News from the Caucus

Senate Republican Leader John Braun joins The Elephant in the Dome to break down Washington’s looming power shortage, the TransAlta coal‑to‑gas transition, the role of hydro and nuclear, and what it will take to keep energy reliable and affordable. TRANSCRIPT

OLYMPIA—Sen. Nikki Torres (R-Pasco) and Rep. Adison Richards (D-Gig Harbor) announced a wide-ranging package of bills aimed at stabilizing and strengthening the state’s strained public defense system. The proposal comes as Washington’s legal system faces mounting operational pressures, with updated caseload standards increasing demands across the board for public defenders and prosecutors alike. “When I...

Two months after the release of the late Kevin Coe, Senator Mark Schoesler is proposing a bill that would make it harder to release those convicted of rape.

Sea lions are taking a big bite out of Washington’s salmon runs — and Senator Jeff Wilson says boaters can help. Tracy Ellis explains.

On KONA Radio’s The Bottom Line, Sen. Mark Schoesler discusses his bipartisan bill to block the release of serial rapists who refuse treatment or show no remorse. Schoesler says victims deserve protection and lawmakers must close loopholes that allowed Kevin Coe’s release.

Following the release of Spokane’s ‘South Hill Rapist,’ a state Senator is pressing for change. Tracy Ellis reports.

Democrats are pushing a slew of new taxes — from jobs to income to innovation — that threaten Washington’s economy and working families. Sen. John Braun calls out their tax agenda, warning it will punish small businesses, stifle growth, and demand urgent conservative solutions. TRANSCRIPT

On the Ari Hoffman Show (Talk Radio 570 KVI), Sen. Leonard Christian breaks down his proposal to tax paid protester services. He shares the rationale, reactions from both parties, and how it spotlights bigger debates on taxation and priorities in Olympia.  

The clock is now ticking on the Governor’s latest affordability test. Tracy Ellis explains.

Sen. John Braun discusses Bill Gates’ climate pivot, the real-world impact of the Climate Commitment Act, and why Washington tops the charts for dining costs. Listen to this timely conversation about affordability, policy, and political accountability. TRANSCRIPT

Sen. Matt Boehnke, R-Kennewick/CREDIT: Washington State Legislature OLYMPIA… Senator Matt Boehnke today issued a strong warning about the Pacific Northwest’s energy future, citing a new analysis that projects potential power shortfalls in the region during extreme conditions. The analysis, conducted by Energy + Environmental Economics for the region’s largest utilities, models thousands of years of...

The Honorable Dr. Mehmet Oz CMS Administrator Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services 200 Independence Ave. SW Washington, D.C. 20201 Dear Administrator Oz, We submit this letter in strong support of Washington State’s application for funding under the CMS Rural Health Transformation (RHT) initiative [CMS-RHT-26-001] and urge your approval of the maximum amount of allowable...