News from the Caucus

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.

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.

On KGMI Radio, Sen. Keith Wagoner discusses legislative cutoffs, criticizes the proposed millionaire income tax, and opposes redirecting police and firefighter pension funds. He highlights concerns about an anti sheriff bill, public referendum limits, and emerging public safety issues like unregulated nitrous oxide sales.

A proposal to keep Washington’s buildings, schools, and communities humming along was unveiled in Olympia. Tracy Ellis reports.

Something fragile that collapses easily – that’s how state Senate Republicans describe the Democrats’ new supplemental operating budget. Tracy Ellis explains.

The most unpopular bill in Washington history just got even more unpopular. Tracy Ellis tells us more than 100,000 people signed in to oppose the income tax bill ahead of its hearing in the House Finance Committee.

In this KPQ interview, Senators Shelly Short and Judy Warnick share insights on Olympia’s legislative session, including bill cutoff drama, opposition to a proposed state income tax, and concerns over SB 5974 limiting local control of sheriffs. They highlight strategic maneuvers, constitutional questions, and impacts on Washington communities.

Senator Jeff Wilson calls the proposed income tax the most consequential bill of the session, warning it will devastate families and businesses. He fears the measure will spread “like tax wildfire” if enacted and urges hope that it never reaches the governor’s desk.

Senator Mark Schoesler reflects on decades of broken promises tied to taxes, from sales tax to lottery and capital gains. He argues that history shows government cannot be trusted to limit taxation, warning that the proposed income tax is just another step toward higher rates and less transparency.

Senator Shelly Short voices strong opposition to a proposed state income tax, questioning when taxation will be “enough.” She highlights constituent concerns about escalating taxes and the long-term impact on families, emphasizing the need for accountability and clarity in state spending priorities.

Senator John Braun discusses a bill expanding child endangerment laws to include fentanyl exposure. With fentanyl-related tragedies among young children on the rise, this legislation aims to provide an additional tool to safeguard kids and address a growing public health crisis across Washington state. Learn more in The Elephant in the Dome Podcast.

In Olympia, the hits just keep on coming — in the form of more tax and fee hikes. Tracy Ellis explains.