News
The Elephant in the Dome Podcast: How an Income Tax Shapes the Budget—and Schools
Senator John Braun unpacks the Senate operating budget, income tax assumptions, education funding challenges, and concerns over one‑time money used for ongoing programs. TRANSCRIPT
Read More
The Elephant in the Dome Podcast: Fentanyl, Families, and the Fight for Child Safety
Senator John Braun and Fostering Change Washington’s Jamie Williams discuss stalled child protection bills and the urgent need to update Washington’s child endangerment laws. They explore the fentanyl crisis, legislative roadblocks, and how citizens can push for accountability to protect vulnerable children from drug-exposed environments. Support Senate Bill 5071—contact your legislators today and demand action...
Read More
ALERT: Listening sessions for the two initiatives before the Legislature
On Tuesday, February 3, Senate and House Republicans are hosting two listening sessions on the two citizen-initiatives that have been submitted to the Legislature this year. While it is the Legislature’s constitutional duty to prioritize initiatives above all other business, majority Democrats refuse to allow a hearing on either proposal. This shuts down any opportunity...
Read More
The Elephant in the Dome Podcast—The People’s Voice in Olympia: Parental Rights & Fair Play in Girls’ Sports
In this episode of Elephant in the Dome, Tracy Ellis sits down with Senate Republican Leader John Braun and Caucus Chair Judy Warnick to discuss two citizen-driven initiatives shaping Washington’s legislative agenda: IL26-638 – Protecting fairness and safety in girls’ sports, and IL26-001 – Restoring the Parents’ Bill of Rights. We dive into why these...
Read More
What Can Washington Afford—and Not Afford—to Do?
Sen. John Braun unpacks the affordability crisis in Washington—from groceries to housing to Medicaid. He explores priorities, long-term costs, and what lawmakers must do to keep essential services sustainable. TRANSCRIPT
Read More
The Elephant in the Dome Podcast: Fairness in Sports, Food Access, and Forest Stewardship: A Triple Challenge for Washington
Senator John Braun discusses fairness in girls’ sports, Kroger store closures tied to regulations and theft, and the need for responsible forest management to protect public lands and rural economies in this episode of The Elephant in the Dome. [TRANSCRIPT]
Read More
The Elephant in the Dome Podcast – Accountability & Reform: Medicaid, Car Thefts, and Juvenile Justice
Senator John Braun breaks down evolving questions around Medicaid changes, celebrates steep drops in auto thefts, and confronts serious concerns at Green Hill’s juvenile facility in this candid episode of The Elephant in the Dome. [TRANSCRIPT]
Read More
The Elephant in the Dome Podcast – Braun’s Big Beautiful Bill Breakdown
Senator John Braun responds to Governor Ferguson’s harsh criticism of the federal “Big Beautiful Bill.” While the governor warns of devastating impacts to health care, food assistance, clean energy, and rural hospitals, Braun argues that the bill introduces thoughtful reforms that improve accountability, affordability, and support for vulnerable groups. He emphasizes that most changes target...
Read More
The Elephant in the Dome Podcast: Gov. Ferguson’s First Big Test: What He Signed, Vetoed, and Didn’t
Senate Republican Leader John Braun reacts to Governor Bob Ferguson’s bill signings, a surprising veto, and the policies he let stand. From tax hikes to housing studies, police funding to rent control, we break down what made the cut—and what didn’t—in his first legislative session as governor.
Read More
The Elephant in the Dome Podcast: Education—The State’s Paramount Duty, A Reality Check with Sen. John Braun
Senator John Braun discusses Washington’s constitutional duty to fund education, concerns over academic decline, the impact of local levies, and policy shifts shaping schools. Is the legislature delivering on its promise? Listen to find out.
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
The Elephant in the Dome Podcast: Anti-Semitism on Campus, Public Safety, and Washington’s Budget Crisis
On this episode of The Elephant in the Dome, Senator John Braun is joined by KVI radio host Ari Hoffman for a no-holds-barred conversation about rising anti-Semitism on college campuses, the state of public safety in Washington, and the looming budget crisis. They discuss the University of Washington’s handling of campus activism, the challenges of...
Read More