Leadership Blog

In the News

AUDIO: KPQ Legislative Update: Senators Short & Warnick Discuss Budget, Wildfire Funding, and Insurance Challenges

Published on January 22, 2026
Senators Shelly Short and Judy Warnick join KPQ to share insights on Olympia’s short session, budget concerns, wildfire prevention funding, and homeowners insurance issues. They stress fiscal responsibility, bipartisan efforts, and protecting communities from growing wildfire risks.
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The Elephant in the Dome Podcast: Is Democracy Under Attack in Washington?

Published on January 22, 2026
In this episode of *The Elephant in the Dome Podcast*, Senate Republican Leader John Braun is joined by Senators Keith Wagoner and Jeff Wilson to discuss two controversial proposals in Olympia: restrictions on Washington’s initiative process and a bill that could allow unelected boards to remove elected sheriffs. Are these measures protecting democracy—or undermining it?...
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AUDIO: Fortunato bill for rapid replacement of Fairfax Bridge gets a hearing

Published on January 22, 2026
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.
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AUDIO: Is the fourth time a charm? Commonsense child safety bill passes Senate…again

Published on January 22, 2026
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.
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AUDIO: Senator Jeff Wilson Talks Local Control, Sea Lion Management, and Tax Concerns on Timber Country 94.7

Published on January 21, 2026
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,...
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News from the Caucus

A weekly summary of Senate Republican Caucus content, featuring links to videos, radio and podcast appearances, press releases, social media posts, priority bills, and a short list of bad bills to watch.

March 27, 2025
Senate Republican Caucus

AUDIO: Senate Republican Leader: Tell the majority “NO” on higher property taxes

Your city, county, and state property taxes could soon rise as fast as inflation—Tracy Ellis explains how you can fight back.
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March 27, 2025
Senate Republican Caucus

The Elephant in the Dome Podcast: The True Cost of Washington’s Tax Hikes

Senate Republican Leader John Braun breaks down Olympia’s latest tax proposals, from property tax hikes to new fees on outdoor recreation. With over $20 billion in increases at stake, learn how these changes could hit homeowners, renters, and businesses—and what they mean for Washington’s housing crisis.
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March 27, 2025
Senate Republican Caucus

AUDIO: Fishing and hunting licenses fee hike clears state Senate

If you hunt or fish in our state, pay attention: A bill just passed the Senate and is now in the House that would hike license fees by 38%. Tracy Ellis reports.
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March 27, 2025
Senate Republican Caucus

ALERT: Sign in CON on bill to SKYROCKET your property taxes

SAY NO TO THE PROPERTY TAX INCREASE   Property tax increase will be heard in the Ways & Means Committee meeting at 4 p.m., Monday, March 31. Don’t let this bill out of committee.   As part of the largest tax increase in Washington state history, the majority wants to remove the 1% cap on...
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March 27, 2025
John Braun

Braun: Tell the majority “NO” on higher property taxes

OLYMPIA – A Democrat-sponsored bill that could dramatically increase Washington’s property taxes will receive a public hearing in the Senate Ways & Means Committee at 4 p.m. Monday, March 31. The public is encouraged to sign in CON, testify against the bill, and/or submit written testimony opposing it. Senate Bill 5798 would remove the 1%...
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March 26, 2025
Keith Goehner

House committee passes Goehner regulatory-reform bill for energy projects

Sen. Keith Goehner/R-Dryden/Credit: Washington State Senate OLYMPIA… Legislation from Sen. Keith Goehner that would streamline the review and approval process for energy projects is a step closer to becoming law. The House Environment and Energy Committee unanimously endorsed Senate Bill 5317 on Monday. The bill would clarify that when cities and counties enter into agreements...
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March 26, 2025
Keith Goehner

House committee backs Goehner bill granting counties more time to update growth plans

Sen. Keith Goehner/R-Dryden/Credit: Washington State Senate OLYMPIA… Sen. Keith Goehner’s bill to help counties with land-use planning is a step closer to a vote by the full House of Representatives. After receiving unanimous support this past week from the House Local Government Committee, Senate Bill 5558 is now before the committee that places legislation on...
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March 25, 2025
Senate Republican Caucus

VIDEO: Republican Leaders Criticize WA Budget

Legislative Republicans opposed new taxes in WA’s Democrat budget, citing harm to jobs and families. They called for fiscal restraint, transparency, and reforms, while highlighting their alternative budget focusing on safety and education without tax hikes. Concerns over spending increases were emphasized.
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March 24, 2025
Senate Republican Caucus

AUDIO: Republican Leaders Slam Democrat Budget Tax Hikes: Burden Families, Ignore Critical Needs

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.
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March 24, 2025
Chris Gildon

Democrats’ budget proposals don’t justify massive tax hikes, say Republican budget leaders

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...
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March 22, 2025
Senate Republican Caucus

The Elephant in the Dome Podcast—Tax Debate in Olympia—Cost of Living, Innovation & Economic Growth

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.
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March 21, 2025
Senate Republican Caucus

NEWSFLASH: Democrats announce nearly $20 billion in new and higher taxes

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...
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