News from the Caucus
Braun praises UW officials for response to protests, calls for prosecutions
Monday’s protest at the University of Washington took a dangerous turn as demonstrators occupied a campus building, set fires, and barricaded entrances. The State Senate Republican leader says it can’t be tolerated. Tracy Ellis reports.
Read More
Governor signs Boehnke’s bipartisan bill to strengthen Washington’s climate transparency
Front row, L to R: Sen. Matt Boehnke, R-Kennewick, Gov. Bob Ferguson, and Virginia Hall, SLA, Office of Sen. Boehnke. Back row, L to R: Dawn Boehnke, Derrek Wilson, Dept. of Ecology, Anthony “Tony” Abbot, Dept. of Ecology, Cameron Long, SRC Policy, WA State Senate, Ken Camp, Dept. of Ecology, Micheal Leone, Session Intern, Office...
Read More
Braun praises UW officials for response to Monday protests, calls for prosecutions
OLYMPIA…Senate Republican Leader John Braun, R-Centralia, issued the following reaction to Monday’s violent occupation of the Interdisciplinary Engineering Building at the University of Washington by anti-Israel, pro-Hamas protesters. The protests were in opposition to the university’s ties to The Boeing Company. “Violent antisemitic protests intended to intimidate Jewish students and University officials are troubling and...
Read More
The Deputies Podcast: Sine Die & the Aftermath: Washington’s Budget, Taxes & What’s Next
Deputy House Republican Leader Chris Corry and Deputy Senate Republican Leader Drew MacEwen dive into the aftermath of Washington’s grueling legislative session, dissecting the impact of $10 billion in new taxes, property tax changes, and spending hikes. They unpack the potential consequences for families, discuss the growing abuse of emergency clauses, and offer insights into...
Read More
The Elephant in the Dome Podcast: Post-Session Recap: Taxes, Transparency & Tension in Olympia
With the legislative session officially over, Senate Republican Leader John Braun unpacks the whirlwind of budget debates, tax hikes, and behind-the-scenes maneuvering. From killing harmful proposals to pushing back on rent control, Medicaid cuts, and unemployment benefits for striking workers—and will the new governor whittle down a budget many say is bloated?
Read More
AUDIO: Session ends, Washingtonians face $12.9 billion tax bill, rent control, fewer parental rights
Senate Republicans are criticizing the just concluded Legislative Session for Democrats’ approval of billions in new taxes, rent control, and changes to parental rights, among other issues. Tracy Ellis reports.
Read More
Legislature approves two-year capital budget ‘for the entire state’
On the final day of its 2025 session, the Legislature approved the 2025-27 state capital budget, with the two Senate Republicans who helped develop this budget praising it for addressing needs throughout Washington. “I’m pleased that the capital budget passed by the Legislature addresses many needs throughout the state,” said 9th District Sen. Mark Schoesler,...
Read More
NEWSFLASH: Legislative Democrats ignore the advice of many and raise $12.5 billion in taxes just for the operating budget
Session ends with long debate on $77.9 billion operating budget After long and heated debate, the majority passed the 2025-27 operating budget without a single Senate Republican vote. The document, which was released Saturday for a Sunday vote, is more than 1,300 pages long and spends nearly $80 billion over the next four years....
Read More
The Elephant in the Dome Podcast: Session Closes: Taxes, Public Safety, and Education Updates
As the Legislative Session ends, Senate Republican Leader John Braun unpacks key issues: tax debates, rent control, unemployment benefits for striking workers, public safety strides, and challenges in education policy.
Read More
AUDIO: Senator John Braun Discusses Tax Hikes and Transparency on KVI Radio
Senator John Braun critiques proposed tax increases in Washington, calling them economically harmful. He highlights transparency issues in the legislative process and urges bipartisan efforts for better governance. Braun also discusses Governor Ferguson’s stance on taxes and public safety funding.
Read More
AUDIO: Rent Control Showdown: Democrats Push for Caps as Republicans Warn of Economic Risks
Sen. Keith Goehner delivers a speech on the Senate floor with Sen. John Braun observing intently Rent control legislation, decried by Republicans for potentially shrinking housing supply and raising rents, continues to advance in the state legislature. Tracy Ellis explains.
Read More
Republican budget leaders see showdown ahead as Senate Democrats approve trio of major tax increases
OLYMPIA… The state Senate’s majority Democrats today moved Washington closer to the largest set of tax increases in state history, sending the first wave of this year’s Democrat tax hikes to Gov. Bob Ferguson. The three major tax bills receiving final legislative approval from majority Democrats are: a sales-tax increase that will hit lower- and...
Read More