The Elephant in the Dome

The Elephant in the Dome Podcast: Cultivate Washington

Published on November 14, 2023
11/14/2023… Senators Ron Muzzall, Judy Warnick, Shelly Short and Perry Dozier on “Cultivate Washington,” Senate Republicans’ 2024 agenda to protect agriculture. The goal is to address overregulation, farm closures, water-rights, and other issues that threaten Washington’s agricultural industry, the heritage of rural communities and our food supply. Tracy Ellis and Laudan Espinoza host this episode,... Listen Now

Sen. Mike Padden to offer bill creating year-round standard time

Published on November 08, 2023
11/8/2023… The biannual changing of the clocks will be a thing of the past in Washington and Oregon if two state Senators get their way. Republican Senators Mike Padden of Washington and Kim Thatcher of Oregon are introducing bills that would keep the Pacific Northwest states on standard time. Sen. Padden talks about it in... Listen Now

Latina leaders on Democrat-fueled misconceptions about Latino communities

Published on October 23, 2023
10/23/2023… Three Latina leaders, Sen. Niki Torres; Deputy Mayor of Moses Lake, Deanna Martinez; and Executive Director of the Center for Latino Leadership, Maia Espinoza discuss Democrat-fueled misconceptions about Eastern Washington Latino communities. Listen Now

Senator Drew MacEwen featured on program about Cap-and-Tax

Published on October 16, 2023
10/16/2023… MacEwen says there needs to be more government transparency about high gas prices caused by cap-and-tax. He also says the program is hurting working Washingtonians. You can watch the entire interview here: https://ow.ly/LVUB50PXpni   Listen Now

Making childhood fentanyl exposure a felony

Published on October 09, 2023
10/9/2023… Recent cases of children overdosing on their parents’ fentanyl has Senator Lynda Wilson again pushing her bill to strengthen the penalties for childhood fentanyl exposure. Listen Now

Legislature should reconvene Redistricting Commission to redraw 15th District map

Published on September 25, 2023
9/25/2023… A court says Latino representation in the 15th Legislative District in Eastern Washington is insufficient to satisfy the federal Voting Rights Act. While Senate Republican Leader John Braun disagrees with that decision, he says the Legislature needs to call itself into session and reconvene the State Redistricting Commission to redraw the map. If the... Listen Now

Use cap-and-tax financial windfall to address affordability crisis

Published on September 19, 2023
9/19/2023… Should Proceeds from the Democrat’s cap-and-tax scheme that’s causing gas prices to soar be used to help people struggling with high housing and car-tab costs? Senate Republican Leader John Braun thinks so. Listen Now

Latest carbon-pricing auctions will cause gasoline prices to continue to rise

Published on September 11, 2023
9/11/2023… Gas-price hikes from the latest cap-and-trade auctions are sure to hurt drivers and all consumers even more. Senator Curtis King, the Republican leader on the Senate Transportation Committee, talks about it. Listen Now

Ukrainian refugees in Washington state get Senators’ attention

Published on September 05, 2023
9/5/2023… Washington put out the welcome mat last year when war broke out in the Ukraine. More than 16,000 Ukrainian refugees have ended up in our state so far. Senators John Braun and Chris Gildon had the chance to hear from some of them during a ‘listening session’ in Tacoma. Listen Now

Homelessness to Housing with Senator Phil Fortunato

Published on August 28, 2023
8/28/2023… The homeless population has exploded in recent years. At the same time, housing prices have skyrocketed. Senator Phil Fortunato is the Ranking Republican on the Senate Housing Committee. He has a plan to tackle both that he calls Homelessness to Housing. Listen Now

Senate Republican Priorities for Washington

Published on August 21, 2023
8/21/2023… Senate Republican Leader John Braun talks about Restoring Public Safety, Returning Affordability and Rebooting Education. Listen Now

Crime is up in Washington – Senator Nikki Torres talks about it

Published on August 14, 2023
Violent crime increased by 8.5% in 2022. Murders rose by nearly 17% in one year. Robberies were up 18% in 2022 and over 12,000 more cars were stolen last year compared to 2021 totals. The new Yakima Valley Local Crime Lab just opened to help process crimes. Listen Now

