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Sen. John Braun discusses the newly passed income tax, predicting legal challenges and criticizing constraints on voter input. He argues the measure violates the state constitution and says the initiative-only path will confuse voters and undermine a clear public decision on the tax.

Sen. Mark Schoesler highlights concerns about expanding tax burdens and questions legislative priorities, citing changes in the working families tax credit and universal free school meals. He argues these policies broaden costs and illustrate deeper issues in current tax and budget decisions.

Historic tax and spending measures highlighted Washington’s 2026 legislative session. Tracy Ellis reports.

The Legislature tonight unanimously passed the 2025-27 state supplemental capital budget  following an agreement earlier this week by Senate and House negotiators on a final budget plan.  The Senate voted 49-0 to pass the budget after the House approved it 96-0. Two eastern Washington Republican senators who helped develop the spending plan applauded it for...

OLYMPIA… Today’s Senate vote on a final supplemental operating budget for the 2025-27 biennium gave Senate Republican budget leaders another opportunity to express their concerns about the inability of majority Democrats to restrain government spending. Like the separate versions approved in recent days by Senate and House Democrats, the $80.1 billion budget compromise greatly outspends...

On Tuesday, House Democrats passed the state income tax (Senate Bill 6346) after more than 24 hours of debate, ignoring the impact it will have on our economy and the essential fact that it is unconstitutional. They did so despite all the opposition from across the state – voters, newspaper editorial boards, minority business owners,...

Senate Republican Leader John Braun and Senator Chris Gildon break down Washington’s newly released budget, long‑term deficits, and the impacts of the income tax. They warn of structural instability, spending growth, and economic risks they say could drive Washington toward a fiscal “doom loop.” TRANSCRIPT

OLYMPIA — Sen. Nikki Torres, R-Pasco, issued the following statement after the latest state operating budget proposal removed a previously approved public defense funding provision and bipartisan legislation aimed at addressing Washington’s growing public defense crisis stalled this session. Earlier this session, the Senate approved a proposal dedicating seven percent of revenue from the Democrats’...

OLYMPIA — Sen. Matt Boehnke, R-Kennewick, released the following statement after the Legislature gave final approval to Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 6346, legislation establishing a new state income tax on individuals earning more than $1 million annually. “I strongly condemn the passage of this income tax. It’s being marketed as a ‘millionaire’s tax,’ but if...

A longtime Central Washington legislator is leaving the state Senate—but not right away. Tracy Ellis explains.

Sen. Phil Fortunato, R-Auburn, breaks down Washington’s exploding state budget, which has doubled in a decade, and asks what taxpayers have to show for it. From rising homelessness and energy costs to new tax proposals, Fortunato argues lawmakers should focus on accountability, spending priorities, and results for families across Washington today.

OLYMPIA — The Washington State Legislature has approved legislation sponsored by Sen. Matt Boehnke to improve how students track their progress on state and federal financial aid applications. Substitute Senate Bill 5841 aims to integrate financial aid application data into Washington’s universal High School and Beyond Plan platform, allowing students, families, and authorized school staff...