special session by May 15. Washington lawmakers are scheduled to begin an overtime session Wednesday, but it could run 30 days – or even longer. Schoesler added that lawmakers should see a mid-May deadline for school districts to plan... Read More
Schoesler calls for May 15 finish to special session
OLYMPIA…Senate Majority Leader Mark Schoesler today repeated the call to lawmakers in Olympia to end their special session by May 15. Washington lawmakers are scheduled to begin an overtime session Wednesday, but it could run 30 days – or even longer. Schoesler added that lawmakers should see a mid-May deadline for school districts to plan... Read More
Follow the breadcrumbs to a government shutdown
Last week, when there was still a chance for us to finish our business in Olympia on time and adjourn this weekend, we were flabbergasted by an argument we heard from our Democratic colleagues in the House. As budget negotiations started, they said they should not be required to vote for a $1.5 billion tax... Read More
Follow the breadcrumbs to a government shutdown
This post originally appeared on the leadership blog of the Senate Majority Coalition Caucus, Exit 105. Last week, when there was still a chance for us to finish our business in Olympia on time and adjourn this weekend, we were flabbergasted by an argument we heard from our Democratic colleagues in the House. As budget... Read More
A red pencil for the state teachers’ union
The Washington Education Association, the union that represents most schoolteachers in this state, is teaching Washington a most valuable lesson this week. You can’t believe everything you hear. For the last few days a radio ad has been making the claim the Senate has voted to make classrooms more crowded and shortchange teacher salaries, at... Read More
Majority Leader: ‘Troy Kelley has damaged public trust – time to resign’
OLYMPIA… Senate Majority Leader Mark Schoesler, R-Ritzville, released this statement in reaction to the federal indictment of state Auditor Troy Kelley. “The damage has been done and it’s time for Troy Kelley to resign immediately. There is nothing he can do to restore public trust given his evasion and silence on these serious allegations. We have... Read More
Majority Leader: ‘Troy Kelley has damaged public trust – time to resign’
OLYMPIA… Senate Majority Leader Mark Schoesler, R-Ritzville, released this statement in reaction to the federal indictment of state Auditor Troy Kelley. “The damage has been done and it’s time for Troy Kelley to resign immediately. There is nothing he can do to restore public trust given his evasion and silence on these serious allegations. We... Read More
Legislature enters final stretch of 2015 session
Majority Leader: ‘Senate holds the line on last minute projects adding $128 million’ OLYMPIA… Senate Majority Leader Mark Schoesler, R-Ritzville, released this statement as the Legislature passed an important deadline for passage of bills from opposite chambers, and entered the final phase of the 2015 session: “Today is Tax Day for thousands of Washington taxpayers. I... Read More
Will this governor cause a government shutdown?
Jay Inslee dropped a bomb Thursday. Pass a tax increase, the governor told us, or he won’t sign the budget. No one is sure if he is threatening to veto the budget. Maybe he’s saying he will allow the budget to become law without his signature. Or maybe we just ought to take it as... Read More
A capital budget that builds classrooms, not state office buildings
Over the weekend a news story highlighted one of the big problems the Legislature faces this year. We’re mandating all-day kindergarten and reducing class sizes in grades K-3. And if we do that, we’re going to need to build more classrooms. The story got it right, but it’s not exactly news around here. We’ve been... Read More
House approves Padden bill encouraging specialty courts
AG Ferguson and Sen. Padden urge House action on felony DUI bill
Why I support the College Affordability Program
Students say why they support the Senate Majority’s plan to reduce tuition. Read More
VIDEO: Senate honors those with Down syndrome
Watch a video featuring comments from Sen. Padden and some of the Down syndrome self-advocates who attended today’s reading of Senate Resolution 8657, honoring those with Down syndrome and recognizing those individuals and organizations which advocate on their behalf. Read More
A no-new-tax Senate budget proposal points the way – again
For the last year our colleagues on the other side of the aisle have been saying we can’t avoid a tax increase — a head-bobbing consensus that seems to have been taken by many as conventional wisdom. Then we came out with our budget proposal in the state Senate and showed them there is another way,... Read More
A no-new-tax Senate budget proposal points the way – again
This post originally appeared on the leadership blog of the Senate Majority Coalition Caucus, Exit 105. For the last year our colleagues on the other side of the aisle have been saying we can’t avoid a tax increase — a head-bobbing consensus that seems to have been taken by many as conventional wisdom. Then we came... Read More
A bold plan to cut tuition, boost middle class families
In the Senate this year we are looking to undo an historic three-decade mistake on the part of the state Legislature – its decision to allow college and university tuition to skyrocket. We are proposing an unprecedented rollback, an average tuition reduction of 25 percent over the next two years, together with a mechanism that would prevent... Read More
Former MCC Majority Leader Tom honored
Today the Majority Coalition Caucus unveiled the official Majority Leader portrait in a ceremony to honor the leadership of former Sen. Rodney Tom, D-Bellevue. Current MCC Majority Leader Mark Schoesler had this to say: “It seems like just yesterday Senator Tom and I put aside our past differences to bring the Majority Coalition Caucus together to... Read More
