News
AUDIO: Washington Income Tax Debate: John Braun Discusses Legislative Impacts with Lars Larson
Senator John Braun outlines concerns about Washington’s proposed income tax, arguing it would burden small and medium sized businesses, harm competitiveness, and create budget risks. He and Lars Larson discuss legislative dynamics, potential legal challenges, and the likelihood voters would reject the tax if allowed a direct say.
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AUDIO: Proposed income tax still a bad deal for Washington despite House changes, Senate Republicans say
Washington State Democrats appear to have a deal on a new income tax that Republicans say is unconstitutional, unnecessary, unfair and unpopular. Tracy Ellis reports.
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AUDIO: Senators Shelly Short and Judy Warnick Discuss Key Legislative Issues on KPQ’s Legislative Hotline
An update from Senators Shelly Short and Judy Warnick on legislative topics, including license plate replacements, data center policy, transmission planning, wildfire‑fighting funds, and state budget negotiations. The senators also address speculation about delaying the proposed income tax as the legislative session nears its end.
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STATEMENT: Proposed income tax still a bad deal for Washington despite House changes, Senate Republicans say
OLYMPIA… Leaders in the Senate Republican Caucus offered these reactions to today’s announcement by Gov. Bob Ferguson that he will support the proposed state income tax if a rewrite suggested by House Democrats is approved. From Senate Republican Leader John Braun, of Centralia: “Washingtonians have voted down an income tax 11 times. That should mean...
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AUDIO: Sen. Matt Boehnke raises concerns after Senate votes to repeal Community Protection Program
The state Senate approved a bill ending a program that serves people with developmental disabilities who also have violent or sexual histories. Tracy Ellis explains. The House had already passed the bill and now must agree to the Senate’s changes before it moves forward.
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The Elephant in the Dome Podcast: Washington Income Tax Showdown? Braun Reveals What Happened in Governor Meeting
As Washington lawmakers enter the final stretch of the legislative session, Senate Republican Leader John Braun discusses a recent meeting with Governor Ferguson and the growing debate over a proposed state income tax. In this episode of Elephant in the Dome, Braun shares what was discussed in the meeting, where negotiations stand, and why Republicans...
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NEWS: Sen. Matt Boehnke raises concerns after Senate votes to repeal Community Protection Program
OLYMPIA —Sen. Matt Boehnke, R-Kennewick, criticized the Senate’s approval of Substitute House Bill 1390, which would eliminate Washington’s Community Protection Program without adopting reasonable safeguards to protect communities. The 8th District lawmaker noted that several amendments offered during debate would have strengthened public safety protections as participants transition out of the program, but those...
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AUDIO: Wilson bill promoting kit homes is sent to governor
Kit homes — those precut, affordable little houses that used to be ordered out of catalogs — are getting a modern revival. Tracy Ellis explains.
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AUDIO: KOZI RADIO: Senator Shelly Short Discusses Budget, Wildfire Preparedness, Data Center Policy, and more
Senator Shelly Short joins KOZI Radio to discuss the state budget, the proposed income tax, restored wildfire funding, and debates over regulating data centers. She also previews the final days of the legislative session and encourages constituents to stay engaged and connected.
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AUDIO: Live from Olympia on Okanogan Country Radio: Budget Battles, Income Tax Fight, and Local Wins with Sen. Shelly Short & Rep. Andrew Engell
Sen. Shelly Short and Rep. Andrew Engell break down state budgets, the income tax fight, rural hospital support, wildfire funding, transportation investments, and major bills affecting the 7th District. Plus, insights from a recent telephone town hall and youth engagement in the legislative process.
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AUDIO: Sen. Keith Goehner Discusses Budget Deadlines, Income Tax Proposal, and Local Issues in KPQ Interview
Sen. Keith Goehner joins KPQ to discuss budget deadlines, revenue concerns, and the proposed income tax. He updates listeners on key bills, local law‑enforcement authority, and feedback from a recent town hall. Goehner also highlights the Apple Blossom Royalty’s visit as the legislative session enters its final weeks.
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Sen. Matt Boehnke: Income tax debate and budget update from Olympia
In this week’s update, Sen. Matt Boehnke, R-Kennewick, shares the latest from Olympia as the Senate debates a proposed state income tax that has generated historic public response, with more than 100,000 people signing in CON. Boehnke outlines his concerns about how the proposal could affect families’ everyday costs, including groceries, gas, and small-business operations,...
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