Leadership Blog

In the News

AUDIO: Live From Olympia: Legislative Session Wrap‑Up with Sen. Short and Rep. Abell

Published on March 09, 2026
This end‑of‑session discussion with Senator Shelly Short and Representative Hunter Abell covers bill negotiations, budget battles, income‑tax controversy, rural policy impacts, and legislative drama behind the scenes. They address constituent questions, oversight concerns, and key victories while previewing the final days of Washington’s 2026 legislative session.
Read More

AUDIO: House approves Sen. Nikki Torres bill establishing crash prevention zones to address dangerous highways

Published on March 09, 2026
Special crash-prevention zones could soon be created on Washington roads with high numbers of serious crashes. Tracy Ellis explains.
Read More

AUDIO: Sen. Jeff Wilson Highlights Kit Home Legislation in his legislative update

Published on March 07, 2026
Senator Jeff Wilson discusses the passage of his kit‑home bill aimed at improving housing affordability in Washington. He explains how kit homes offer an additional, cost‑effective housing option for families, including ADUs. Wilson emphasizes their long history, ease of assembly, and potential to expand accessible housing choices.
Read More

AUDIO: Conversation with Governor: Braun Discusses Child Safety and Legislative Gridlock in this legislative update

Published on March 07, 2026
Senate Republican Leader John Braun describes his recent meeting with the governor. Braun raises concerns about rising fentanyl‑related child deaths and stalled child‑protection bills in the Legislature. He notes bipartisan Senate support for action but says key House committee members are blocking progress.
Read More

AUDIO: The connection between budget risks and income tax uncertainty: Sen. Schoesler’s legislative update

Published on March 07, 2026
Senator Mark Schoesler outlines concerns about the state’s proposed income tax and the significant differences between budget plans in the Legislature. He warns that relying on one‑time funds, unrealistic growth assumptions, and a likely court challenge creates serious long‑term fiscal risk, leaving future lawmakers accountable for today’s decisions.
Read More
News Categories

News

January 22, 2026
Senate Republican Caucus

AUDIO: Fortunato bill for rapid replacement of Fairfax Bridge gets a hearing

A failed bridge on the road to Mount Rainier needs urgent replacement, according to a state senator. Kelley Payne tells us a proposal to fast-track the emergency replacement of the Fairfax Bridge gets a Senate Transportation Committee hearing next week.
Read More
January 22, 2026
Senate Republican Caucus

AUDIO: Is the fourth time a charm? Commonsense child safety bill passes Senate…again

How many chances does it take to protect kids from fentanyl? That’s the question in Olympia as the State Senate once again passes a child safety bill aimed at preventing deadly overdoses. Tracy Ellis reports.
Read More
January 22, 2026
Phil Fortunato

Fortunato bill for rapid replacement of Fairfax Bridge gets a hearing

OLYMPIA — Legislation sponsored by Sen. Phil Fortunato to fast-track the emergency replacement of the Fairfax Bridge will receive a public hearing in the Senate Transportation Committee on Tuesday, Jan. 27. Senate Bill 5987 is in response to the closure of the Fairfax Bridge on State Route 165, which cut off access to parts of...
Read More
January 21, 2026
Senate Republican Caucus

AUDIO: Senator Jeff Wilson Talks Local Control, Sea Lion Management, and Tax Concerns on Timber Country 94.7

On Timber Country 94.7, Senator Jeff Wilson shares his views on key issues impacting Washington residents. He discusses the controversial Senate Bill 5974 and its implications for local sheriffs, questions the state’s sanctuary policies, and highlights his efforts to manage sea lion populations threatening fisheries. Wilson also addresses electric vehicle charging perks at state facilities,...
Read More
January 21, 2026
Senate Republican Caucus

AUDIO: Wilson kit home bill passes Senate unanimously

State legislators are taking another swing at solving Washington’s housing crunch. Tracy Ellis reports.
Read More
January 20, 2026
Senate Republican Caucus

AUDIO: Sen. Keith Wagoner Discusses Flood Recovery, Farm Struggles, and Legislative Challenges on KGMI Radio

In this KGMI interview, Sen. Keith Wagoner shares insights on Olympia’s 2026 session, addressing flood recovery efforts, Washington farmers’ economic struggles, and controversial law enforcement bills. He also highlights budget concerns and the need for policy changes to support rural communities.
Read More
January 20, 2026
Senate Republican Caucus

AUDIO: Critics blast new ‘Initiative Killer’ bill advancing in Washington Legislature

A battle over Washington’s initiative process at the State Capitol. Tracy Ellis has the latest on the so-called “Initiative Killer” bill.
Read More
January 20, 2026
Ron Muzzall

NEWS: Sen. Ron Muzzall moves to fix audit access gap blocking oversight

OLYMPIA — Sen. Ron Muzzall has introduced Senate Bill 6266 to restore and clarify the authority of the Washington State Auditor to access records necessary to conduct authorized audits of state agencies and programs, including records that are confidential by law. The bill is aimed at strengthening accountability and ensuring the State Auditor can fully...
Read More
January 19, 2026
Senate Republican Caucus

AUDIO: Live from Olympia: Key Legislative Updates from Washington’s 7th District

Senator Shelly Short and Representatives Andrew Engell and Hunter Abell break down the first week of Washington’s 2026 legislative session. Topics include wildlife management bills, tax proposals, housing and childcare challenges, and the Climate Commitment Act’s impact on gas prices. Also, what’s ahead for agriculture, transportation, and economic policy in Washington State.
Read More
January 19, 2026
Senate Republican Caucus

AUDIO: Braun bill aims to protect housing grant program from fraud

State taxpayer dollars meant to help people of color buy homes may have gone to insiders instead. Tracy Ellis reports.
Read More
January 19, 2026
Judy Warnick

Washington State Senate adopts resolution observing Martin Luther King Jr. Day

Sen. Judy Warnick/R-Moses Lake/Credit: Washington State Senate OLYMPIA… Today the Washington State Senate unanimously approved Senate Resolution 8661, officially recognizing Martin Luther King Jr. Day and reaffirming the Legislature’s dedication to justice, equity, and human dignity. The resolution honors the life and legacy of Dr. King, emphasizing his teaching that progress requires clarity of purpose,...
Read More
January 16, 2026
Senate Republican Caucus

VIDEO: Sen. Chris Gildon’s Legislative Update — Jan. 12, 2026

Sen. Chris Gildon, R-Puyallup, reports from the state Capitol on the opening of the 2026 legislative session and the important decisions facing lawmakers.
Read More
1
...
7 8 9 10
11
12 13 14 15
...
59