Leadership Blog

In the News

Elephant in the Dome Podcast—Ferguson’s Gas Crisis, Shaky Budgets, America @ 250 w/Sen. Chris Gildon

Published on July 01, 2026
In this episode of The Elephant in the Dome, Senator Chris Gildon pulls back the curtain on the real issues facing Washington. From the controversial impacts of the Climate Commitment Act on gas prices and utility bills to a deep dive into Olympia’s looming budget shortfall, Sen. Gildon breaks down the numbers that the majority...
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The Crisis of Washington’s “Keeping Families Together Act” | Elephant in the Dome Podcast

Published on June 17, 2026
In this episode of Elephant in the Dome, Senator Chris Gildon sits down with foster parent and healthcare professional Tracie Jefferson. They dive deep into the devastating, unintended consequences of Washington State’s “Keeping Families Together Act,” examining how its high removal thresholds and systemic issues impact vulnerable children. TRANSCRIPT
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VIDEO: Senator Jeff Wilson on Longview tank explosion

Published on June 04, 2026
KIRO 7: Longview leaders react to no regulatory inspections of white liquor tanks KOIN 6: Longview community’s future discussed by Senator Jeff Wilson
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AUDIO: As summer heat looms, Warnick pushes for wildfire insurance transparency and central Washington water security

Published on June 03, 2026
With the summer heat kicking in, Central Washington is bracing for drought—but a state senator says water is only half the battle. Tracy Ellis explains.
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The Elephant in the Dome Podcast: Is Washington Misdiagnosing the Homeless Crisis? | Jonathan Choe & Sen. Chris Gildon

Published on June 03, 2026
Is housing really the solution to Washington’s homelessness crisis? Senator Chris Gildon and investigative journalist Jonathan Choe discuss why “Housing First” models are failing. They explore the impact of fentanyl, the lack of taxpayer accountability, and why treating addiction as a mental illness is the only way forward for Washington state. Transcript: The Elephant in...
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News

February 27, 2026
Phil Fortunato

Sen. Phil Fortunato proposes zero-based budgeting reform during operating budget debate

OLYMPIA — During debate on the Senate’s proposed supplemental operating budget, Sen. Phil Fortunato, R–Auburn, introduced an amendment to require a phased-in zero-based budgeting review of state spending. The amendment was not adopted. The Senate proposed operating budget, Senate Bill 5998, passed on a party-line vote of 30–19, with all Democrats voting yes and all...
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February 25, 2026
Ron Muzzall

A quick session update and why rural hospitals matter

The legislative session is moving fast. Short sessions always do. It reminds me of those stretches on the farm when the weather window is tight and there’s more work than daylight. You start the morning walking the rows, checking on things, and before you know it you’re running hard just to keep up. Today is Policy...
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February 25, 2026
Phil Fortunato

Income tax, Fairfax Bridge, survey results and district priorities

Thank you for the opportunity to serve our community in the 31st Legislative District. In Olympia, I’m focused on practical solutions that keep Washington affordable, ensure accountability, and reflect the common-sense priorities of the people I work for every day. Today marks another deadline — Policy Committee Cutoff in the opposite chamber. From here, the focus...
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February 24, 2026
Senate Republican Caucus

AUDIO: Sen. Goehner Highlights Income Tax Opposition, Budget Concerns, and Local Project Funding on KOZI Radio

On KOZI Radio, Sen. Keith Goehner discusses strong public opposition to the proposed income tax, rapid state spending growth, and concerns about constitutional overreach. He also highlights new funding for the Totem Road project, ongoing budget negotiations, and urges constituents to stay engaged as the short session accelerates.
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February 24, 2026
Senate Republican Caucus

AUDIO: KOMW: Seventh District Lawmakers Push Back on Income Tax, Budget Growth, and Rural Impacts

On Okanogan Country Radio, Sen. Shelly Short and Reps. Andrew Engell and Hunter Abell discuss overwhelming public opposition to the proposed income tax, rising state spending, and threats to rural services. They highlight budget concerns, legislative procedural wins, and bipartisan efforts to advance bills supporting veterans, health care access, wildfire preparedness, and rural communities.
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February 24, 2026
Senate Republican Caucus

AUDIO: Sen. Wagoner Criticizes Income Tax Plan and Budget Moves in Olympia on KGMI Radio

On KGMI Radio, Sen. Keith Wagoner discusses legislative cutoffs, criticizes the proposed millionaire income tax, and opposes redirecting police and firefighter pension funds. He highlights concerns about an anti sheriff bill, public referendum limits, and emerging public safety issues like unregulated nitrous oxide sales.
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February 24, 2026
Senate Republican Caucus

AUDIO: Senate releases 2026 capital budget proposal

A proposal to keep Washington’s buildings, schools, and communities humming along was unveiled in Olympia. Tracy Ellis reports.
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February 23, 2026
Senate Republican Caucus

AUDIO: Republican Budget leader on proposed Senate operating budget: Too much spending, wrong priorities, and unsustainable

Something fragile that collapses easily – that’s how state Senate Republicans describe the Democrats’ new supplemental operating budget. Tracy Ellis explains.
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February 23, 2026
Senate Republican Caucus

STATEMENT: Republican leaders on proposed Senate operating budget: Too much spending, wrong priorities, and unsustainable

OLYMPIA… The budget leaders for the state’s Senate Republicans offered this assessment of the supplemental 2025-27 operating budget from majority Democrats, which will have a public hearing this afternoon before the Senate Ways and Means Committee. The proposal would push state spending above the $80 billion mark for the first time and represent an 11.3%...
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February 23, 2026
Senate Republican Caucus

AUDIO: BREAKING: Income tax sets another state record for most unpopular bill ahead of hearing in House Finance Committee

The most unpopular bill in Washington history just got even more unpopular. Tracy Ellis tells us more than 100,000 people signed in to oppose the income tax bill ahead of its hearing in the House Finance Committee.
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February 23, 2026
Senate Republican Caucus

BREAKING: Income tax sets another state record for most unpopular bill ahead of hearing in House Finance Committee

Democrats in denial, gaslight opposition to the income tax as “bots” LISTEN: Tracy Ellis tells us more than 100,000 people signed in to oppose the income tax bill ahead of its hearing in the House Finance Committee. OLYMPIA…More than 100,000 Washingtonians made state history this week by signing in to oppose the 9.9% income tax...
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February 20, 2026
Senate Republican Caucus

AUDIO: Senators Short and Warnick Discuss Legislative Deadlines, Income Tax Debate, and Local Control Issues on KPQ

In this KPQ interview, Senators Shelly Short and Judy Warnick share insights on Olympia’s legislative session, including bill cutoff drama, opposition to a proposed state income tax, and concerns over SB 5974 limiting local control of sheriffs. They highlight strategic maneuvers, constitutional questions, and impacts on Washington communities.
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