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In the News

The Elephant in the Dome Podcast: Fairness in Sports, Food Access, and Forest Stewardship: A Triple Challenge for Washington

Published on August 21, 2025
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]
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The Elephant in the Dome Podcast: It’s the Economy: Housing, Tech, & Taxes in Turbulent Times

Published on August 12, 2025
Senator John Braun unpacks Washington’s economic challenges—from housing shortages and tech industry tensions to energy concerns and historic tax hikes. What’s driving the downturn, and what can be done? ‘It’s the economy stupid’ in this episode of The Elephant in the Dome Podcast. [TRANSCRIPT]
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AUDIO: Hair-on-Fire” Politics: Sen. Braun Slams Medicaid Fearmongering & Budget Bloat on Lars Larson Show

Published on July 30, 2025
Sen. John Braun joins The Lars Larson Show to explain Medicaid reforms and critique Washington’s budget, healthcare taxes, and carbon program—calling for accountability and an end to political fearmongering.
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The Elephant in the Dome Podcast – Accountability & Reform: Medicaid, Car Thefts, and Juvenile Justice

Published on July 28, 2025
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]
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VIDEO: KING 5: Drug-smuggling scandal rocks Green Hill School—Sen. John Braun calls out systemic failure

Published on July 19, 2025
Drug-filled Burrito Delivery – Corruption at Green Hill School sparks outrage as Sen. John Braun slams the facility’s failure to rehabilitate youth, citing misconduct, drug smuggling, and overcrowding. Full KING 5 report  
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News from the Caucus

April 27, 2025
Mark Schoesler

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,...
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April 27, 2025
Senate Republican Caucus

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....
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April 04, 2025
Matt Boehnke

8th District lawmakers highlight proposed capital budget funding for local projects, pledge continued advocacy to secure final approval

Sen. Matt Boehnke, R-Kennewick, Rep. Stephanie Barnard, R-Pasco, and Rep. April Connors, R-Kennewick/CREDIT: Washington State Legislature OLYMPIA… Sen. Matt Boehnke, Rep. April Connors, and Rep. Stephanie Barnard are championing critical 8th District investments included in the proposed 2025-27 House and Senate capital budgets. Both proposals must still be reconciled before final approval by the Legislature and...
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