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In the News

AUDIO: Senators Shelly Short and Judy Warnick Discuss Tax Proposals, Citizen Engagement, and Controversial Initiatives on KPQ Radio

Published on February 05, 2026
Senators Shelly Short and Judy Warnick cover the proposed income tax legislation, the first bill cutoff and upcoming floor debates. They also highlight growing public involvement in state government, sharing details about listening sessions on voter-backed initiatives addressing fairness in girls’ sports and privacy concerns. They stress the importance of citizen voices in shaping policy...
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AUDIO: 19th District Legislative Update: Sen. Jeff Wilson: Income Tax Bill Threatens Middle Class

Published on February 05, 2026
AUDIO: Sen. Jeff Wilson addresses the new income tax bill, cautioning that while it targets million-dollar incomes now, thresholds could drop to affect middle-class families. Wilson emphasizes Washington’s history of rejecting income taxes and urges vigilance against what he calls “an income tax on the loose.”
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AUDIO: 9TH District Legislative Update: Sen. Mark Schoesler Warns of Income Tax Expansion

Published on February 05, 2026
Sen. Mark Schoesler discusses the Democrats’ income tax proposal that he was warned would come after the capital gains tax passed. Schoesler questions promises of tax relief, criticizes token sales tax exemptions like toothpaste and suntan lotion, and warns taxpayers about future tax hikes and broken pledges.
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AUDIO: Legislative Update: Sen. John Braun on Democrats’ Push for an Income Tax

Published on February 05, 2026
Senate Republican Leader John Braun reacts to Democrats introducing an income tax bill. Braun highlights the state’s constitutional precedent against income taxes, past voter rejections, and why he sees the proposal as a “money grab” with minimal tax relief for working families.
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The Elephant in the Dome Podcast: Breaking: Democrats Drop Income Tax Bill – What It Means for You

Published on February 05, 2026
Washington Democrats have introduced a bill to enact an income tax in our state. Senate Republican Leader John Braun and Budget Lead Chris Gildon join Tracy Ellis to break down what’s in the bill, why it matters, and what comes next. Who will be impacted first—and why everyone should pay attention Why promises of tax...
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News from the Caucus

May 11, 2015
Senate Republican Caucus

2015: Best year for K-12 education funding in decades

Washington’s education union is planning a series of one-day strikes protesting the Legislature’s work on education funding. See here for information on the strike. What have lawmakers done for students this year? Greatest new investment in K-12 of any budget in state history Bipartisan efforts would invest in all-day kindergarten, K-3 class size reduction and...
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May 07, 2015
Senate Republican Caucus

2015 – A great year for education

Washington’s education union is planning a series of one-day strikes protesting the Legislature’s work on education funding. See here for information on the strike. What have lawmakers done for students this year? Greatest new investment in K-12 of any budget in state history Bipartisan efforts would invest in all-day kindergarten, K-3 class size reduction and...
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April 21, 2015
Senate Republican Caucus

School Superintendents speak out on the importance of finishing state budget on time

“School districts depend so much on the Legislature to complete their work on time so that we can complete our work.  Whether it’s hiring teachers to reduce class size, adding more sections of full-day kindergarten, or purchasing busses, until the Legislature approves a budget, we are unable to move forward with our planning and decision-making. ...
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February 24, 2015
Senate Republican Caucus

Washington teacher’s union supports convicted child molesters receiving state funded pensions

In Washington, public employees who commit a crime don’t lose their taxpayer guaranteed retirements, and teachers can earn the right to a lifetime retirement after working for as little as five years. In Washington, public employees who commit a crime don’t lose their taxpayer guaranteed retirements, and teachers can earn the right to a lifetime...
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February 11, 2015
John Braun

MEDIA ADVISORY: Sens. Bailey and Braun announce major revamp to college tuition

OLYMPIA… Students will join chair of the Senate Higher Education Committee, Sen. Barbara Bailey and Deputy Majority Leader, Sen. John Braun to unveil a new plan for higher education affordability in a news conference Thursday, Feb. 12.   Date:               Thursday, Feb. 12 at 12:45 p.m. Locations:      Senate Hearing Room 2, John A. Cherberg Bldg.
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