House hearing held on Padden bill protecting private-property rights
Home care union contract poses big issues
This post originally appeared on the leadership blog of the Senate Majority Coalition Caucus, Exit 105. Fifteen years ago, home care workers and others like them were the last great frontier for public-employee-union organizing efforts nationwide. They didn’t look like state employees, they didn’t work like state employees, but they collected state paychecks and there were... Read More
Auditor needs to come clean
This post originally appeared on the leadership blog of the Senate Majority Coalition Caucus, Exit 105. What do you do when the state’s top investigator finds himself under investigation? That’s the uncomfortable question before us this week as state Auditor Troy Kelley hunkers down in his office and addresses enormous public doubt by saying nothing at... Read More
Auditor needs to come clean
What do you do when the state’s top investigator finds himself under investigation? That’s the uncomfortable question before us this week as state Auditor Troy Kelley hunkers down in his office and addresses enormous public doubt by saying nothing at all. Kelley has a right to remain silent, of course – as a private citizen.... Read More
Home care union contract poses big issues
Fifteen years ago, home care workers and others like them were the last great frontier for public-employee-union organizing efforts nationwide. They didn’t look like state employees, they didn’t work like state employees, but they collected state paychecks and there were a lot of them. That made them a target. Today this successful organizing drive is creating... Read More
Padden bill tackling designer drugs heard in House committee
House panel hears testimony on Padden bill to increase judicial independence
Will House budget play by the rules?
This post originally appeared on the leadership blog of the Senate Majority Coalition Caucus, Exit 105. Some things go without saying. It’s a good idea to obey traffic signals, you ought to pay your taxes, and you should always eat your vegetables. Some things here in the Legislature are just as basic. When our Democratic... Read More
Senate delivers on college-tuition cap, jobs and critical transportation reforms
OLYMPIA…Senate Majority Leader Mark Schoesler, R-Ritzville, offered this statement following today’s cutoff for voting on Senate bills, except for measures specifically tied to a new state operating budget: “The Senate continues to lead the way on this session’s most important and anticipated policy initiatives. We said we would deliver on job creation, college affordability and... Read More
Padden bill protecting private-property rights approved by Senate
Distaste for debate is ominous message from House
This post originally appeared in the Majority Coalition Caucus leadership blog, Exit 105. Maybe this is the sort of thought that occurs when you’ve been at the statehouse for the last 23 sessions, like I have, and you’ve seen just about everything. But over the last week the state House and Senate have been rolling... Read More
Did we hear that right?
During a television interview, Gov. Jay Inslee puts the (rather questionable) cost-estimates for his carbon-reduction program in perspective: “We can do this for pennies. And our kids’ health is worth pennies.” KIRO-TV, Nov. 17, 2014. Read More
Padden measure to help neighborhoods deal with nuisances moves to House
Senate unanimously passes Padden bill to simplify collection of forensic samples
Senate approves Padden bill to increase judicial independence
Senate budget committee backs Padden’s felony-DUI bill
Senate continues to offer better solutions and ideas to move Washington forward
Senate Majority Leader Mark Schoesler, R-Ritzville, on the cutoff for Senate committees to vote out policy bills: “We continue to offer better solutions and ideas to move Washington forward. The cutoff for policy bills shows that we’re serious about job growth, funding education as a first priority, and making sure the state lives within its... Read More
Senate continues to offer better solutions and ideas to move Washington forward
“We continue to offer better solutions and ideas to move Washington forward. The cutoff for policy bills shows that we’re serious about job growth, funding education as a first priority, and making sure the state lives within its means. We’re making great progress on transportation reforms, student achievement and helping families realize the dream of... Read More
Sheldon joins Senate Rules Committee as membership is finalized
OLYMPIA… State Sen. Tim Sheldon, D-Potlatch, will return to the Senate Rules Committee as part of a deal that finalizes the membership of the quiet-but-powerful panel. Membership of the committee will expand by three, two positions going to Democrats, Sheldon and Andy Billig of Spokane. Also joining the committee is state Sen. Doug Ericksen, R-Ferndale.... Read More
Victims of revenge porn could seek civil liability under Orwall and Padden bills
A couple of bills introduced in the Washington State House and Senate could give victims of revenge porn some restitution by making a person civilly liable for distributing intimate images of another intentionally and without consent. Revenge porn is the online posting of explicit images of people without their permission. The identical measures were introduced... Read More
Could a nuclear future be on the table for Washington state?
Rivers receives 2014 Outstanding Legislator Award from WA Association of Sewer & Water Districts
The Washington Association of Sewer & Water Districts has recognized Sen. Ann Rivers for her outstanding support of special purpose sewer & water districts. Rivers has been a tireless champion of the Public Works Trust Fund. The Fund is an innovative state program that provides low cost loans to build infrastructure delivering safe drinking water... Read More