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Senators
2025 Democrat Taxes
$12.5 billion in state and local taxes
- $1.6 BILLION: Property-tax increase
- $3.9 BILLION: Sales-tax increase
- $5.6 BILLION: Business and occupation-tax increase
- $637 MILLION: Capital gains and Death-tax increase
- $170 MILLION: New tax on storage units and more
- $281 MILLION: New Tesla Tax
PLUS…
- 50% increase in the Discover Passes
- 38% increase in hunting & fishing licenses
- 50% increase in liquor licenses
2025/26 Layoffs & Closures in Washington State
Total Workers Affected Statewide
Notable Examples:
- Microsoft – Over 3,200 layoffs across Redmond and Bellevue
- Amazon – Over 2,300 layoffs across multiple locations
- Starbucks – Over 1,300 layoffs and closures across multiple locations
- Fred Meyer – Over 980 layoffs from store closures (Tacoma, Seattle, Kent, Everett, Redmond)
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News from the Caucus
VIDEO: Washington senators propose bill aiming to make state release of serial rapists more difficult
Two months after the release of the late Kevin Coe, Senator Mark Schoesler is proposing a bill that would make it harder to release those convicted of rape.
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AUDIO: Wilson bill would permit voluntary contributions for sea lion control
Sea lions are taking a big bite out of Washington’s salmon runs — and Senator Jeff Wilson says boaters can help. Tracy Ellis explains.
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AUDIO: KONA Radio: Schoesler Pushes Back on Serial Rapist Releases
On KONA Radio’s The Bottom Line, Sen. Mark Schoesler discusses his bipartisan bill to block the release of serial rapists who refuse treatment or show no remorse. Schoesler says victims deserve protection and lawmakers must close loopholes that allowed Kevin Coe’s release.
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The Elephant in the Dome podcast: Jobs Tax. Income Tax. Innovation Tax. Sen. John Braun Says: Enough to Democrat Tax Hikes!
Democrats are pushing a slew of new taxes — from jobs to income to innovation — that threaten Washington’s economy and working families. Sen. John Braun calls out their tax agenda, warning it will punish small businesses, stifle growth, and demand urgent conservative solutions. TRANSCRIPT
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AUDIO: Focus is on Ferguson following year’s final revenue forecast, says Republican budget leader
The clock is now ticking on the Governor’s latest affordability test. Tracy Ellis explains.
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The Elephant in the Dome Podcast: Bill Gates Rethinks Climate, Washington Rethinks Dinner: Sen. Braun on Climate Costs and Dining Dilemmas
Sen. John Braun discusses Bill Gates’ climate pivot, the real-world impact of the Climate Commitment Act, and why Washington tops the charts for dining costs. Listen to this timely conversation about affordability, policy, and political accountability. TRANSCRIPT
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News from the Senators
Action needed as region’s shortage of reliable energy nears crisis level, Boehnke warns
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...
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Keep Washington building, says Boehnke, through support for manufacturers, more trade and less red tape
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...
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Sen. Goehner: Farmers don’t need more government programs, they need fewer barriers
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...
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STATEMENT: Another Green Hill scandal a continuation of ‘systemic failure’
WATCH KING TV’S REPORT CENTRALIA — Senate Republican Leader John Braun, R-Centralia, issued the following statement today in response to reports that staff at Green Hill School in Chehalis recorded sexual acts with inmates in custody: “The reports coming out of Green Hill School are appalling. Instead of rehabilitating inmates housed at the facility,...
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12th Legislative District Town Hall
Sen. Goehner, R-Dryden, Rep. Steele, R-Chelan, and Rep. Brian Burnett, R-Wenatchee, will hold a town hall on Oct. 11. My colleagues and I, Rep. Mike Steele and Rep. Brian Burnett, will hold a community town hall on Saturday, October 11, from 10 to 11 a.m. at Miller’s, located at 4597 Tolt Ave. in Carnation. If...
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Apply now for the 2026 Legislative Internship Program
Sen. Keith Goehner/R-Dryden/Credit: Washington State Senate One of the best opportunities the Legislature offers each year is the chance for college students to serve as legislative interns. This program places students directly at the heart of the lawmaking process, providing them with real-world experience, professional skills, and a front-row seat to how decisions are made...
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Social Media
New Democrat Sales Tax Expansion Hits School Districts![]()
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Olympia Democrats passed a major expansion of the regressive state sales tax, which took effect on October 1st, 2025 (SB 5814). Now, School Districts are learning they are subjected to the new tax too, cutting into their budgets. ![]()
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This is a double-hit on taxpayers too. For example, the Northshore School District estimates that by paying the new taxes on special education programs, they'll have to ask for $1 million more for reimbursements.![]()
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The massive expansion of the sales tax was part of the largest tax increase in state history, which Olympia Democrats passed after voting to shut the public out of the budget process. The lack of public input on SB 5814 is already leading to fallout. The new taxes also hit food banks, non-profits, health care, and charities too. ![]()
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Legislative Republicans offered many amendments to make exceptions for the new tax, including exempting health care services, and the majority Democrats shot them all down. We stood with the people. Over 96% of 6,400 people Signed-in CON against SB 58The Seattle TimesTimes: ow.ly/Mzh850XoNuA![]()
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Are You Broke Yet? Senator Christian on Income Tax Push![]()
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Senator Leonard Christian warns that WA Democrats/Socialists are eyeing both sales and income taxes, squeezing Washingtonians’ wallets, and leaving families with less to spend. ![]()
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Enough is enough. Washington has a spending problem, not a revenue problem.![]()
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#GovernmentGreed #StopTheGreed #ReturnAffordability #waleg
