Leadership Blog

In the News

AUDIO: Senators Shelly Short and Judy Warnick Discuss Tax Proposals, Citizen Engagement, and Controversial Initiatives on KPQ Radio

Published on February 05, 2026
Senators Shelly Short and Judy Warnick cover the proposed income tax legislation, the first bill cutoff and upcoming floor debates. They also highlight growing public involvement in state government, sharing details about listening sessions on voter-backed initiatives addressing fairness in girls’ sports and privacy concerns. They stress the importance of citizen voices in shaping policy...
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AUDIO: 19th District Legislative Update: Sen. Jeff Wilson: Income Tax Bill Threatens Middle Class

Published on February 05, 2026
AUDIO: Sen. Jeff Wilson addresses the new income tax bill, cautioning that while it targets million-dollar incomes now, thresholds could drop to affect middle-class families. Wilson emphasizes Washington’s history of rejecting income taxes and urges vigilance against what he calls “an income tax on the loose.”
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AUDIO: 9TH District Legislative Update: Sen. Mark Schoesler Warns of Income Tax Expansion

Published on February 05, 2026
Sen. Mark Schoesler discusses the Democrats’ income tax proposal that he was warned would come after the capital gains tax passed. Schoesler questions promises of tax relief, criticizes token sales tax exemptions like toothpaste and suntan lotion, and warns taxpayers about future tax hikes and broken pledges.
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AUDIO: Legislative Update: Sen. John Braun on Democrats’ Push for an Income Tax

Published on February 05, 2026
Senate Republican Leader John Braun reacts to Democrats introducing an income tax bill. Braun highlights the state’s constitutional precedent against income taxes, past voter rejections, and why he sees the proposal as a “money grab” with minimal tax relief for working families.
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The Elephant in the Dome Podcast: Breaking: Democrats Drop Income Tax Bill – What It Means for You

Published on February 05, 2026
Washington Democrats have introduced a bill to enact an income tax in our state. Senate Republican Leader John Braun and Budget Lead Chris Gildon join Tracy Ellis to break down what’s in the bill, why it matters, and what comes next. Who will be impacted first—and why everyone should pay attention Why promises of tax...
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News from the Caucus

October 21, 2025
Senate Republican Caucus

AUDIO: Green Hill scandal ‘a systemic failure,’ demands accountability, transparency, reform

State Senate Republican Leader John Braun is demanding action after reports of staff recording sexual acts with inmates at Green Hill School. Tracy Ellis reports.
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October 21, 2025
John Braun

STATEMENT: Another Green Hill scandal a continuation of ‘systemic failure’

WATCH KING TV’S REPORT   CENTRALIA — Senate Republican Leader John Braun, R-Centralia, issued the following statement today in response to reports that staff at Green Hill School in Chehalis recorded sexual acts with inmates in custody: “The reports coming out of Green Hill School are appalling. Instead of rehabilitating inmates housed at the facility,...
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October 16, 2025
Senate Republican Caucus

The Elephant in the Dome Podcast: Housing Gridlock: What’s Driving Washington’s Crisis?

Senators John Braun and Chris Gildon join builder Kurt Wilson to unpack why housing is unaffordable and scarce in Washington—from rent control to red tape—and what Republicans say must change to get homes built and prices down. TRANSCRIPT Please share with your network. The more voices in the conversation, the closer we get to real...
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October 15, 2025
Senate Republican Caucus

AUDIO: Sen. Curtis King talks paid family leave on KVI’s Morning Ride

Sen. Curtis King argues the paid leave program is financially unsustainable and unfair to workers, especially lower-income earners. He opposes raising premiums and instead supports reducing benefits and tightening eligibility to control costs.
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October 09, 2025
Senate Republican Caucus

The Elephant in the Dome Podcast: Taxed to the Brink—Washington’s Budget Spiral

Sen. John Braun warns of a $1B deficit, rising lawsuit payouts, and new taxes. He blames overspending and mismanagement, urging a shift from tax-first policies to smarter budgeting and economic growth. [TRANSCRIPT]
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October 03, 2025
Senate Republican Caucus

AUDIO: Attacks on signature gatherers prompt new bill from Sen. Jeff Wilson

A state senator wants to stop the increasing attacks on signature gatherers involved in initiatives and referendums, from heated arguments to physical clashes. Tracy Ellis has more.
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October 02, 2025
Senate Republican Caucus

25th District lawmakers to host in-person town hall meeting Oct. 11

PIERCE COUNTY — The state lawmakers serving parts of Pierce County, including Puyallup, South Hill, Summit, and Waller are holding an in-person town hall meeting from 9:30 to 11 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 11. Sen. Chris Gildon and Reps. Cyndy Jacobsen and Michael Keaton will take questions and comments from their constituents regarding decisions made...
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September 25, 2025
Senate Republican Caucus

The Elephant in the Dome Podcast: Speech, Civility, and the Cost of Silence

In the wake of Charlie Kirk’s assassination, Senator John Braun confronts political violence and defends free speech on college campuses. He also unpacks Washington’s soaring gas prices. A deep dive into civil discourse, climate policy, and government accountability.
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September 24, 2025
Keith Goehner

12th Legislative District Town Hall

Sen. Goehner, R-Dryden, Rep. Steele, R-Chelan, and Rep. Brian Burnett, R-Wenatchee, will hold a town hall on Oct. 11. My colleagues and I, Rep. Mike Steele and Rep. Brian Burnett, will hold a community town hall on Saturday, October 11, from 10 to 11 a.m. at Miller’s, located at 4597 Tolt Ave. in Carnation. If...
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September 24, 2025
Keith Goehner

Apply now for the 2026 Legislative Internship Program

Sen. Keith Goehner/R-Dryden/Credit: Washington State Senate One of the best opportunities the Legislature offers each year is the chance for college students to serve as legislative interns. This program places students directly at the heart of the lawmaking process, providing them with real-world experience, professional skills, and a front-row seat to how decisions are made...
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September 24, 2025
Keith Goehner

Setting the record straight on COVID-19 vaccines in Washington

Sen. Goehner, R-Dryden, talks with Sen. Curtis King, R-Yakima, on the Senate floor. Online discussions about COVID-19 vaccines have created confusion for many families across the state. Here is what residents of the 12th Legislative District should know about current guidance and the law in Washington: The Centers for Disease Control have updated their guidance...
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September 24, 2025
Keith Goehner

Washington’s job growth slows, creating challenges ahead

Washington State’s latest economic forecast, released by the Economic & Revenue Forecast Council (ERFC), paints a cautious picture for the months and years ahead. Over the past year, the state’s employment growth has been extremely slow, rising by only 0.1%, far below the national average of 1%. Most industries are shrinking, with government and healthcare...
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