News from the Caucus

The budget battle in Olympia heats up. Top Senate Republicans say the Democrats’ spending plan underscores a clash of values—what’s prioritized, and who pays the price. Tracy Ellis has more.

OLYMPIA… Sen. Chris Gildon, R-Puyallup, and Sen. Nikki Torres, R-Pasco, offered this reaction to the operating budgets proposed today by the Legislature’s majority Democrats. The Senate majority’s plan would spend $78.5 billion in the 2025-27 budget cycle – $3 billion more than the Senate Republican “$ave Washington” proposal – while the corresponding House Democrats’ plan...

In this episode of The Elephant in the Dome, Senate Republican Leader John Braun talks about the impact of proposed tax increases in Washington. He discusses the Republican budget alternative, concerns over new payroll and wealth taxes, and how these policies could affect affordability, job growth, and economic stability in the state.

Republican budget leaders on Senate Democrats’ record-setting tax package “A new kind of March madness”   OLYMPIA… Sen. Chris Gildon, R-Puyallup, and Sen. Nikki Torres, R-Pasco, offered this reaction to the $20 billion, four-year tax package proposed by the Senate’s majority Democrats today, ahead of the anticipated Monday rollout of their 2025-27 operating-budget proposal. From...

In this episode of The Deputies, Rep. Chris Corry and Sen. Drew MacEwen discuss a range of proposed taxes, including increases to the B&O tax, wealth tax, and property tax. They highlight the potential economic impacts, like driving businesses out of state and increasing costs for Washington residents. They also touch on bipartisan leadership, paying...

March Madness isn’t just for basketball—Republicans say it’s happening in Olympia too. Tracy Ellis explains.

OLYMPIA… Sen. Chris Gildon, R-Puyallup, and Sen. Nikki Torres, R-Pasco, offered this reaction to the $20 billion, four-year tax package proposed by the Senate’s majority Democrats today, ahead of the anticipated Monday rollout of their 2025-27 operating-budget proposal. From Sen. Gildon, who is Senate Republican budget leader: “My first reaction was wow – this is...

Sen. Keith Goehner/R-Dryden/Credit: Washington State Senate OLYMPIA… Sen. Keith Goehner today commended the Snohomish County Regional Drug Task Force and all law-enforcement officers involved in the recent arrest of Percy Levy, whose prison sentence for robbery had been commuted by Jay Inslee, former Washington governor. Levy, arrested March 13 in Everett, faces 11 felony charges,...

Sen. Matt Boehnke, R-Kennewick/Credit: Washington State Senate OLYMPIA… A recycling bill recently approved through a partisan vote in the Senate amounts to another hidden tax that would increase prices at the grocery store, says Sen. Matt Boehnke. Boehnke, the ranking Republican on the Senate Environment, Energy, and Technology Committee, said the bill would shift the...

Sen. Braun VIDEO: Sen John Braun recaps week 9 of the Legislative Session AUDIO: State Senate Republican Leadership Update with Senator John Braun… AUDIO: Senate unanimously passes Braun bill to improve safety, reduce overcrowding in juvenile facilities The Elephant in the Dome Podcast: Senators Braun and Gildon Discuss the $ave Washington Budget Media Avail: Republican...

Sen John Braun recaps week 9 of the Legislative Session, highlighting wins on public safety and housing, and progress on special education funding. He warns against tax increases and stresses the need for better outcomes in K-12 education

On the Jason Rantz Show, State Senator Chris Gildon discusses the budget realities facing Washington. With a clear stance against new taxes, Gildon outlines how education funding can be preserved, fiscal responsibility achieved, and collective bargaining agreements reimagined. He emphasizes accountability, innovation, and solutions rooted in economic pragmatism.