Categories

A Better Future for Washington Children Podcasts A Safer Washington Podcasts Affordability Agriculture & Water Agriculture, Water, Natural Resources & Parks An Affordable Washington Podcasts Audio/Video News Better Future for Our Children Budget Budget & Taxes Business, Financial Services, Gaming & Trade Business, Jobs & Economy Capital Budget The Deputies Podcast Education Energy Environment, Energy & Technology Family Issues Government Accountability Health Care Health & Long-term Care Higher Education & Workforce Development Housing Human Services In the News Initiatives to the Legislature Labor & Commerce Land Use & Housing Law & Justice Leadership News & Blog Legislature Local Government Local Government, Land Use & Tribal Affairs Majority Coalition Caucus Member/District Specific Newsletters Operating Budget Podcast Public Safety Seen and Heard Senate Republican Caucus State Government, Veterans Affairs & Elections Taxes and Tax Relief Top Stories Transportation

Leadership Blog

In the News

Is This Law Killing Your Wallet? The Truth About WA Gas Prices on The Elephant in the Dome podcast

Published on May 20, 2026
In this episode of The Elephant in the Dome, Senator Chris Gildon and the Washington Policy Center’s Todd Myers break down Washington’s Climate Commitment Act. Discover how this “cap-and-tax” law secretly targets your energy bills, driving gas prices up by 55 cents a gallon, and why Republicans are fighting to pause it. TRANSCRIPT
Read More

AUDIO: Delaying light rail offers best hope for new bridge

Published on April 30, 2026
Thirteen years ago, $3.5 billion would have paid for a whole new Columbia River bridge—today, it only covers the light rail. Tracy Ellis has this update.
Read More

Starbucks, Sonics, and the I-5 Bridge: Washington is more expensive because of Democrat policies and it’s affecting everyone and everything

Published on April 30, 2026
Is Washington losing its competitive edge? In this episode of The Elephant in the Dome, Senate Republican Leader John Braun breaks down the affordability crisis hitting our state. From Starbucks’ Nashville expansion and record-breaking tax increases to the stalled progress on the I-5 Columbia River bridge, we examine how current policies are driving families and...
Read More

AUDIO: KTTH’s Jason Rantz Show: MacEwen Calls for Special Session Over State Energy Crisis

Published on April 30, 2026
State Senator Drew MacEwen joins Jason Rantz to discuss the urgent need for a special session to address rising utility and gas costs. MacEwen argues that current state policies are failing families and calls for immediate legislative action to provide relief and reassess Washington’s long-term fiscal health.
Read More

AUDIO: Schoesler asks if Ferguson is following “spirit of law” with PDC appointments

Published on April 29, 2026
Is the state’s campaign-finance watchdog losing its balance? Tracy Ellis reports.
Read More
News Categories

News

April 30, 2026
Matt Boehnke

Staying connected, AI oversight, and strengthening our energy future

Dear Friends and Neighbors, As we move further into the year, you will not receive additional updates from my legislative office. Election-year restrictions limit certain communications and require a clear line between official legislative work and campaign activity. This will be the last formal update until after the November election. That doesn’t change who I...
Read More
April 25, 2026
Matt Boehnke

Town hall recap, newsletter, and transportation update for the 8th District

Dear Friends and Neighbors, Thank you to everyone who came out to our recent 8th District town hall. I appreciate you taking the time to be there, ask questions, and stay engaged. We covered a lot — some of it easy, some of it not. I appreciated hearing directly from you about the pressures you’re...
Read More
February 02, 2026
Matt Boehnke

Protecting our neighborhoods as LRA placements are proposed

First, I want to thank the families and community members who joined us last Monday night in Kennewick for the town hall on the proposed less restrictive alternative (LRA) placement. I was encouraged by the strong turnout and deeply appreciate everyone who took the time to show up, ask questions, and share personal concerns. When...
Read More
January 28, 2026
Matt Boehnke

Legislative update from Olympia

The 2026 legislative session is well underway, and work is moving quickly in Olympia. As key decisions begin to take shape, I want to keep you informed about what’s happening at the Capitol, what I’m working on, and how the priorities of the 8th Legislative District are guiding my work. The 8th District is home...
Read More
September 24, 2025
Keith Goehner

Apply now for the 2026 Legislative Internship Program

Sen. Keith Goehner/R-Dryden/Credit: Washington State Senate One of the best opportunities the Legislature offers each year is the chance for college students to serve as legislative interns. This program places students directly at the heart of the lawmaking process, providing them with real-world experience, professional skills, and a front-row seat to how decisions are made...
Read More
September 24, 2025
Keith Goehner

12th District residents take the lead in shaping state policy

Sen. Goehner, R-Dryden, at Beef Day on the Hill at the Washington State Capitol, April 9, 2025. This past legislative session, citizens across Washington demonstrated the power of public engagement like never before. With remote testimony now a permanent option, residents can weigh in on bills that affect their families, farms, and businesses, without ever...
Read More
1