Leadership Blog

In the News

AUDIO: Senators Shelly Short and Judy Warnick Discuss Tax Proposals, Citizen Engagement, and Controversial Initiatives on KPQ Radio

Published on February 05, 2026
Senators Shelly Short and Judy Warnick cover the proposed income tax legislation, the first bill cutoff and upcoming floor debates. They also highlight growing public involvement in state government, sharing details about listening sessions on voter-backed initiatives addressing fairness in girls’ sports and privacy concerns. They stress the importance of citizen voices in shaping policy...
Read More

AUDIO: 19th District Legislative Update: Sen. Jeff Wilson: Income Tax Bill Threatens Middle Class

Published on February 05, 2026
AUDIO: Sen. Jeff Wilson addresses the new income tax bill, cautioning that while it targets million-dollar incomes now, thresholds could drop to affect middle-class families. Wilson emphasizes Washington’s history of rejecting income taxes and urges vigilance against what he calls “an income tax on the loose.”
Read More

AUDIO: 9TH District Legislative Update: Sen. Mark Schoesler Warns of Income Tax Expansion

Published on February 05, 2026
Sen. Mark Schoesler discusses the Democrats’ income tax proposal that he was warned would come after the capital gains tax passed. Schoesler questions promises of tax relief, criticizes token sales tax exemptions like toothpaste and suntan lotion, and warns taxpayers about future tax hikes and broken pledges.
Read More

AUDIO: Legislative Update: Sen. John Braun on Democrats’ Push for an Income Tax

Published on February 05, 2026
Senate Republican Leader John Braun reacts to Democrats introducing an income tax bill. Braun highlights the state’s constitutional precedent against income taxes, past voter rejections, and why he sees the proposal as a “money grab” with minimal tax relief for working families.
Read More

The Elephant in the Dome Podcast: Breaking: Democrats Drop Income Tax Bill – What It Means for You

Published on February 05, 2026
Washington Democrats have introduced a bill to enact an income tax in our state. Senate Republican Leader John Braun and Budget Lead Chris Gildon join Tracy Ellis to break down what’s in the bill, why it matters, and what comes next. Who will be impacted first—and why everyone should pay attention Why promises of tax...
Read More

News from the Caucus

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
September 23, 2025
Senate Republican Caucus

AUDIO: Latest revenue forecast is more proof Democrats should have worked with Republicans on budget

Washington’s latest revenue forecast just came out—and it’s a wake-up call. Tracy Ellis explains.
Read More
September 23, 2025
Matt Boehnke

Powering progress and leadership in the Western Energy Caucus

Sen. Matt Boehnke, R-Kennewick/Courtesy of the Washington State Senate As summer winds down, I’m proud to share the latest from my work as Washington’s representative in the Western Energy Caucus (WEC)—a bipartisan regional coalition addressing critical energy challenges across the West. This June, I was honored to be selected for the inaugural WEC cohort due...
Read More
September 23, 2025
Matt Boehnke

Leading the charge with the Renewable Hydrogen Alliance

Sen. Matt Boehnke, R-Kennewick/Courtesy of the Washington State Senate I’m honored to participate in the Northwest Renewable Hydrogen Conference this September, joining fellow policymakers as a featured speaker in the “Leading from the Legislature: Hydrogen Policy Champions” session. The Renewable Hydrogen Alliance is a respected coalition advocating for renewable hydrogen, emissions-free fuel produced by splitting...
Read More
September 23, 2025
Matt Boehnke

Clearing the skies as a champion of sustainable aviation fuels

Sen. Matt Boehnke, R-Kennewick/Courtesy of the Washington State Senate As part of my ongoing efforts in the Senate Environment, Energy & Technology Committee, I’ve been actively supporting sustainable aviation fuels (SAF), which are a critical tool for both environmental stewardship and economic growth across Washington. Earlier this year, I co-sponsored ESSB 5447, which was signed...
Read More
September 18, 2025
Senate Republican Caucus

VIDEO: AWB 2025 Policy Summit: Washington Budget Outlook, featuring Sen. Chris Gildon

Washington’s budget outlook is grim: spending surged, reserves dwindled, and tax hikes hit families and businesses. Republicans urge fiscal restraint, program audits, and no new taxes.
Read More
September 11, 2025
Senate Republican Caucus

The Elephant in the Dome Podcast: Workers vs. Woke – Sen. John Braun on what Republicans really stand for when it comes to working Washingtonians

Senate Republican Leader John Braun breaks down Washington’s labor policies—from public union influence to wage mandates—arguing for worker-first reforms rooted in conservative principles without the progressive spin. [TRANSCRIPT]  
Read More
September 05, 2025
Senate Republican Caucus

AUDIO: Schoesler opposes possible release of Kevin Coe, Spokane’s ‘South Hill Rapist’

A state senator is outraged that Washington might let the ‘South Hill Rapist’ walk free. Tracy Ellis reports.
Read More
August 21, 2025
Senate Republican Caucus

The Elephant in the Dome Podcast: Fairness in Sports, Food Access, and Forest Stewardship: A Triple Challenge for Washington

Senator John Braun discusses fairness in girls’ sports, Kroger store closures tied to regulations and theft, and the need for responsible forest management to protect public lands and rural economies in this episode of The Elephant in the Dome. [TRANSCRIPT]
Read More
August 12, 2025
Senate Republican Caucus

The Elephant in the Dome Podcast: It’s the Economy: Housing, Tech, & Taxes in Turbulent Times

Senator John Braun unpacks Washington’s economic challenges—from housing shortages and tech industry tensions to energy concerns and historic tax hikes. What’s driving the downturn, and what can be done? ‘It’s the economy stupid’ in this episode of The Elephant in the Dome Podcast. [TRANSCRIPT]
Read More
July 30, 2025
Senate Republican Caucus

AUDIO: Hair-on-Fire” Politics: Sen. Braun Slams Medicaid Fearmongering & Budget Bloat on Lars Larson Show

Sen. John Braun joins The Lars Larson Show to explain Medicaid reforms and critique Washington’s budget, healthcare taxes, and carbon program—calling for accountability and an end to political fearmongering.
Read More
July 28, 2025
Senate Republican Caucus

The Elephant in the Dome Podcast – Accountability & Reform: Medicaid, Car Thefts, and Juvenile Justice

Senator John Braun breaks down evolving questions around Medicaid changes, celebrates steep drops in auto thefts, and confronts serious concerns at Green Hill’s juvenile facility in this candid episode of The Elephant in the Dome. [TRANSCRIPT]
Read More
1
...
6 7 8 9
10
11 12 13 14
...
53