News

Special crash-prevention zones could soon be created on Washington roads with high numbers of serious crashes. Tracy Ellis explains.

Senator Jeff Wilson discusses the passage of his kit‑home bill aimed at improving housing affordability in Washington. He explains how kit homes offer an additional, cost‑effective housing option for families, including ADUs. Wilson emphasizes their long history, ease of assembly, and potential to expand accessible housing choices.

Senate Republican Leader John Braun describes his recent meeting with the governor. Braun raises concerns about rising fentanyl‑related child deaths and stalled child‑protection bills in the Legislature. He notes bipartisan Senate support for action but says key House committee members are blocking progress.

Senator Mark Schoesler outlines concerns about the state’s proposed income tax and the significant differences between budget plans in the Legislature. He warns that relying on one‑time funds, unrealistic growth assumptions, and a likely court challenge creates serious long‑term fiscal risk, leaving future lawmakers accountable for today’s decisions.

Senator John Braun outlines concerns about Washington’s proposed income tax, arguing it would burden small and medium sized businesses, harm competitiveness, and create budget risks. He and Lars Larson discuss legislative dynamics, potential legal challenges, and the likelihood voters would reject the tax if allowed a direct say.

Washington State Democrats appear to have a deal on a new income tax that Republicans say is unconstitutional, unnecessary, unfair and unpopular. Tracy Ellis reports.

An update from Senators Shelly Short and Judy Warnick on legislative topics, including license plate replacements, data center policy, transmission planning, wildfire‑fighting funds, and state budget negotiations. The senators also address speculation about delaying the proposed income tax as the legislative session nears its end.

OLYMPIA… Leaders in the Senate Republican Caucus offered these reactions to today’s announcement by Gov. Bob Ferguson that he will support the proposed state income tax if a rewrite suggested by House Democrats is approved. From Senate Republican Leader John Braun, of Centralia: “Washingtonians have voted down an income tax 11 times. That should mean...

The state Senate approved a bill ending a program that serves people with developmental disabilities who also have violent or sexual histories. Tracy Ellis explains. The House had already passed the bill and now must agree to the Senate’s changes before it moves forward.

As Washington lawmakers enter the final stretch of the legislative session, Senate Republican Leader John Braun discusses a recent meeting with Governor Ferguson and the growing debate over a proposed state income tax. In this episode of Elephant in the Dome, Braun shares what was discussed in the meeting, where negotiations stand, and why Republicans...

OLYMPIA —Sen. Matt Boehnke, R-Kennewick, criticized the Senate’s approval of Substitute House Bill 1390, which would eliminate Washington’s Community Protection Program without adopting reasonable safeguards to protect communities. The 8th District lawmaker noted that several amendments offered during debate would have strengthened public safety protections as participants transition out of the program, but those proposals...

Kit homes — those precut, affordable little houses that used to be ordered out of catalogs — are getting a modern revival. Tracy Ellis explains.