Washington state becomes national leader in drug-overdose deaths

Published on July 27, 2023
Washington is now a national leader in drug-overdose deaths and two Republican state Senators say credit goes to Legislative Democrats. Senators Mike Padden and Jeff Wilson say statistics show drug deaths skyrocketed after Democratic leaders insisted on eliminating felony penalties for the possession of hard drugs in 2021. Listen Now

Senate Republicans: Democrat cap-and-trade policy real reason for highest gas prices in nation

Published on July 21, 2023
Governor Jay Inslee and Democratic legislators are blaming oil companies for the highest gas prices in the nation, but Senate Republicans and most experts say the Democrats’ cap-and-trade program is the real reason why Washington gas is so expensive. Senators John Braun, Curtis King and Drew MacEwen talk about it. Listen Now

Bill to Allow Opt Out of Long-Term Care Payroll Tax

Published on July 14, 2023
Paychecks for most Washington workers are now smaller thanks to the new long-term care payroll tax. Senate Republicans are introducing legislation to allow workers to opt out of the tax. Senators John Braun, Curtis King, Lynda Wilson, and Chris Gildon held a news conference on the proposal. Listen Now

Green Energy with Sen. Matt Boehnke

Published on July 07, 2023
It seems at times that the conversation around green energy often centers on wind and solar. But sometimes the wind doesn’t blow, and the sun doesn’t shine. So, what does reliable green energy look like? Sen. Matt Boehnke of Richland joins Tracy Ellis to talk about it. Listen Now

More Cap-and-Trade with Sen. John Braun

Published on June 23, 2023
We continue our discussion about the Democrats’ cap-and-trade program and its effect on Washington gas prices, which are now the highest in the country. Senate Republican leader John Braun is featured. Listen Now

Cap-and-Trade with Sen. Mark Schoesler

Published on June 14, 2023
Will the latest cap-and-trade carbon auction raise fuel prices again? Certain industries in Washington are subject to a statewide cap on carbon pollution. To cover their emissions, they’re required to purchase allowances. The price for a Washington carbon allowance in the May auction was just over $56. Senator Mark Schoesler joins Tracy Ellis to talk... Listen Now

The Long-term Care Payroll Tax with Sen. John Braun

Published on June 08, 2023
Washington workers must start paying the WA Cares long-term care payroll tax next month. Someone making just over $50,000 a year will pay about $24 a month. If you don’t move out of Washington, you’ll be eligible for a lifetime maximum benefit of $36,500 after paying into the program for ten years for extended care... Listen Now

Irv Newhouse Building Replacement Groundbreaking

Published on June 02, 2023
The Irv Newhouse Building on the state capitol campus in Olympia is gone. Built as a “temporary” structure in 1934, the building housed the Senate Republican Caucus until the end of 2022. Construction of a new building is getting underway and is expected to be finished in November 2024. Senator Mark Schoesler and Former Senator... Listen Now

The release of sexual predators and prisoners with substance use disorder

Published on May 25, 2023
Dealing with prisoners after they’re released from custody is the impetus behind bills from Senators Phil Fortunato and Chris Gildon. One measure aims to protect the public from them, while the other looks to protect them from themselves. Listen Now

Emotional speeches on new hard drug possession law and Governor Inslee vetoes accountability

Published on May 19, 2023
The state Legislature passed a bill in a special session that the Governor signed into law making hard drug possession a gross misdemeanor with the goal of getting people who suffer from substance abuse disorder into treatment. Two state Senators, Republicans John Braun and Ron Muzzall, spoke on the bill, not just as lawmakers, but... Listen Now

Governor Jay Inslee signs several Senate Republican Caucus member bills into law

Published on May 12, 2023
Governor Inslee approved bills from Senators Keith Wagoner, Ron Muzzall, Chris Gildon, Mike Padden, Jeff Wilson, Drew MacEwen, Mark Schoesler, Shelly Short, and Curtis King. Listen Now

Governor calls special session to work on hard drug possession law

Published on May 05, 2023
Senators John Braun and Keith Wagoner say the move is a bit premature. Listen Now

Failure to reform drug-possession law rests squarely with House Democrats, says Republican leader

Published on April 28, 2023
A bill to increase the penalty for hard drug-possession failed in the House of Representatives in the final hours of the legislative session. No Republicans voted for the bill and legislative Democrats say that surprised them. Senate Republican Leader John Braun doesn’t understand how that’s possible. Listen Now

