News from the Caucus

An in-depth look at the proposed road usage charge to tax drivers by the mile, pitched as an eventual fuel tax replacement. Interviews with the Ranking Republican Member on the Senate Transportation Committee, Sen. Curtis King and the Democratic House Transportation Committee Chair.

Gov. Bob Ferguson released his cost-cutting ideas, and Senate Republican budget leader Chris Gildon is giving credit—with some skepticism. Tracy Ellis explains.

Senator Chris Gildon reveals that the real deficit is around $6.7 billion—far lower than the $12–16 billion figure Democrats are pushing. The inflated number comes from overspending, including Governor Inslee’s reckless $4 billion in state employee raises without a real feasibility study. Meanwhile, Democrats refuse to consider cuts to wasteful programs, instead insisting on raising...

Republican lawmakers hold a media availability to discuss key legislative priorities. They focus on public safety, affordability, and education, raising concerns over new tax proposals and state budget shortfalls. They also oppose bills on parental rights and initiatives, arguing they limit parent and citizen participation. With fiscal deadlines approaching, Republicans emphasized their commitment to responsible...

Did Washington’s emergency powers reform just get watered down? The state senator leading the charge says yes. Tracy Ellis reports.

CORRECTION: The original version of this Newsflash incorrectly quoted the proposed mileage tax at 26 cents per mile. The correct tax rate per mile is 2.6 cents per mile. The article below has been corrected to reflect the 2.6 cent rate.   IN THE NEWS: Emergency powers reform During the pandemic, former Gov. Jay Inslee...

Prime sponsor state Senator Keith Wagoner (R-Sedro-Woolley) said the governor should have strong authority to immediately handle an emergency, but the legislature should be able to check that power.

Washington State Republican legislative leaders hold a media availability session, addressing key policy issues, budget concerns, and legislative priorities. Senate Republican Leader John Braun, House Republican Leader Drew Stokesbary, and other GOP lawmakers discuss public safety, tax proposals, education funding, and housing legislation. They also share their perspectives on ongoing debates with the Democratic majority...

Washington State Senate Republicans are launching a robust effort to tackle the housing affordability crisis. Tracy Ellis explains.

In this episode of Elephant in the Dome, Washington State Senate Republican Leader John Braun joins Tracy Ellis and Laudan Espinoza to break down the controversial Road Usage Charge proposal. Is this new mileage tax just another burden on hardworking Washingtonians? How will it impact rural communities, low-income drivers, and transportation funding? We also dive...

Sen. Braun critiques Democrat-led taxation policies, arguing that taxes on carbon, innovation, payroll, and manufacturing hurt Washington’s economy. He asserts that Republicans can balance the budget without new taxes and urges bipartisan consideration of economic impacts.

CHAIR OF THE COMMITTE MAKES SENATE BILL 5174 WORSE The bill that would more tightly regulate wood-burning stoves not only passed out of the Senate’s Environment, Energy and Technology Committee today. It did so with an amendment that makes the bill worse. The amendment to Senate Bill 5174, which was offered by the chair of the...