The Elephant in the Dome Podcast: Sen. Mike Padden on increase in fatal car wrecks
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.
The Elephant in the Dome Podcast: Republicans applaud Center For Behavioral Health and Learning opening
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.
The Elephant in the Dome Podcast: Will the last one on the farm please close the gate?
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.
The Elephant in the Dome Podcast: Antisemitic rhetoric from teacher, and during dangerous illegal protest, Braun reacts
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.
Elephant in the Dome Podcast: Inslee signs Democrat bill to transition largest utility away from natural gas – Gildon breaks down implications
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.
Elephant in the Dome Podcast: Senator Mike Padden will not seek reelection to the state Senate
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.
Elephant in the Dome Podcast: A look back at the Legislative Session and a senator says goodbye
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...
Elephant in the Dome Podcast: The natural gas ban – HB 1589 – selling out Washington families for corporate interests
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,...
Elephant in the Dome Podcast: Initiatives to the Legislature: Three pass, three go to the ballot in November
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...
Elephant in the Dome Podcast: Democrat bill expected to put stores out of business
Many small Washington stores may be forced out of business by a bill passed by legislative Democrats. The legislation calls for employee background checks and several very expensive security requirements. It forces businesses to buy and maintain costly audio/video...
Elephant in the Dome Podcast: Legislative Democrats holding hearings on some of the initiatives to the Legislature
Legislative Democrats are allowing hearings on some of the six initiatives to the Legislature. Senate Republican Leader John Braun and Senator Matt Boehnke react to the Democrats’ decision to hold the hearings and their outspoken opposition to the three initiatives...
Elephant in the Dome Podcast: Rent control, natural gas restrictions, striking worker unemployment, and initiatives’ impact on state budget
Bills that passed in the House are now in the Senate and Senator John Braun has some concerns about the ones related to rent control, the availability of natural gas to people and businesses who need it, and allowing striking workers to collect unemployment insurance....