News

In his latest legislative update, Sen. Mark Schoesler raises alarms over three payroll-tax-funded programs he calls unsustainable: unemployment insurance, paid family medical leave, and industrial insurance. With skyrocketing tax rates, program abuses, and a staggering unfunded liability, Schoesler urges urgent reforms to protect employers, employees, and taxpayers from looming financial disaster. Efficiency, he says, is...

In this episode of Elephant in the Dome, Tracy Ellis sits down with Senate Republican Leader John Braun and Caucus Chair Judy Warnick to discuss two citizen-driven initiatives shaping Washington’s legislative agenda: IL26-638 – Protecting fairness and safety in girls’ sports, and IL26-001 – Restoring the Parents’ Bill of Rights. We dive into why these...

On KPQ Radio, 12th District Senator Keith Goehner shares his concerns about reactionary legislation and its impact on Washington residents. From opposing a bill banning law enforcement face coverings to questioning the effectiveness of lowering the DUI threshold without stronger enforcement, Goehner emphasizes practical solutions over political optics. He also highlights looming challenges for agriculture,...

Washington lawmakers are moving to close dangerous gaps in how the state places sexually violent predators in communities. Kelley Payne reports.

OLYMPIA — Sen. Matt Boehnke and Sen. Nikki Torres have introduced a comprehensive package of legislation to close dangerous gaps in Washington’s handling of less restrictive alternative (LRA) placements for sexually violent predators, prioritizing the safety of families, neighborhoods, and children across the state. “These are not abstract policy debates; they affect real neighborhoods, real...

State senators send a clear message on firearm safety. Tracy Ellis reports.

OLYMPIA—Sen. Nikki Torres has introduced legislation to provide a permanent sales and use tax exemption for baby and adult diapers, delivering direct tax relief for families and caregivers facing everyday costs, including those caring for elderly loved ones. “There’s a lot of talk in Olympia about raising taxes, but not nearly enough about tax breaks,”...

In this KVI interview with Ari Hoffman, Senate Republican Leader John Braun discusses two critical issues facing Washington: public safety and economic stability. Braun explains his push for legislation to hold parents accountable when children are endangered by exposure to fentanyl and other controlled substances. He also addresses growing concerns over proposed new taxes—including a...

After 133 years, Washington may soon officially become the Evergreen State. Tracy Ellis explains.

The Columbia Plateau cactus is on its way to becoming Washington’s official state cactus. Tracy Ellis has more.

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.