News from the Caucus

In Washington, voters get an opportunity to weigh in on taxes that were passed by the Legislature without their direct approval. This opportunity is called “Advisory Votes” and it is often the only time voters hear of a new tax. Since 2012, advisory votes on 38 tax increases have appeared on the ballot. But today,...

Today the Senate voted 48-0 to approve Sen. Keith Wagoner’s measure designating January as Americans of Chinese Descent Month.   “They say the third time’s a charm, and I hope in this case it’s true,” said Wagoner, R-Sedro-Woolley, who has been working on the issue since 2020.   “I want to thank everyone in this...

Senate Republican Leader John Braun updates us on the progress of the 2023 Legislative Session. Unfortunately, the highlight is the lack of progress on fixing the police pursuit law. Learn more:  

OLYMPIA…There’s a data war happening in the Washington State Senate. It’s over the need for reform to the recent change in law that prevents police from pursuing a suspect unless the authorities have probable cause. Senate Republican Leader John Braun, R-Centralia, believes we must pass legislation that improves Washington’s police-pursuit law after the results of...

Senate Republican Leader John Braun from the 20th legislative district gives an update on Republican priorities for the 2023 session and where the real work lies.

Click here to watch the full hearing on SB 5000. Today the Senate State Government and Elections Committee voted unanimously to advance Sen. Keith Wagoner’s measure designating January as Americans of Chinese Descent Month. “Recognizing the history and contributions of Americans of Chinese descent has been and will continue to be very important to me,”...

Washington State Senate Republicans today elected 2023 deputy leadership. Deputy Leader                    Sen. Chris Gildon, Puyallup Caucus Vice Chair              Sen. Ron Muzzall, Oak Harbor Deputy Floor Leader         Sen. Nikki Torres, Pasco Deputy Whip                       Sen. Perry Dozier, Waitsburg

          OLYMPIA…The Washington State Senate Republican Caucus announced its committee assignments for the senators who will serve the Legislature in 2023. 2023 Ranking Republican Committee Assignments by Member: Agriculture, Water, Natural Resources & Parks: Sen. Ron Muzzall, R-Oak Harbor Business, Financial Services, Gaming & Trade: Sen. Perry Dozier, R-Waitsburg Early Learning...

OLYMPIA…Washington Senate Republicans today reelected their top leadership team for the 2022-23 legislative term. Deputy leaders will be chosen during the first caucus of the legislative session. Leader: Sen. John Braun, Centralia Caucus Chair: Sen. Judy Warnick, Moses Lake Floor Leader: Sen. Shelly Short, Addy Whip: Sen. Keith Wagoner, Sedro-Woolley   Sen. John Braun shared...

OLYMPIA…Senate Republican Leader John Braun, R-Centralia, shared the following comments in response to the end of the state of emergency declared by Gov. Jay Inslee 975 days ago in response to the outbreak of COVID-19. “Ending the state of emergency is long overdue. Washington was under one-man rule for 975 days. With this finally behind...

At the risk of dating myself, I was a young mother right around the last time the inflation rate in our state was like it is now… very high and skyrocketing! I know what it’s like to do the dollar-stretching and prioritizing that has suddenly become a necessity for today’s younger generation, especially parents. I...

OLYMPIA…Senate Republican Leader John Braun, R-Centralia, released the following statement in response to the announcement today by the Office of Financial Management (OFM) that the collective bargaining agreements with the public employees union, negotiated by the governor and his campaign donors in secret, will cost more than $1 billion. “I don’t fault public employees for...