News from the Caucus

A near financial disaster is looming in Washington State. Tracy Ellis reports.

Hospitals across Washington are hurting, clinics are shutting down, and costs are skyrocketing. In this episode of Elephant in the Dome, state senators break down the crisis hitting our health care system—from new taxes impacting hospitals to hidden costs that could drive up insurance premiums for families. What role does government play in this growing...

OLYMPIA – The leaders of all four caucuses in the Washington State Legislature released the following statement regarding the assassination and attempted assassinations of Minnesota elected officials: “Our deepest sympathies go out to the family of Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark, and we are sending wishes for a complete recovery to Senator...

Senate Republican Leader John Braun reacts to Governor Bob Ferguson’s bill signings, a surprising veto, and the policies he let stand. From tax hikes to housing studies, police funding to rent control, we break down what made the cut—and what didn’t—in his first legislative session as governor.

Sen. Keith Goehner/R-Dryden/Credit: Washington State Senate OLYMPIA… Last week, the governor signed landmark legislation sponsored by Sen. Keith Goehner, which gives counties the option to allow middle housing, such as duplexes and townhomes, in unincorporated growth areas and rural communities already poised for responsible development. Goehner’s bill passed both chambers with overwhelming bipartisan support, reflecting...

A state Senator is frustrated after the governor signed a new law that overrides Washington’s 2024 parental-rights protections. Tracy Ellis reports.

No matter how many times the governor said it in his news conference and no matter how many times the press repeats Democrat talking points…   The TRUE budget shortfall number was never higher than $7.5 billion.   The nonpartisan legislative staff with Senate Committee Services (SCS) and the House Office of Program Research (OPR),...

Governor Bob Ferguson made big promises about fiscal responsibility, but today, Senate Republicans say he threw those promises out the window. Tracy Ellis reports.

OLYMPIA… Senate Republican leaders say the governor chose the wrong side today in signing a new state operating budget that relies on the largest package of tax increases in Washington history. Despite earlier denouncing new taxes that would hit the state’s working families, Gov. Bob Ferguson decided not to veto bills that will extend the...

OLYMPIA…Gov. Bob Ferguson today signed a bill sponsored by Sen. John Braun, R-Centralia, that will allow schools to use state funding for more appropriate student transportation options when using a school bus is not necessary or cost-effective. Student transportation to and from school, and to various K-12 programs and services, is funded through the Student...

Sen. Matt Boehnke, R-Kennewick/Credit: Washington State Senate OLYMPIA… Washington is taking a giant leap forward in election security. Thanks to a groundbreaking bipartisan bill championed by Sen. Matt Boehnke, the state’s elections will be more secure and resilient against cyber threats than ever before. On Saturday, the governor proudly signed Senate Bill 5014, marking a...

Senator John Braun discusses Washington’s constitutional duty to fund education, concerns over academic decline, the impact of local levies, and policy shifts shaping schools. Is the legislature delivering on its promise? Listen to find out.