Senator John Braun: Republican Priorities on Sine Die

Published on April 23, 2023
Restore public safety, Return affordability, Reboot Education Those were state Senate Republicans’ priorities this legislative session. Senate Republican Leader John Braun talks about them. Listen Now

Senate Republican Leader talks about Republican priorities and Senate Republicans vote against gun ban

Published on April 21, 2023
In this three-minute podcast, Senate Republican Leader John Braun discusses hard drug possession, budgets, and special education and Sen. Drew MacEwen gives a speech opposing a ban on some rifles. Listen Now

Republican leaders call foul on Democrat late-session bid to raise property taxes

Published on April 14, 2023
Senate Democrats unveiled a new proposal that would allow three percent state and local property tax hikes without a vote of the people – that’s triple the current one percent limit. Senators John Braun, Mark Schoesler and Keith Wagoner talk about it. Listen Now

Legislature should focus on key issues, and letting state off hook in privacy bill height of hypocrisy

Published on April 07, 2023
Senate Republican Leader John Braun has a message for the Democratic majority in the legislature: Stop diverting attention from the public’s biggest concerns. The “height of hypocrisy.” That’s how Sen. Mike Padden describes a provision that lets the state off the hook in privacy bill that recently passed out of the Senate. Listen Now

Housing and Homelessnes with Senator John Braun

Published on March 31, 2023
Senate Republican Leader John Braun recently expressed his frustration with Gov. Jay Inslee’s rhetoric on homelessness and housing. Elephant in the Dome host Tracy Ellis sat down with Senator Braun to talk about those issues.   Listen Now

Supreme Court Ruling on capital-gains income tax and the Senate operating budget

Published on March 24, 2023
The Senate Republican budget leader has a warning for taxpayers after the State Supreme Court backed a capital-gains income tax, but she’s also applauding a proposed state budget from Senate Democrats because of no new taxes and investments in things like public safety and education. Listen Now

The Elephant in the Dome Podcast: Threats to 2nd Amendment rights as crime skyrockets

Published on March 17, 2023
Senator John Braun says it seems like Democrats want to go after legal gun owners instead of people using guns illegally in crime. Senator Shelly Short has two examples of House bills that she fears would eat away at 2nd Amendment rights. Senator Jeff Wilson talks about his bill to fight catalytic converter theft. Listen Now

Republicans say pursuit bill passed by Senate is step in right direction but doesn’t go far enough

Published on March 10, 2023
Police would have more leeway to pursue suspects than they do now, but many restrictions on pursuits remain under a bill passed in the state Senate. Listen Now

Bill threatening rights of parents passes Senate

Published on March 03, 2023
Your child could effectively disappear by simply claiming they’re seeking gender counseling or puberty-blocking chemicals under a bill passed in the state Senate. Listen Now

State Senate Republicans want local control of schools

Published on February 24, 2023
Republican Senators speak against a Democrat bill mandating a certain amount of recess.  A Senator sponsors a bill to rein in the State Superintendent of Public Instruction. And the Ranking Republican on the Senate Education Committee details some disturbing trends. Listen Now

Why is Narcan and other medication used to reverse the effects of opioids important?

Published on February 17, 2023
Sen. Ron Muzzall says Narcan simply saves lives. He cosponsored a bill that made Narcan more easily available to people struggling with opioids. He tells a very personal story about Narcan. Listen Now

Forcing people to vote

Published on February 10, 2023
You would be required to vote in every major election under a bill progressing through the Washington State Legislature. The measure cleared the Senate State Government and Elections Committee and could be headed to the Senate floor for a vote. Listen Now

What is happening with proposed fixes to the law limiting police pursuits

Published on February 03, 2023
Legislative Democrats continue to block important fixes to their 2021 law that restricts police pursuits. Podcast features Senators John Braun, Keith Wagoner and Lynda Wilson. Listen Now

Sen. Braun on 2nd Amendment, Sen. Torres is busy, Sen. Short on housing

Published on January 27, 2023
How does a Democrat bill now in the legislature go after firearms manufacturers in the state? Cracking down on organized retail theft is the aim of a bill in the state Senate. The future of farming is the focus of a Senator Torres’ first bill to pass out of the state Senate. Sen Shelly Short... Listen Now

