In this KGMI interview, Sen. Keith Wagoner shares insights on Olympia’s 2026 session, addressing flood recovery efforts, Washington farmers’ economic struggles, and controversial law enforcement bills. He also highlights budget concerns and the need for policy changes to support rural communities.

A battle over Washington’s initiative process at the State Capitol. Tracy Ellis has the latest on the so-called “Initiative Killer” bill.

Senator Shelly Short and Representatives Andrew Engell and Hunter Abell break down the first week of Washington’s 2026 legislative session. Topics include wildlife management bills, tax proposals, housing and childcare challenges, and the Climate Commitment Act’s impact on gas prices. Also, what’s ahead for agriculture, transportation, and economic policy in Washington State.

State taxpayer dollars meant to help people of color buy homes may have gone to insiders instead. Tracy Ellis reports.

Sen. Chris Gildon, R-Puyallup, reports from the state Capitol on the opening of the 2026 legislative session and the important decisions facing lawmakers.

9th District Sen. Mark Schoesler talks about the opening week of the 2026 legislative session, including Gov. Bob Ferguson’s State of the State address and concerns about agriculture in Washington.

Sen. Judy Warnick/R-Moses Lake/Credit: Washington State Senate OLYMPIA… Today the Washington State Senate unanimously approved Senate Resolution 8661, officially recognizing Martin Luther King Jr. Day and reaffirming the Legislature’s dedication to justice, equity, and human dignity. The resolution honors the life and legacy of Dr. King, emphasizing his teaching that progress requires clarity of purpose,...

Sen. Keith Goehner/R-Dryden/Credit: Washington State Senate DRYDEN… Sen. Keith Goehner, R-Dryden, is pleased to celebrate with Cashmere’s Vale Elementary School for being named a 2025 National ESEA, (Elementary and Secondary Education Act), Distinguished School—one of only 63 schools nationwide to receive the honor. Vale Elementary has been recognized for outstanding student achievement and academic growth,...

Sen. Keith Goehner/R-Dryden/Credit: Washington State Senate DRYDEN… The top Republican member of the Washington State Senate Housing Committee today expressed serious concerns about the governor’s newly announced $244 million housing plan, warning that the proposal relies almost entirely on government subsidies and nonprofit development while failing to address the main barriers to large-scale housing construction....

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...

Sen. Matt Boehnke, R-Kennewick/CREDIT: Washington State Legislature OLYMPIA… Although employment in Washington’s manufacturing sector is already forecast to increase over the next several years, Sen. Matt Boehnke thinks big growth is possible if lawmakers and government regulators would understand and focus on the needs of manufacturers. “Manufacturing is how Washington builds the middle class,” said...

Sen. Keith Goehner, R-Dryden, speaks with constituents in Carnation earlier in the day before the October 11 meeting with the governor/Credit: Eric LaFontaine OLYMPIA… State government can help make the future brighter for Washington agriculture by taking more of a practical, hands-off approach, says Sen. Keith Goehner, who took part in a roundtable discussion in...