News
The Elephant in the Dome Podcast: Washington Income Tax Showdown? Braun Reveals What Happened in Governor Meeting
As Washington lawmakers enter the final stretch of the legislative session, Senate Republican Leader John Braun discusses a recent meeting with Governor Ferguson and the growing debate over a proposed state income tax. In this episode of Elephant in the Dome, Braun shares what was discussed in the meeting, where negotiations stand, and why Republicans...
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AUDIO: Wilson bill promoting kit homes is sent to governor
Kit homes — those precut, affordable little houses that used to be ordered out of catalogs — are getting a modern revival. Tracy Ellis explains.
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AUDIO: KOZI RADIO: Senator Shelly Short Discusses Budget, Wildfire Preparedness, Data Center Policy, and more
Senator Shelly Short joins KOZI Radio to discuss the state budget, the proposed income tax, restored wildfire funding, and debates over regulating data centers. She also previews the final days of the legislative session and encourages constituents to stay engaged and connected.
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AUDIO: Live from Olympia on Okanogan Country Radio: Budget Battles, Income Tax Fight, and Local Wins with Sen. Shelly Short & Rep. Andrew Engell
Sen. Shelly Short and Rep. Andrew Engell break down state budgets, the income tax fight, rural hospital support, wildfire funding, transportation investments, and major bills affecting the 7th District. Plus, insights from a recent telephone town hall and youth engagement in the legislative process.
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AUDIO: Sen. Keith Goehner Discusses Budget Deadlines, Income Tax Proposal, and Local Issues in KPQ Interview
Sen. Keith Goehner joins KPQ to discuss budget deadlines, revenue concerns, and the proposed income tax. He updates listeners on key bills, local law‑enforcement authority, and feedback from a recent town hall. Goehner also highlights the Apple Blossom Royalty’s visit as the legislative session enters its final weeks.
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AUDIO: Senate Republican Leader Update: Income‑Tax Impacts on Four‑Year Budget
Senator John Braun explains how the proposed income tax is built into four‑year budget planning, bringing in nearly $3 billion before it would be collected in 2029. He raises concerns about implementation, including the need to build an entirely new tax‑administration system, and doubts it can be done in time.
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AUDIO: 19th District Legislative Update: A Record‑High Budget Year
Senator Jeff Wilson warns that Washington is on track for its most expensive budget year ever, potentially topping $80 billion. He highlights long‑term concerns about a future income tax, ongoing pressure for more revenue, and contrasts these with what he views as a comparatively responsible transportation budget.
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AUDIO: 9th District Legislative Update: Concerns Over One‑Time Money in State Budget
Senator Mark Schoesler criticizes the proposed operating budget for relying on one‑time funds, unrealistic spending assumptions, and an income tax he believes is unconstitutional and unlikely to survive voter approval. He argues the plan masks fiscal problems instead of responsibly balancing long‑term needs.
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AUDIO: Senate passes Operating, Transportation, Capital budgets
Republicans are criticizing the state Senate’s main operating budget, even as they support two other spending plans. Tracy Ellis explains.
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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
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AUDIO: Sen. Goehner Highlights Income Tax Opposition, Budget Concerns, and Local Project Funding on KOZI Radio
On KOZI Radio, Sen. Keith Goehner discusses strong public opposition to the proposed income tax, rapid state spending growth, and concerns about constitutional overreach. He also highlights new funding for the Totem Road project, ongoing budget negotiations, and urges constituents to stay engaged as the short session accelerates.
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AUDIO: KOMW: Seventh District Lawmakers Push Back on Income Tax, Budget Growth, and Rural Impacts
On Okanogan Country Radio, Sen. Shelly Short and Reps. Andrew Engell and Hunter Abell discuss overwhelming public opposition to the proposed income tax, rising state spending, and threats to rural services. They highlight budget concerns, legislative procedural wins, and bipartisan efforts to advance bills supporting veterans, health care access, wildfire preparedness, and rural communities.
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