News

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...

Lawmakers are sounding the alarm over a proposed shellfish fee hike that could soar by 500 percent or more. Tracy Ellis reports.

In this legislative update video, Sen. Phil Fortunato, R-Auburn, explains why fast-tracking the Fairfax Bridge replacement is critical for communities in the 31st Legislative District and access to Mount Rainier. Fortunato outlines his push to move the project to a design-build process — a step that could shave a year or more off construction time...

Senator Keith Goehner joins KOZI Radio to discuss key issues in the current legislative session, including proposed income tax changes, transportation funding concerns, homelessness strategies, public safety bills, and initiatives affecting citizen rights. He also touched on emerging topics like AI and child safety, urging constituents to stay engaged and provide feedback.

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

OLYMPIA — Sen. Judy Warnick is urging the Legislature to hold a public hearing on Initiative Measure No. IL26-638, a certified initiative addressing participation standards in interscholastic sports, saying it should move through the normal legislative process and be openly vetted. “This initiative was signed by hundreds of thousands of Washingtonians and certified by the...

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...