The Democrat Wealth Tax

Published on January 20, 2023
State Senate and House Republican leaders are panning the Democrats’ new ‘wealth tax’ proposal. Listen Now

Reboot Education

Published on January 13, 2023
Senate Republican Leader John Braun explains why “Rebooting Education” is a top priority for Senate Republicans this legislative session. Listen Now

2023 Legislative Session Preview

Published on January 05, 2023
Republican state Senators John Braun and Lynda Wilson speak about restoring public safety, returning affordability, and rebooting education at a 2023 legislative session preview sponsored by the Association of Broadcasters and Allied Daily Newspapers. Watch Now

Senate Republicans file bills to reverse criminal friendly Democrat laws

Published on December 27, 2022
State Senate Republicans unveil a trio of bills to improve public safety. Senator Mike Padden, the ranking Republican on the Senate Law and Justice committee talks about them. Listen Now

New Democrat homelessness policies originally part of Republican package that Democratic lawmakers sought to kill

Published on December 20, 2022
Republican state Senator Phil Fortunato says Washington State Democrats are switching course and adopting a Republican-led homeless approach. He says much of what Democrats are now proposing was covered under his “Shelter Act,” which Democrats opposed. Listen Now

Health care challenges in Washington

Published on December 12, 2022
Senator Ron Muzzall, who serves on the Senate Health & Long-Term Care Committee, explains that care providers are facing many urgent challenges. Listen Now

What makes Washington homes so expensive

Published on December 06, 2022
Homes in Washington are expensive. Why? Senator Lynda Wilson tries to answer that question. Listen Now

The Power Washington energy plan

Published on November 29, 2022
Senate Republicans have a new affordable and comprehensive energy plan that they believe offers fair and reliable solutions to benefit all Washingtonians. Listen Now

The Elephant in the Dome Podcast: Senate Republicans Want to Restore Public Safety

Published on June 14, 2022
Restoring public safety is a top priority for state Senate Republicans. This podcast features the Ranking Republican on the Senate Law and Justice Committee – Senator Mike Padden, Chelan County Sheriff – Brian Burnett, Snohomish County Sheriff – Adam Fortney, and Seattle City Attorney – Ann Davison. Listen Now

Looming 2023 Tax Hikes Will Exacerbate the Affordability Crisis

Published on May 19, 2022
A series of new and higher taxes on income, property, sales, and driving are set to take effect beginning in January 2023, thanks to actions in the past two Democrat-controlled legislative sessions. Senator Lynda Wilson, the Senate Republican budget lead, detailed these looming tax hikes in the latest edition of her Rational Steps policy paper. Listen Now

Transportation for Washington

Published on March 18, 2022
Majority Democrats in the state Legislature pushed through a transportation package during the session that raises some fees drivers must pay by as much as 400-percent. It also doesn’t include needed projects in several parts of the state outside of the Central Puget Sound region. Senator Curtis King,  the ranking Republican on the Senate Transportation... Listen Now

This Week In Olympia Mar. 6 – Mar. 12

Published on March 12, 2022
The Elephant in the Dome Podcast: Tracy Ellis takes a look at some of the things that happened this week in Olympia. Listen Now

This Week In Olympia Feb. 27 – Mar. 4

Published on March 04, 2022
The Elephant in the Dome Podcast: Tracy Ellis takes a look at some of the things that happened this week in Olympia. Listen Now

This Week In Olympia Feb. 20 – Feb. 25

Published on February 25, 2022
The Elephant in the Dome Podcast: Tracy Ellis takes a look at some of the things that happened this week in Olympia. Listen Now

This Week In Olympia Feb. 13 – Feb. 18

Published on February 18, 2022
The Elephant in the Dome Podcast: Tracy Ellis takes a look at some of the things that happened this week in Olympia. Listen Now

This Week In Olympia Feb. 05 – Feb. 12

Published on February 12, 2022
The Elephant in the Dome Podcast: Tracy Ellis takes a look at some of the things that happened this week in Olympia. Listen Now

This Week In Olympia Jan. 31 – Feb. 04

Published on February 04, 2022
The Elephant in the Dome Podcast: Tracy Ellis takes a look at some of the things that happened this week in Olympia. Listen Now

