Leadership Blog

In the News

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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AUDIO: Governor should explain why temporary gas-price relief isn’t worth considering

Published on June 02, 2026
A state Senator says families deserve an honest talk about why Washington gas prices are some of the highest in America. Tracy Ellis explains.
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News

March 29, 2025
Chris Gildon

Republican budget leaders shocked by Democrats’ rejection of no-new-taxes, no-cuts budget proposal

OLYMPIA… The state Senate’s majority Democrats today passed a $78.6 billion operating budget that relies on the largest tax increase in state history, after rejecting the smaller, no-new-taxes, no-cuts budget proposed by Senate Republicans. The “$ave Washington” budget, which doesn’t outspend the state’s anticipated level of revenue, was offered in place of the Democrats’ own...
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March 29, 2025
John Braun

Senate Democrats REJECT opportunity to pass a no-new-tax and no-cuts budget

  OLYMPIA…In a 28-21 vote, the Washington State Senate Democrats today passed their $78.5 billion operating budget proposal, the funding for which relies on the largest tax increase in state history and a raiding of the “rainy-day fund.” Senate Democrats also rejected a striking amendment proposed by Sen. Chris Gildon, R-Puyallup, that would have substituted...
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March 29, 2025
Matt Boehnke

Boehnke bill to expand renewable energy clears key House committee

Sen. Matt Boehnke, R-Kennewick/Credit: Washington State Senate OLYMPIA… Legislation from Sen. Matt Boehnke that would expand renewable-energy development while balancing environmental regulations and land-use policies is moving closer to a final vote in the House of Representatives. Senate Bill 5445 would promote distributed-energy projects and support “agrivoltaics,” meaning agricultural production underneath or adjacent to solar...
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March 28, 2025
Matt Boehnke

House committee backs Boehnke bills creating more opportunities for students

Sen. Matt Boehnke, R-Kennewick/Credit: Washington State Senate OLYMPIA… Today, two of Sen. Matt Boehnke’s bills, which would create more financial opportunities for students in Washington to attend college or a technical school, came one step closer to a vote by the full House of Representatives. Senate Bill 5542 and Senate Bill 5543 were endorsed by...
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March 28, 2025
Senate Republican Caucus

AUDIO: Washington State Senate Republican leadership update with Senator John Braun.

Sen. John Braun criticizes Democrats’ $21B tax plan, including wealth, payroll, and property tax hikes. He warns of a $1B annual property tax increase within three years, burdening homeowners amid a housing crisis.
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March 28, 2025
Senate Republican Caucus

NEWSFLASH: Increasing state spending to between $77.8 and $78.5 billion

REMINDER: Sign in CON Don’t miss the opportunity Monday, March 31 to sign in CON on the Democrat bill to increase the annual property tax growth rate that state and local governments can charge without your approval. It and other tax bills will be heard in the Senate budget committee (Ways & Means) at 4...
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March 28, 2025
Keith Goehner

House committee backs Goehner bill to expand local housing options

Sen. Keith Goehner/R-Dryden/Credit: Washington State Senate OLYMPIA… Legislation sponsored by Sen. Keith Goehner to expand “middle housing” options in urban growth areas took a key step forward this week, earning strong bipartisan support in the House Housing Committee. Senate Bill 5471 now moves closer to consideration by the full House of Representatives. The proposal would...
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March 27, 2025
Senate Republican Caucus

AUDIO: Senate Republican Leader: Tell the majority “NO” on higher property taxes

Your city, county, and state property taxes could soon rise as fast as inflation—Tracy Ellis explains how you can fight back.
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March 27, 2025
Senate Republican Caucus

The Elephant in the Dome Podcast: The True Cost of Washington’s Tax Hikes

Senate Republican Leader John Braun breaks down Olympia’s latest tax proposals, from property tax hikes to new fees on outdoor recreation. With over $20 billion in increases at stake, learn how these changes could hit homeowners, renters, and businesses—and what they mean for Washington’s housing crisis.
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March 27, 2025
Senate Republican Caucus

AUDIO: Fishing and hunting licenses fee hike clears state Senate

If you hunt or fish in our state, pay attention: A bill just passed the Senate and is now in the House that would hike license fees by 38%. Tracy Ellis reports.
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March 27, 2025
Senate Republican Caucus

ALERT: Sign in CON on bill to SKYROCKET your property taxes

SAY NO TO THE PROPERTY TAX INCREASE   Property tax increase will be heard in the Ways & Means Committee meeting at 4 p.m., Monday, March 31. Don’t let this bill out of committee.   As part of the largest tax increase in Washington state history, the majority wants to remove the 1% cap on...
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March 27, 2025
John Braun

Braun: Tell the majority “NO” on higher property taxes

OLYMPIA – A Democrat-sponsored bill that could dramatically increase Washington’s property taxes will receive a public hearing in the Senate Ways & Means Committee at 4 p.m. Monday, March 31. The public is encouraged to sign in CON, testify against the bill, and/or submit written testimony opposing it. Senate Bill 5798 would remove the 1%...
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