News from the Caucus
Goehner bill on siting energy projects becomes law
Sen. Keith Goehner/R-Dryden/Credit: Washington State Senate OLYMPIA… Yesterday, the governor signed a bipartisan measure from Sen. Keith Goehner that strengthens local governments’ ability to collaborate with the state on locating major clean-energy projects. The new law clarifies that cities and counties assisting the Energy Facility Site Evaluation Council (EFSEC)—the state’s centralized permitting authority for large...
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Braun: Tragic fentanyl-related death of Puyallup child shows continued need for stronger child-endangerment laws
OLYMPIA… Senate Republican Leader John Braun, R-Centralia, issued the following statement today after the Pierce County medical examiner found the March death of a 5-year-old Puyallup boy was caused by acute fentanyl toxicity. The boy’s mother was arrested and appeared in court yesterday on a charge of first-degree manslaughter after allegedly exposing him to the...
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AUDIO: Sen. John Braun Talks Budget, Campus Protests & Leadership with KVI’s Ari Hoffman
On KVI, Sen. John Braun joins Ari Hoffman to discuss Washington’s budget concerns, campus protests at UW, and Democratic silence on antisemitism. He critiques overspending, calls for accountability, and urges leadership to address rising tensions. A candid conversation on pressing state issues.
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AUDIO: Sen. John Braun Discusses Washington’s Budget and Tax Hikes on The Lars Larson Show
Sen. John Braun joins Lars Larson to analyze Washington’s budget decisions, tax hikes, and Gov. Ferguson’s stance. He critiques spending habits, warns of economic risks, and urges fiscal responsibility. Will the governor veto or sign these controversial measures?
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Braun: UW protests escalate into targeted harassment, criminal behavior
OLYMPIA… Senate Republican Leader John Braun, R-Centralia, issued the following statement today in response to escalating violence and harassment during protests at the University of Washington: “The events unfolding at the University of Washington have crossed every line of decency and legality. Last night, protesters threw human feces at attendees of a Turning Point USA...
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Braun praises UW officials for response to protests, calls for prosecutions
Monday’s protest at the University of Washington took a dangerous turn as demonstrators occupied a campus building, set fires, and barricaded entrances. The State Senate Republican leader says it can’t be tolerated. Tracy Ellis reports.
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Governor signs Boehnke’s bipartisan bill to strengthen Washington’s climate transparency
Front row, L to R: Sen. Matt Boehnke, R-Kennewick, Gov. Bob Ferguson, and Virginia Hall, SLA, Office of Sen. Boehnke. Back row, L to R: Dawn Boehnke, Derrek Wilson, Dept. of Ecology, Anthony “Tony” Abbot, Dept. of Ecology, Cameron Long, SRC Policy, WA State Senate, Ken Camp, Dept. of Ecology, Micheal Leone, Session Intern, Office...
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Braun praises UW officials for response to Monday protests, calls for prosecutions
OLYMPIA…Senate Republican Leader John Braun, R-Centralia, issued the following reaction to Monday’s violent occupation of the Interdisciplinary Engineering Building at the University of Washington by anti-Israel, pro-Hamas protesters. The protests were in opposition to the university’s ties to The Boeing Company. “Violent antisemitic protests intended to intimidate Jewish students and University officials are troubling and...
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The Deputies Podcast: Sine Die & the Aftermath: Washington’s Budget, Taxes & What’s Next
Deputy House Republican Leader Chris Corry and Deputy Senate Republican Leader Drew MacEwen dive into the aftermath of Washington’s grueling legislative session, dissecting the impact of $10 billion in new taxes, property tax changes, and spending hikes. They unpack the potential consequences for families, discuss the growing abuse of emergency clauses, and offer insights into...
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The Elephant in the Dome Podcast: Post-Session Recap: Taxes, Transparency & Tension in Olympia
With the legislative session officially over, Senate Republican Leader John Braun unpacks the whirlwind of budget debates, tax hikes, and behind-the-scenes maneuvering. From killing harmful proposals to pushing back on rent control, Medicaid cuts, and unemployment benefits for striking workers—and will the new governor whittle down a budget many say is bloated?
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AUDIO: Session ends, Washingtonians face $12.9 billion tax bill, rent control, fewer parental rights
Senate Republicans are criticizing the just concluded Legislative Session for Democrats’ approval of billions in new taxes, rent control, and changes to parental rights, among other issues. Tracy Ellis reports.
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Legislature approves two-year capital budget ‘for the entire state’
On the final day of its 2025 session, the Legislature approved the 2025-27 state capital budget, with the two Senate Republicans who helped develop this budget praising it for addressing needs throughout Washington. “I’m pleased that the capital budget passed by the Legislature addresses many needs throughout the state,” said 9th District Sen. Mark Schoesler,...
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