Podcasts about An Affordable Washington
Leaving Washington: Myth, Reality, and the IRS Data Behind It—The Elephant in the Dome Podcast
Washington is losing residents and income at a pace lawmakers can’t ignore. Senate Republican Leader John Braun breaks down IRS migration data, rising costs, new taxes, and why businesses and families are reconsidering their future in the state. He also discusses...
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
STATEMENT: Republican leaders on proposed Senate operating budget: Too much spending, wrong priorities, and unsustainable
OLYMPIA… The budget leaders for the state’s Senate Republicans offered this assessment of the supplemental 2025-27 operating budget from majority Democrats, which will have a public hearing this afternoon before the Senate Ways and Means Committee. The proposal would...
The Elephant in the Dome Podcast: Fentanyl, Families, and the Fight for Child Safety
Senator John Braun and Fostering Change Washington’s Jamie Williams discuss stalled child protection bills and the urgent need to update Washington’s child endangerment laws. They explore the fentanyl crisis, legislative roadblocks, and how citizens can push for...
Elephant in the Dome Podcast: Cost of Food: Senators Braun & Muzzall on Affordability & Agriculture
Senators John Braun and Ron Muzzall discuss why Washington’s food prices keep climbing. From labor and fuel costs to taxes and regulations, they reveal how policies impact farmers, grocery stores, and families—and why affordability should be a legislative priority. An...
The Elephant in the Dome Podcast: Breaking: Democrats Drop Income Tax Bill – What It Means for You
Washington Democrats have introduced a bill to enact an income tax in our state. Senate Republican Leader John Braun and Budget Lead Chris Gildon join Tracy Ellis to break down what’s in the bill, why it matters, and what comes next. Who will be impacted first—and why...
Republicans issue reality check on income-tax proposal
An income tax on anyone will become an income tax on everyone OLYMPIA…Majority Democrats in Olympia today dropped a bill to impose an income tax in Washington state, ignoring that the people of Washington have rejected similar unconstitutional income taxes 10...
The Elephant in the Dome Podcast—The People’s Voice in Olympia: Parental Rights & Fair Play in Girls’ Sports
In this episode of Elephant in the Dome, Tracy Ellis sits down with Senate Republican Leader John Braun and Caucus Chair Judy Warnick to discuss two citizen-driven initiatives shaping Washington’s legislative agenda: IL26-638 – Protecting fairness and safety in girls’...
The Elephant in the Dome Podcast: Is Democracy Under Attack in Washington?
In this episode of *The Elephant in the Dome Podcast*, Senate Republican Leader John Braun is joined by Senators Keith Wagoner and Jeff Wilson to discuss two controversial proposals in Olympia: restrictions on Washington’s initiative process and a bill that could...
The Elephant in the Dome: State of the State: Taxes, Crime & Transportation—Sen. Braun Responds
On The Elephant in the Dome podcast, Senate Republican Leader John Braun unpacks the governor’s State of the State address, income tax proposals, public safety challenges, transportation funding issues, the importance of transparency, and why debates should focus on...
Daycare Fraud: Is Scrutiny Racist? Plus, Democrats’ Piecrust Tax Promises—The Elephant in the Dome Podcast
Sen. John Braun breaks down rising daycare‑fraud concerns, why investigating isn’t racist, and why Democrats’ “piecrust” tax promises could mean a new income tax and higher property taxes this session. TRANSCRIPT
The Elephant in the Dome Podcast—Washington’s Power Crunch: John Braun on the Future of the Grid
Senate Republican Leader John Braun joins The Elephant in the Dome to break down Washington’s looming power shortage, the TransAlta coal‑to‑gas transition, the role of hydro and nuclear, and what it will take to keep energy reliable and affordable. TRANSCRIPT
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...
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
What Can Washington Afford—and Not Afford—to Do?
Sen. John Braun unpacks the affordability crisis in Washington—from groceries to housing to Medicaid. He explores priorities, long-term costs, and what lawmakers must do to keep essential services sustainable. TRANSCRIPT
The Elephant in the Dome Podcast: Housing Gridlock: What’s Driving Washington’s Crisis?
Senators John Braun and Chris Gildon join builder Kurt Wilson to unpack why housing is unaffordable and scarce in Washington—from rent control to red tape—and what Republicans say must change to get homes built and prices down. TRANSCRIPT Please share with your...
The Elephant in the Dome Podcast: Taxed to the Brink—Washington’s Budget Spiral
Sen. John Braun warns of a $1B deficit, rising lawsuit payouts, and new taxes. He blames overspending and mismanagement, urging a shift from tax-first policies to smarter budgeting and economic growth. [TRANSCRIPT]
The Elephant in the Dome Podcast: Workers vs. Woke – Sen. John Braun on what Republicans really stand for when it comes to working Washingtonians
Senate Republican Leader John Braun breaks down Washington’s labor policies—from public union influence to wage mandates—arguing for worker-first reforms rooted in conservative principles without the progressive spin. [TRANSCRIPT]
The Elephant in the Dome Podcast: Fairness in Sports, Food Access, and Forest Stewardship: A Triple Challenge for Washington
Senator John Braun discusses fairness in girls’ sports, Kroger store closures tied to regulations and theft, and the need for responsible forest management to protect public lands and rural economies in this episode of The Elephant in the Dome. [TRANSCRIPT]
The Elephant in the Dome Podcast: It’s the Economy: Housing, Tech, & Taxes in Turbulent Times
Senator John Braun unpacks Washington’s economic challenges—from housing shortages and tech industry tensions to energy concerns and historic tax hikes. What’s driving the downturn, and what can be done? 'It’s the economy stupid' in this episode of The Elephant in the...