This Week In Olympia Jan. 24 – Jan. 28

Published on January 28, 2022
The Elephant in the Dome Podcast: Tracy Ellis takes a look at some of the things that happened this week in Olympia. Listen Now

This Week In Olympia Jan. 17 – Jan. 21

Published on January 21, 2022
The Elephant in the Dome Podcast: Tracy Ellis and Kimberly Wirtz take a look at some of the things that happened this week in Olympia. Listen Now

This Week In Olympia Jan. 10 – Jan. 14

Published on January 14, 2022
The Elephant in the Dome Podcast: Tracy Ellis and Kimberly Wirtz take a look at some of the things that happened this week in Olympia. Listen Now

State legislative Republicans share their vision for the future

Published on January 11, 2022
Senator Chris Gildon gives the Republican response to the Governor’s State of the State speech, Senate Republican Leader John Braun outlines priorities and House Republican Leader J.T. Wilcox calls for balance.   Listen Now

Safe Washington: A Republican Plan for Increasing Public Safety, Reducing Crime and Putting Victims First

Published on January 05, 2022
State House and Senate Republicans unveil common-sense solutions to the public safety crisis ravaging communities and destroying lives across the state. Listen Now

Senate Republican Caucus members remember Senator Doug Ericksen

Published on December 21, 2021
He passed away recently at the age of 52. Listen Now

Senator Mike Padden has a bill that could end the long-term care payroll tax

Published on November 03, 2021
Senator Mike Padden’s legislation would allow voters to repeal the law that created the tax. Listen Now

Vaccine deadline threatens critical services and public safety as people fear losing jobs and livelihoods

Published on October 20, 2021
Republican Senators say it’s ridiculous and just plain wrong that thousands are losing jobs due to Governor Inslee’s vaccine mandate. Listen Now

Senate report sounds alarm about effort to empty prisons, return felons to the street

Published on September 15, 2021
Three Senators held a news conference to release “PRISON ALARM BELLS: Five Years of Failure at the Department of Corrections – and What Washington Can Do About It.” Listen Now

Ericksen vaccination-rights bill becomes rallying point against Inslee decree

Published on August 23, 2021
Thousands of emails and calls are pouring into legislative offices in response to the governor’s “get shot or get fired” mandate. Many of them are demanding passage of Sen. Doug Ericksen’s measure to protect the right to choose. Listen Now

Braun calls on Democrats to fix problems created by controversial police-related bills

Published on July 29, 2021
The State Senate Republican leader is calling on Democrats to fix problems created by controversial police-related bills. Law enforcement, EMTs, and local elected officials are concerned about the legislation passed by Democrats this year. Listen Now

Senators say government failed Cowlitz County on methanol project

Published on June 17, 2021
State Senate Republicans say the promise of good-paying jobs was defeated by Governor Inslee’s climate agenda. Northwest Innovation Works is pulling the plug on a seven-year effort to construct a methanol plant at the Port of Kalama in Cowlitz County. Host Tracy Ellis talks with Senators John Braun and Jeff Wilson. Listen Now

Senate Republican Caucus announces creation of new Office of Community Engagement and Inclusion

Published on April 29, 2021
Sen. Ron Muzzall joins host Tracy Ellis to discuss efforts to address racial inequities in a principled, authentic, and holistic way. The views expressed by individual members are not necessarily those of the entire caucus. Listen Now

This Week In Olympia Apr. 19 – Apr. 25

Published on April 25, 2021
Tracy Ellis takes a look at some of the things that happened this week in Olympia. The views expressed by individual members are not necessarily those of the entire caucus. Listen Now

A session of taxes – new ones and increases to old ones

Published on April 19, 2021
Majority Democrats in the state Legislature have several proposals that take more from taxpayers. The views expressed by individual members are not necessarily those of the entire caucus.   Listen Now

This Week In Olympia Apr. 12 – Apr. 16

Published on April 16, 2021
Tracy Ellis takes a look at some of the things that happened this week in Olympia. The views expressed by individual members are not necessarily those of the entire caucus. Listen Now

This Week In Olympia Apr. 05 – Apr. 11

Published on April 11, 2021
Tracy Ellis takes a look at some of the things that happened this week in Olympia. The views expressed by individual members are not necessarily those of the entire caucus. Listen Now

