News

If you’ve ever tried to track a college financial aid application, you know it can feel like a maze. A new Washington law aims to make that process a lot clearer for students and families. Tracy Ellis reports.

Washington’s 2026 legislative session ended with a historic income tax proposal, an $80 billion state budget, and major fights over agriculture, law enforcement, and business regulation. Senate Republican Leader John Braun joins Elephant in the Dome to explain what passed, what Republicans stopped, and what it could mean for Washington’s economy. Topics include: Washington income...

Sen. Keith Goehner joins KPQ to discuss Washington’s 2026 legislative session, highlighting budget deficits, new taxes, pension shifts, and limits on public input. He addresses impacts on education, agriculture, energy policy, and county governments while stressing the need for accountability, sustainable spending, and meaningful engagement with constituents.

A new Washington law aims to keep artificial intelligence from stealing your identity. Tracy Ellis explains.

Sen. John Braun discusses the newly passed income tax, predicting legal challenges and criticizing constraints on voter input. He argues the measure violates the state constitution and says the initiative-only path will confuse voters and undermine a clear public decision on the tax.

Sen. Mark Schoesler highlights concerns about expanding tax burdens and questions legislative priorities, citing changes in the working families tax credit and universal free school meals. He argues these policies broaden costs and illustrate deeper issues in current tax and budget decisions.

Historic tax and spending measures highlighted Washington’s 2026 legislative session. Tracy Ellis reports.

Senate Republican Leader John Braun and Senator Chris Gildon break down Washington’s newly released budget, long‑term deficits, and the impacts of the income tax. They warn of structural instability, spending growth, and economic risks they say could drive Washington toward a fiscal “doom loop.” TRANSCRIPT

A longtime Central Washington legislator is leaving the state Senate—but not right away. Tracy Ellis explains.

Senator Keith Goehner reviews the final days of the legislative session. He discusses the millionaire tax debate, concerns over law enforcement oversight, budget pressures, transportation funding shortfalls, and broader worries about fiscal stability, urging constituents to stay engaged and informed about new laws.

The Chinook Indian Nation is honored in the Washington State Senate. Tracy Ellis reports.

This end‑of‑session discussion with Senator Shelly Short and Representative Hunter Abell covers bill negotiations, budget battles, income‑tax controversy, rural policy impacts, and legislative drama behind the scenes. They address constituent questions, oversight concerns, and key victories while previewing the final days of Washington’s 2026 legislative session.