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In the News

AUDIO: Live From Olympia: Legislative Session Wrap‑Up with Sen. Short and Rep. Abell

Published on March 09, 2026
This end‑of‑session discussion with Senator Shelly Short and Representative Hunter Abell covers bill negotiations, budget battles, income‑tax controversy, rural policy impacts, and legislative drama behind the scenes. They address constituent questions, oversight concerns, and key victories while previewing the final days of Washington’s 2026 legislative session.
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AUDIO: House approves Sen. Nikki Torres bill establishing crash prevention zones to address dangerous highways

Published on March 09, 2026
Special crash-prevention zones could soon be created on Washington roads with high numbers of serious crashes. Tracy Ellis explains.
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AUDIO: Sen. Jeff Wilson Highlights Kit Home Legislation in his legislative update

Published on March 07, 2026
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.
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AUDIO: Conversation with Governor: Braun Discusses Child Safety and Legislative Gridlock in this legislative update

Published on March 07, 2026
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.
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AUDIO: The connection between budget risks and income tax uncertainty: Sen. Schoesler’s legislative update

Published on March 07, 2026
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.
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News Categories

News

February 12, 2026
Ron Muzzall

NEWS: Lawmakers from 10th District to host in-person community town hall in Oak Harbor on February 21

OLYMPIA — Residents of Island, Skagit, and Snohomish counties are invited to attend an in-person community town hall hosted by Sen. Ron Muzzall and Rep. Dave Paul at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 21, at The Center, 51 SE Jerome Street in Oak Harbor. The lawmakers will provide an update on the 2026 legislative session,...
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February 11, 2026
Senate Republican Caucus

AUDIO: Sen. Matt Boehnke’s bill streamlining financial aid tracking for high school students passes Senate unanimously

If you’ve ever wrestled with college financial aid, you know how confusing and frustrating it can be. A new bill passed unanimously in the state Senate aims to make the process easier. Kelley Payne has more.
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February 11, 2026
Matt Boehnke

NEWS: Sen. Matt Boehnke’s bill streamlining financial aid tracking for high school students passes Senate unanimously

OLYMPIA — The Washington State Senate today approved Substitute Senate Bill 5841, sponsored by Sen. Matt Boehnke, to improve how students track progress on state and federal financial aid applications. SSB 5841 seeks to strengthen Washington’s universal High School and Beyond Plan platform by requiring it to import financial aid application data maintained by the...
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February 11, 2026
Senate Republican Caucus

AUDIO: Senate unanimously advances Warnick bill to evaluate DCYF child welfare assessment practices

Protecting kids—that’s the focus of a bill that just passed the Washington State Senate unanimously. Tracy Ellis reports.
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February 11, 2026
Matt Boehnke

OPINION: Neighborhoods and families deserve safety, accountability

The following opinion-editorial appeared in the Free Cheney Press on Feb. 11, 2026: Kennewick is facing a decision that will affect families for years to come: whether a home for sexually violent predators is placed in the middle of a residential neighborhood. Parents are asking reasonable questions. Law enforcement is raising legitimate concerns. Neighbors want...
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February 11, 2026
Senate Republican Caucus

AUDIO: Sen. Keith Goehner Talks Taxes, Housing, and Budget Challenges on KOZI Radio

Sen. Keith Goehner joined KOZI Radio to discuss the proposed income tax, housing affordability, and tough budget decisions in Olympia. He urges constituents to stay engaged and share feedback during this short legislative session.
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February 11, 2026
Senate Republican Caucus

AUDIO: Senate Democrats pass pile of bills undermining affordability out of committee

Ignoring affordability concerns, Senate Democrats advanced bills that would raise the cost of living for Washingtonians. Tracy Ellis explains.
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February 11, 2026
Senate Republican Caucus

AUDIO: Senate unanimously passes Wagoner bill to integrate Civil Air Patrol into state emergency response

A step toward bolstering the state’s emergency readiness – the state Senate passed a bill to make the Civil Air Patrol an official division of the state’s Military Department. Tracy Ellis has more.
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February 11, 2026
Senate Republican Caucus

AUDIO: State Senate honors Seattle Seahawks following Super Bowl championship

The Super Bowl champs get a salute from the state Senate. Tracy Ellis reports.
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February 10, 2026
Nikki Torres

NEWS: Senate unanimously approves Sen. Nikki Torres’ bill requiring public reporting of child near fatality reviews

OLYMPIA — The Washington State Senate today unanimously approved Senate Bill 5977, sponsored by Sen. Nikki Torres, 15th Legislative District. The legislation would require the public release of child near fatality review reports conducted by the Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families. The bill passed the Senate unanimously, 47–0 and now heads to...
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February 10, 2026
Matt Boehnke

PODCAST: The Mighty 8th Podcast Ep. 1 | Sen. Matt Boehnke on Kennewick LRA fight and the income tax push

Welcome to the first episode of The Mighty 8th Podcast, coming to you from Olympia and focused on giving the 8th District a strong voice in state government. Sen. Matt Boehnke joins the show to discuss two of the most pressing and controversial issues facing the 8th Legislative District and communities across Washington. The conversation...
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February 09, 2026
Nikki Torres

NEWS: Sen. Nikki Torres honors Seattle Seahawks following historic Super Bowl championship season

OLYMPIA — Sen. Nikki Torres today sponsored Senate Resolution 8683 honoring the Seattle Seahawks for their historic 2025 National Football League season, culminating in a Super Bowl LX championship and one of the most successful campaigns in franchise history. The resolution is scheduled to be read on the Senate floor on Tuesday, Feb. 10. The...
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