Leadership Blog

In the News

AUDIO/VIDEO: MacEwen calls for special session to confront ‘Made-in-Olympia’ energy crisis and demand ratepayer relief

Published on April 24, 2026
Washington’s energy rates were once among the lowest in the nation, but a state senator says Democrat policies are turning them into a ‘financial catastrophe.’ Tracy Ellis reports. FOR MORE FROM SENATOR MACEWEN ON THIS TOPIC, CHECK OUT HIS YouTube SHORT:  
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Investigating DCYF: Oversight and Accountability for Washington’s Children on The Elephant in the Dome Podcast

Published on April 23, 2026
Senate Republican Leader John Braun discusses the urgent need for oversight at the Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF). He explores massive legal payouts for negligence, the impact of the “Keeping Families Together Act,” and how other states are handling similar agency failures through bipartisan investigation. TRANSCRIPT
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The High Cost of Gas and Energy: The Elephant in the Dome Podcast with Senator John Braun

Published on April 16, 2026
Senate Republican Leader John Braun discusses Washington’s soaring energy costs. From record-high gas prices and the Climate Commitment Act to the future of nuclear power and data centers, Braun explores how state policies impact your wallet and outlines Republican solutions for a more affordable future. TRANSCRIPT
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VIDEO: KOMO: Braun Demands Accountability After Audit Flags $37M in Questionable Child Care Payments

Published on April 07, 2026
After a state audit estimated $37 million in questionable child-care payments, Senator John Braun is calling for transparency and accountability at the Department of Children, Youth and Families. Braun says taxpayers deserve clear answers and stronger safeguards to prevent abuse while ensuring families who rely on child-care programs receive support.
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AUDIO: Billions Spent, Little Accountability: Sen. Braun Sounds Alarm on Child Welfare Spending on the Lars Larson Show.

Published on April 06, 2026
Senate Republican Leader John Braun joins Lars Larson to discuss a troubling audit of Washington’s child welfare agency, revealing widespread overpayments and weak oversight. Braun questions why billions in taxpayer dollars are poorly tracked, why the agency employs many lobbyists but few auditors, and why accountability from state leadership remains absent.
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News

March 09, 2026
Senate Republican Caucus

AUDIO: House approves Sen. Nikki Torres bill establishing crash prevention zones to address dangerous highways

Special crash-prevention zones could soon be created on Washington roads with high numbers of serious crashes. Tracy Ellis explains.
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March 07, 2026
Senate Republican Caucus

AUDIO: Sen. Jeff Wilson Highlights Kit Home Legislation in his legislative update

Senator Jeff Wilson discusses the passage of his kit‑home bill aimed at improving housing affordability in Washington. He explains how kit homes offer an additional, cost‑effective housing option for families, including ADUs. Wilson emphasizes their long history, ease of assembly, and potential to expand accessible housing choices.
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March 07, 2026
Senate Republican Caucus

AUDIO: Conversation with Governor: Braun Discusses Child Safety and Legislative Gridlock in this legislative update

Senate Republican Leader John Braun describes his recent meeting with the governor. Braun raises concerns about rising fentanyl‑related child deaths and stalled child‑protection bills in the Legislature. He notes bipartisan Senate support for action but says key House committee members are blocking progress.
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March 07, 2026
Senate Republican Caucus

AUDIO: The connection between budget risks and income tax uncertainty: Sen. Schoesler’s legislative update

Senator Mark Schoesler outlines concerns about the state’s proposed income tax and the significant differences between budget plans in the Legislature. He warns that relying on one‑time funds, unrealistic growth assumptions, and a likely court challenge creates serious long‑term fiscal risk, leaving future lawmakers accountable for today’s decisions.
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March 07, 2026
Senate Republican Caucus

AUDIO: Washington Income Tax Debate: John Braun Discusses Legislative Impacts with Lars Larson

Senator John Braun outlines concerns about Washington’s proposed income tax, arguing it would burden small and medium sized businesses, harm competitiveness, and create budget risks. He and Lars Larson discuss legislative dynamics, potential legal challenges, and the likelihood voters would reject the tax if allowed a direct say.
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March 07, 2026
Senate Republican Caucus

AUDIO: Proposed income tax still a bad deal for Washington despite House changes, Senate Republicans say

Washington State Democrats appear to have a deal on a new income tax that Republicans say is unconstitutional, unnecessary, unfair and unpopular. Tracy Ellis reports.
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March 06, 2026
Senate Republican Caucus

AUDIO: Senators Shelly Short and Judy Warnick Discuss Key Legislative Issues on KPQ’s Legislative Hotline

An update from Senators Shelly Short and Judy Warnick on legislative topics, including license plate replacements, data center policy, transmission planning, wildfire‑fighting funds, and state budget negotiations. The senators also address speculation about delaying the proposed income tax as the legislative session nears its end.
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March 05, 2026
Senate Republican Caucus

AUDIO: Sen. Matt Boehnke raises concerns after Senate votes to repeal Community Protection Program

The state Senate approved a bill ending a program that serves people with developmental disabilities who also have violent or sexual histories. Tracy Ellis explains. The House had already passed the bill and now must agree to the Senate’s changes before it moves forward.
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March 05, 2026
Senate Republican Caucus

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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March 03, 2026
Senate Republican Caucus

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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March 03, 2026
Senate Republican Caucus

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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March 02, 2026
Senate Republican Caucus

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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