News from the Caucus

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.

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.

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...

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%...

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...

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...

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.

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...