Senate Republicans: Democrat cap-and-trade policy real reason for highest gas prices in nation
Governor Jay Inslee and Democratic legislators are blaming oil companies for the highest gas prices in the nation, but Senate Republicans and most experts say the Democrats’ cap-and-trade program is the real reason why Washington gas is so expensive. Senators John...
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...
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...
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.
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 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...
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...
The release of sexual predators and prisoners with substance use disorder
Dealing with prisoners after they’re released from custody is the impetus behind bills from Senators Phil Fortunato and Chris Gildon. One measure aims to protect the public from them, while the other looks to protect them from themselves.
Emotional speeches on new hard drug possession law and Governor Inslee vetoes accountability
The state Legislature passed a bill in a special session that the Governor signed into law making hard drug possession a gross misdemeanor with the goal of getting people who suffer from substance abuse disorder into treatment. Two state Senators, Republicans John...
Governor Jay Inslee signs several Senate Republican Caucus member bills into law
Governor Inslee approved bills from Senators Keith Wagoner, Ron Muzzall, Chris Gildon, Mike Padden, Jeff Wilson, Drew MacEwen, Mark Schoesler, Shelly Short, and Curtis King.
Governor calls special session to work on hard drug possession law
Senators John Braun and Keith Wagoner say the move is a bit premature.
Failure to reform drug-possession law rests squarely with House Democrats, says Republican leader
A bill to increase the penalty for hard drug-possession failed in the House of Representatives in the final hours of the legislative session. No Republicans voted for the bill and legislative Democrats say that surprised them. Senate Republican Leader John Braun...