News from the Caucus

Senator Shelly Short and Representatives Andrew Engell and Hunter Abell share updates on key issues impacting Washington’s Seventh Legislative District—from wildfire funding and rural hospital challenges to wildlife management, tax proposals, and the latest on citizen initiatives.

A statewide initiative aimed at clarifying who can compete in girls’ sports is now in the Legislature’s hands. Tracy Ellis reports

Lives lost on dangerous roads pushes a state Senator to act. Tracy Ellis reports.  

Senator Jeff Wilson joined KVI’s Ari Hoffman Show to sound the alarm on a proposal that would make Washington’s initiative process harder. The plan adds new hurdles like requiring 1,000 signatures before starting, extra verification steps, and restrictions on paid signature gatherers—moves Wilson says will silence voters and gut direct democracy. He calls fraud claims...

Senator Shelly Short speaks out against a bill that would make it harder for Washingtonians to file and run initiatives, calling it an attack on citizen voices. She also highlights her support for a new approach to wildlife management aimed at addressing declining deer populations and balancing predator-prey dynamics. Short emphasizes the need for accountability...

Senate Republican Leader John Braun raises concerns about a bill introduced by the Democratic majority that would make it harder for Washingtonians to propose initiatives and gather signatures. Braun argues that the measure undermines direct democracy guaranteed by the state constitution and reflects an effort to consolidate legislative power at the expense of citizen involvement.

Senator Mark Schoesler provides insight into the second week of the legislative session. He highlights the flood of new tax proposals—ranging from utility and cellphone taxes to income and wealth taxes—and their impact on hardworking families. Schoesler also shares details on his bill to rein in school construction costs and voices concerns about inefficiencies in...

Senator Jeff Wilson shares exciting news about his bill to promote affordable housing through kit homes. The legislation, which passed unanimously in the Senate, aims to cut through government red tape and make it easier for Washington residents to build their own homes. Senator Wilson explains how this innovative approach can help address the state’s...

Senators Shelly Short and Judy Warnick join KPQ to share insights on Olympia’s short session, budget concerns, wildfire prevention funding, and homeowners insurance issues. They stress fiscal responsibility, bipartisan efforts, and protecting communities from growing wildfire risks.

In this episode of *The Elephant in the Dome Podcast*, Senate Republican Leader John Braun is joined by Senators Keith Wagoner and Jeff Wilson to discuss two controversial proposals in Olympia: restrictions on Washington’s initiative process and a bill that could allow unelected boards to remove elected sheriffs. Are these measures protecting democracy—or undermining it?...

A failed bridge on the road to Mount Rainier needs urgent replacement, according to a state senator. Kelley Payne tells us a proposal to fast-track the emergency replacement of the Fairfax Bridge gets a Senate Transportation Committee hearing next week.

How many chances does it take to protect kids from fentanyl? That’s the question in Olympia as the State Senate once again passes a child safety bill aimed at preventing deadly overdoses. Tracy Ellis reports.