News from the Caucus
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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AUDIO: Senator John Braun Discusses Tax Hikes and Transparency on KVI Radio
Senator John Braun critiques proposed tax increases in Washington, calling them economically harmful. He highlights transparency issues in the legislative process and urges bipartisan efforts for better governance. Braun also discusses Governor Ferguson’s stance on taxes and public safety funding.
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AUDIO: Rent Control Showdown: Democrats Push for Caps as Republicans Warn of Economic Risks
Sen. Keith Goehner delivers a speech on the Senate floor with Sen. John Braun observing intently Rent control legislation, decried by Republicans for potentially shrinking housing supply and raising rents, continues to advance in the state legislature. Tracy Ellis explains.
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AUDIO: Senator Nikki Torres Discusses Tax Hikes and Education on KVI Radio
Senator Nikki Torres joins Ari Hoffman on KVI Radio to critique proposed school levy increases that are framed as funding for schools. She points out that wealthier districts would benefit more from these levies, while poorer districts might struggle to raise funds or gain voter approval.
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AUDIO: Senator Braun Talks Taxes, Trucks, and Tesla with Lars Larson
On the Lars Larson Show, Sen. John Braun blasts Washington’s scaled-back wealth tax as a legal setup and warns electric truck rules could cripple transport. He questions taxing Tesla’s success and calls for market-based policies—not mandates—from Olympia.
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AUDIO: Democrat legislators still on track for supporting property-tax hikes
The proposed property tax increase hike from State Legislative Democrats is off the table, but concerns remain over a plan to raise the school levy cap. Tracy Ellis reports.
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AUDIO: Senate Democrats approve first wave of massive tax hikes; an ‘expensive day for the taxpayers,’ say Republican budget leaders
State Senate Democrats just approved a wave of Easter weekend tax hikes, including a sales-tax increase and new taxes on self-storage rentals. Tracy Ellis reports.
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AUDIO: House Democrats fumble justice-reform bill, leaving juvenile-justice facilities in crisis
Democrats missed a critical chance to address overcrowding in Washington’s juvenile-justice facilities, according to the state Senate Republican Leader. Tracy Ellis reports.
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AUDIO: On ‘Tax Day,’ Senate Democrats propose billions more in tax increases
On Tax Day (Tuesday), State Senate Democrats unveil a sweeping tax package that would likely cost you and everyone you know more to live in Washington. You can comment at a Senate Ways and Means Committee hearing scheduled for 5:30 tomorrow (Wednesday). Tracy Ellis has more.
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AUDIO: Week 13 Legislative Session Update with Senate Republican Leader John Braun
State Senate Democrats are pushing to scrap the one percent cap on property tax growth, opening the door for taxes to skyrocket with inflation. A Democrat rent control bill from the House cleared the Senate and now heads back to the House for further consideration. Senator Braun speaks out against both measures.
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AUDIO: Democrats pass bill to bully schools, sideline parents
The state Senate Republican Leader accuses Senate Democrats of passing a bill that bullies schools and sidelines parents. Tracy Ellis reports.
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AUDIO: Republicans Push Back Against Democrat-Led Property Tax Hike
State Senate Democrats are pushing to scrap the one percent cap on property tax growth, opening the door for taxes to skyrocket with inflation. Senate Republicans call it reckless, saying it would hit homeowners and renters hard. Tracy Ellis has more.
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