News from the Caucus

Sen. Leonard Christian joins Ari Hoffman to react to the governor’s address, discuss concerns over spending and proposed taxes, and highlight his push for transparency and accountability in DCYF oversight—all with his trademark humor.

From the ports to farms to high-tech manufacturing and the grocery aisles, federal tariff policy has wide-ranging implications. What is the impact of hundreds of millions in tariffs and the outlook for the future in Washington. Republicans take issue with the focus on tariffs and believe there are greater threats to the state’s economy. Sen....

Sen. Keith Goehner joins KOZI to discuss revenue shortfalls, proposed income‑tax changes, limits on citizen initiatives, law‑enforcement oversight, housing solutions, and why public engagement matters as the 2026 session gets underway.

Sen. Shelly Short and Reps. Andrew Engell and Hunter Abell chat about the start of the 2026 session, sharing stories from home and breaking down issues like taxes, agriculture, public safety, and what matters most to folks across the 7th District.

Lawmakers in Olympia are facing tough questions about daycare oversight, and one state senator says Democrats are responding by dimming transparency. Tracy Ellis reports.

Sen. John Braun breaks down rising daycare‑fraud concerns, why investigating isn’t racist, and why Democrats’ “piecrust” tax promises could mean a new income tax and higher property taxes this session. TRANSCRIPT

On The Jason Rantz Show, Sen. Chris Gildon tells Tim Gaydos (filling in for Jason Rantz) that he’s disappointed in Gov. Ferguson’s push for a future income tax and warns it won’t fix looming budget shortfalls. He argues Democrats’ policies fuel affordability problems and says Republicans want a budget that truly lives within its means.

Governor Bob Ferguson says he isn’t proposing new taxes to balance his supplemental budget — but he is backing a future income tax to deal with shortfalls down the road. Tracy Ellis has more.

Senate Republican Leader John Braun joins The Elephant in the Dome to break down Washington’s looming power shortage, the TransAlta coal‑to‑gas transition, the role of hydro and nuclear, and what it will take to keep energy reliable and affordable. TRANSCRIPT

Two months after the release of the late Kevin Coe, Senator Mark Schoesler is proposing a bill that would make it harder to release those convicted of rape.

Sea lions are taking a big bite out of Washington’s salmon runs — and Senator Jeff Wilson says boaters can help. Tracy Ellis explains.

On KONA Radio’s The Bottom Line, Sen. Mark Schoesler discusses his bipartisan bill to block the release of serial rapists who refuse treatment or show no remorse. Schoesler says victims deserve protection and lawmakers must close loopholes that allowed Kevin Coe’s release.