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ExitWA
For decades, Washington attracted more people and more income than it lost. But that trend has now reversed. For the second year in a row, more income has left the state than arrived. And for the third year in a row, IRS data shows Washington is losing more taxpayers to migration than it gains.
The People’s Initiatives
Giving parents a voice and protecting fairness in girls’ sports
- Initiative IL26-001 – Restoring Parental Rights in Schools—It recognizes parents as the primary stakeholders in their children’s upbringing
- Initiative IL26-638 – Protecting Fairness in Girls’ Sports—This initiative aims to protect the integrity of girls’ interscholastic sports
Top Stories
NEWSFLASH: Senate Democrats pass $80 billion budget – a house of cards built on phantom savings
Senate Democrats passed their $80 billion operating budget Friday — a budget that relies on: The hope that $801 million in appropriated money WON’T actually get spent $114 million in higher taxes, on top of the record $12.3 billion in state and local tax increases last year One-time money: Drains unrestricted reserves by $2.4 billion;...
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The Elephant in the Dome Podcast: How an Income Tax Shapes the Budget—and Schools
Senator John Braun unpacks the Senate operating budget, income tax assumptions, education funding challenges, and concerns over one‑time money used for ongoing programs. TRANSCRIPT
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Capital Budget Update: Investing back home
With just two weeks left before adjournment on March 12, budget negotiations are taking center stage. Washington operates on three primary budgets — the operating, transportation, and capital budgets. The first two tend to grab the headlines, but today I want to focus on the one that quietly makes long-term investments in our communities: the...
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Sen. Phil Fortunato proposes zero-based budgeting reform during operating budget debate
OLYMPIA — During debate on the Senate’s proposed supplemental operating budget, Sen. Phil Fortunato, R–Auburn, introduced an amendment to require a phased-in zero-based budgeting review of state spending. The amendment was not adopted. The Senate proposed operating budget, Senate Bill 5998, passed on a party-line vote of 30–19, with all Democrats voting yes and all...
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A quick session update and why rural hospitals matter
The legislative session is moving fast. Short sessions always do. It reminds me of those stretches on the farm when the weather window is tight and there’s more work than daylight. You start the morning walking the rows, checking on things, and before you know it you’re running hard just to keep up. Today is Policy...
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Income tax, Fairfax Bridge, survey results and district priorities
Thank you for the opportunity to serve our community in the 31st Legislative District. In Olympia, I’m focused on practical solutions that keep Washington affordable, ensure accountability, and reflect the common-sense priorities of the people I work for every day. Today marks another deadline — Policy Committee Cutoff in the opposite chamber. From here, the focus...
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Social Media
WHERE’S THE FUNDS?! $1.17 BILLION MISSING: As the far left, special interests, and many WA Democrats enact budgets with the largest tax increases in state history back-to-back (SB 5167 in 2025 & SB 5998 in 2026), former Gov. Inslee's administration, through various state agencies, is still missing or not adequately accounting for $1,170,000,000.00 in Federal Covid Relief Aid -taxpayer funds. This is according to the State Auditor's Office (D). #tbtStruggling WA families, individuals, and small businesses needed those funds. We have repeatedly advocated for fighting against fraud, waste, and abuse (SB 5810). #UnaccountableWA #Fraud #Waste #Abuse #ReturnAffordability #walegCascade PBS: ow.ly/sbFf50UV5c8
LOWER GAS PRICES NOW: WA State Senate Republicans are formally requesting that Governor Bob Ferguson immediately call a special session for one clear purpose: Lower gas prices by pausing climate fuel taxes from the Climate Commitment Act (SB 5126, passed in 2021 and enacted in 2023) and the low-carbon fuel standards. These actions would take 55 cents off the price of a gallon of gas.These sky-high state taxes are hitting Washington families and individuals hard at the pump.According to AAA, the average gas price in Washington is currently $5.23 a gallon — a full $1.14 higher than the national average of $4.09. Gas taxes went up again on July 1st.It’s time for state government to lower the cost of fuel, not keep raising it. Families and working people need real, meaningful relief.Read the full letter calling on Governor Ferguson to act now: ow.ly/OQtn50ZvxR5#PainInTheGas #UnaffordableWA #GovernmentGreed #StopTheGreed #ReturnAffordability #waleg
WA is projected to have a significant budget shortfall in the BILLIONS, AFTER Gov. Bob Ferguson and the far left passed budgets with the largest tax increases in state history back-to-back, cut $782 MILLION out of Medicaid, and went on a reckless spending spree since 2025 (SB 5998 & SB 5167).It didn't have to be this way! We repeatedly proved that it was possible to have a budget with no new taxes, no tax increases, and no service cuts in our $ave WA Budget (SB 5810). It is a common sense, working-class budget. The far left majority refused to have a vote on our budget, then voted it down TWICE when we forced votes on it in rare parliamentary maneuvers. Instead, Gov. Bob Ferguson and special interests in the majority went for higher taxes, unnecessary cuts, and reckless spending.Families and individuals are struggling with affordability and the far left in our state continues to make it worse. It's well past time for the majority of state government to recognize that Washington State has a spending problem, not a revenue problem. You deserve better.#GovernmentGreed #StopTheGreed #ReturnAffordability #waleg
