Leadership Blog

In the News

AUDIO: Senate Republican Leader Update: Income‑Tax Impacts on Four‑Year Budget

Published on February 28, 2026
Senator John Braun explains how the proposed income tax is built into four‑year budget planning, bringing in nearly $3 billion before it would be collected in 2029. He raises concerns about implementation, including the need to build an entirely new tax‑administration system, and doubts it can be done in time.
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AUDIO: 19th District Legislative Update: A Record‑High Budget Year

Published on February 28, 2026
Senator Jeff Wilson warns that Washington is on track for its most expensive budget year ever, potentially topping $80 billion. He highlights long‑term concerns about a future income tax, ongoing pressure for more revenue, and contrasts these with what he views as a comparatively responsible transportation budget.
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AUDIO: 9th District Legislative Update: Concerns Over One‑Time Money in State Budget

Published on February 28, 2026
Senator Mark Schoesler criticizes the proposed operating budget for relying on one‑time funds, unrealistic spending assumptions, and an income tax he believes is unconstitutional and unlikely to survive voter approval. He argues the plan masks fiscal problems instead of responsibly balancing long‑term needs.
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AUDIO: Senate passes Operating, Transportation, Capital budgets

Published on February 27, 2026
Republicans are criticizing the state Senate’s main operating budget, even as they support two other spending plans. Tracy Ellis explains.
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The Elephant in the Dome Podcast: How an Income Tax Shapes the Budget—and Schools

Published on February 27, 2026
Senator John Braun unpacks the Senate operating budget, income tax assumptions, education funding challenges, and concerns over one‑time money used for ongoing programs. TRANSCRIPT
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News from the Caucus

January 16, 2026
Senate Republican Caucus

VIDEO: Weekly Legislative Update from Washington State Senate Republican Leader John Braun

Are Democrats in Washington enacting an income tax? Yes. Legislative Democrats, who are in the majority, are preparing to drop two income tax bills — one in the Senate and one in the House of Representatives. An income tax on anyone WILL become an income tax on everyone. And the voters in Washington have rejected...
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January 16, 2026
Senate Republican Caucus

AUDIO: 7th District Legislative Update: Sen. Shelly Short Warns of Income Tax Push and Controversial Sheriff Bill

Sen. Shelly Short says Democrats plan to pass an income tax without voter approval and predicts a court challenge. She also opposes SB 5974, calling it the worst bill she’s seen, as it allows an unelected board to remove elected sheriffs over enforcement disagreements.
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January 16, 2026
Senate Republican Caucus

AUDIO: Legislative Update: Sen. John Braun Criticizes Governor’s State of the State Address

Senate Republican Leader John Braun says the governor’s speech catered to Democratic talking points and undermined law and order by encouraging state laws that defy federal rules, calling such actions unconstitutional and harmful.
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January 16, 2026
Senate Republican Caucus

VIDEO: Inside the 2026 Legislative Session: Senator Drew MacEwen on Taxes, Education & Public Safety on KMAS

Sen. Drew MacEwen on KMAS Radio reacts to the Governor’s address, raising concerns about taxes, rising costs, and education funding. He also weighs in on public safety, governance proposals, and the real-world impacts of legislative decisions during this short session.
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January 16, 2026
Senate Republican Caucus

AUDIO: Wagoner legislation to protect educational benefits for children of disabled veterans receives hearing

Too many kids of disabled veterans are losing out on college tuition benefits—not because they didn’t earn them, but, as Tracy Ellis explains, because of red tape.
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January 15, 2026
Senate Republican Caucus

The Elephant in the Dome: State of the State: Taxes, Crime & Transportation—Sen. Braun Responds

On The Elephant in the Dome podcast, Senate Republican Leader John Braun unpacks the governor’s State of the State address, income tax proposals, public safety challenges, transportation funding issues, the importance of transparency, and why debates should focus on ideas—not individuals. TRANSCRIPT
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January 15, 2026
Senate Republican Caucus

AUDIO: Sen. Keith Goehner Discusses Budget Challenges, Initiative Process, and Law Enforcement Bills on KPQ

In a KPQ radio interview, Sen. Keith Goehner addresses Washington’s budget deficit, concerns over changes to the initiative process, and proposed legislation impacting local law enforcement. He emphasizes fiscal responsibility, public voice in governance, and respect for local control.
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January 14, 2026
Senate Republican Caucus

AUDIO: Sen. Shelly Short Urges NE Washington Residents to Weigh In on Wolf Management Bill

Concerned about wolves wiping out deer and elk? Washington lawmakers are taking it up Monday—and you can have your say. Tracy Ellis reports.
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January 14, 2026
Senate Republican Caucus

VIDEO: KOMO NEWS: Lawmakers discuss legislation, legal direction on DCYF oversight, featuring Sen. John Braun

Sen. John Braun criticized limiting access to child care records, saying it erodes trust in government.
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January 13, 2026
Senate Republican Caucus

AUDIO: Sen. Leonard Christian Calls Out Olympia’s Oversight Theater on KVI

Sen. Leonard Christian joins Ari Hoffman to react to the governor’s address, discuss concerns over spending and proposed taxes, and highlight his push for transparency and accountability in DCYF oversight—all with his trademark humor.
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January 13, 2026
Senate Republican Caucus

NEWSFLASH: In the Hole…Right back where we were this time last year

Watch Sen. Keith Wagoner give the Republican perspective after the governor’s State of the State speech today.   Can the majority live within its means?   As the governor delivered his annual State of the State address earlier this week, we were reminded that, just last year, he said he didn’t want to end up...
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January 13, 2026
Senate Republican Caucus

VIDEO: TVW: Washington to Washington: Tariffs & The Economy featuring Sen. Chris Gildon

From the ports to farms to high-tech manufacturing and the grocery aisles, federal tariff policy has wide-ranging implications. What is the impact of hundreds of millions in tariffs and the outlook for the future in Washington. Republicans take issue with the focus on tariffs and believe there are greater threats to the state’s economy. Sen....
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