News from the Caucus
The Elephant in the Dome Podcast: The Truth About The Road Usage Tax and New Tax Hikes
In this episode of Elephant in the Dome, Washington State Senate Republican Leader John Braun joins Tracy Ellis and Laudan Espinoza to break down the controversial Road Usage Charge proposal. Is this new mileage tax just another burden on hardworking Washingtonians? How will it impact rural communities, low-income drivers, and transportation funding? We also dive...
Read More
AUDIO: State Senate Republican leadership update with Senator John Braun
Sen. Braun critiques Democrat-led taxation policies, arguing that taxes on carbon, innovation, payroll, and manufacturing hurt Washington’s economy. He asserts that Republicans can balance the budget without new taxes and urges bipartisan consideration of economic impacts.
Read More
UPDATE: An even worse version of the wood stove bill passed out of committee today
CHAIR OF THE COMMITTE MAKES SENATE BILL 5174 WORSE The bill that would more tightly regulate wood-burning stoves not only passed out of the Senate’s Environment, Energy and Technology Committee today. It did so with an amendment that makes the bill worse. The amendment to Senate Bill 5174, which was offered by the chair of the...
Read More
NEWSFLASH: The week ahead in the Legislature Feb. 17-21
TESTIFY FOR EMERGENCY POWERS REFORM TOMORROW State Government, Tribal Affairs & Elections 10:30 a.m. in Senate Hearing Room 2 John A. Cherberg Building Capitol Campus, Olympia HOW TO TESTIFY A bill to reform gubernatorial emergency powers will receive a hearing tomorrow at 10:30 a.m. in the Senate State Government, Tribal Affairs & Elections Committee. Senate...
Read More
A bill to overregulate wood stoves due to be voted out of committee tomorrow
HELP STOP SENATE BILL 5174 “This is ridiculous overreach!” – 4th LD Constituent Wood-burning stoves are a critical home-heating source for many homeowners across Washington. Rural families depend on them more than those who live in bigger cities. Lower-income families, seniors on a fixed income, and anyone else trying to make ends meet while energy...
Read More
Senate backs Boehnke bill on quality control for infrastructure projects
Sen. Matt Boehnke, R-Kennewick/Credit: Washington State Senate OLYMPIA… One of the success stories in Washington state government received the unanimous support of the Washington State Senate, through legislation introduced by Sen. Matt Boehnke, R-Kennewick. Boehnke’s Senate Bill 5034 would indefinitely extend the work of what’s known as the SYNC team, which comprises representatives from the...
Read More
VIDEO: Sen. Braun on Policing, Budget & Emergency Powers
Sen. John Braun updates on a bill to fund new police hires and shift policing culture. He previews budget details and shares Republican savings plans to avoid tax hikes. He also discusses limits on long-term emergency powers.
Read More
VIDEO: Legislative Republican Leadership Media Availability: Leaders Oppose Taxes, Push for Public Safety
Washington Republican leaders criticize Democratic policies on crime, taxes, and education, pushing for parental rights, lower costs, and safer communities. They oppose tax hikes, minimum wage increases, and school bond changes while advocating for balanced budgets and accountability.
Read More
AUDIO/VIDEO: Tell Olympia what you think about balancing emergency powers
Help balance state emergency powers by sharing your thoughts at a crucial Valentine’s Day hearing. Tracy Ellis explains. AUDIO VIDEO
Read More
Two of Boehnke’s higher-ed bills move forward from committee
Sen. Matt Boehnke, R-Kennewick/Credit: Washington State Senate OLYMPIA… Legislation from Sen. Matt Boehnke aimed at improving access to education was endorsed today by the state Senate’s higher-education committee. Committee members, who include Boehnke, supported two of his bills. One is Senate Bill 5542, to accommodate more enrollment in high-school completion programs at community and technical...
Read More
VIDEO: FOX News: America Reports: Sen. John Braun on Parental Rights
Washington State Senate Republican Leader John Braun talks with FOX News’ John Roberts about parental rights.
Read More
Elephant in the Dome Podcast | The Fight for Parental Rights: Senate Bill 5181 Debate and Failing Schools
In this episode of Elephant in the Dome, hosts Tracy Ellis and Laudan Espinoza sit down with Senate Republican Leader John Braun to discuss the controversial Senate Bill 5181. How does this bill impact parental rights in schools? What key amendments were made, and what were rejected? The growing concerns over public education, declining test...
Read More