Senate Republicans concerned about Democrat cap and tax, high cost fuel standard bills

Published on April 09, 2021
Senate Republicans are worried that cap and tax and high cost fuel standard bills passed by majority Democrats in the Senate will raise gas prices and hurt citizens. The views expressed by individual members are not necessarily those of the entire caucus.   Watch Now

This Week In Olympia Mar. 29 – Apr. 02

Published on April 02, 2021
Tracy Ellis takes a look at some of the things that happened this week in Olympia. The views expressed by individual members are not necessarily those of the entire caucus. Listen Now

This Week In Olympia Mar. 22 – Mar. 26

Published on March 26, 2021
Tracy Ellis takes a look at some of the things that happened this week in Olympia. The views expressed by individual members are not necessarily those of the entire caucus. Listen Now

This Week In Olympia Mar. 15 – Mar. 19

Published on March 19, 2021
Tracy Ellis takes a look at some of the things that happened this week in Olympia. The views expressed by individual members are not necessarily those of the entire caucus.   Listen Now

This Week In Olympia Mar. 8 – Mar. 12

Published on March 12, 2021
Tracy Ellis takes a look at some of the things that happened this week in Olympia. The views expressed by individual members are not necessarily those of the entire caucus.   Listen Now

This Week In Olympia Feb. 27 – Mar. 6

Published on March 07, 2021
Tracy Ellis takes a look at some of the the things that happened this week in Olympia. The views expressed by individual members are not necessarily those of the entire caucus.   Listen Now

The Democrat majority in the state Senate passed a bill that would create an income tax – all Senate Republicans voted against it

Published on March 06, 2021
Senate Republican leaders are denouncing the passage of an income-tax on capital gains. The measure now heads to the house. The views expressed by individual members are not necessarily those of the entire caucus. Listen Now

Open Safe, Open Now: A Republican plan for Phase 3 and Beyond

Published on March 04, 2021
Republican lawmakers: It’s time to move schools and employers to the next phase now. The views expressed by individual members are not necessarily those of the entire caucus. Listen Now

This Week In Olympia Feb. 22 – Feb. 26

Published on February 26, 2021
Tracy Ellis takes a look at some of what happened this week in Olympia. The views expressed by individual members are not necessarily those of the entire caucus. Listen Now

Senate passes Brown measure to create youth safety tip line

Published on February 25, 2021
Isolation, depression, and anxiety caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and recent social unrest are driving some teens to take their own lives, but the state Senate isn’t sitting idly by. Senator Sharon Brown’s bill that would create a tip-line and mobile app to allow students to confidentially report potential self-harm or harm to others passed... Listen Now

This Week In Olympia Feb. 15 – Feb. 19

Published on February 19, 2021
Tracy Ellis takes a look at some of what happened this week in Olympia. The views expressed by individual members are not necessarily those of the entire caucus. Listen Now

This Week In Olympia Feb. 8 – Feb. 12

Published on February 12, 2021
Tracy Ellis takes a look at some of what happened this week in Olympia. The views expressed by individual members are not necessarily those of the entire caucus. Listen Now

Senate Republicans unveil budget to help state restart and recover

Published on February 11, 2021
A plan to provide solutions for the state’s critical needs now and decades into the future. The views expressed by individual members are not necessarily those of the entire caucus. Listen Now

Sen. Keith Wagoner Looks to Help Landlords

Published on February 11, 2021
The state legislature passed a bill to appropriate $2.2 billion in COVID federal funding to schools, healthcare, housing, businesses and more. Senate Republicans offered several amendments to make it better, including two from Senator Keith Wagoner that would help landlords. The views expressed by individual members are not necessarily those of the entire caucus. Listen Now

This Week In Olympia Feb. 1 – Feb. 5

Published on February 05, 2021
Tracy Ellis takes a look at some of what happened this week in Olympia. The views expressed by individual members are not necessarily those of the entire caucus. Listen Now

This Week In Olympia Jan. 25 – Jan. 29

Published on January 29, 2021
Tracy Ellis takes a look back at this week in Olympia. The views expressed by individual members are not necessarily those of the entire caucus. Listen Now

Senate Republicans: We need to take action to reopen our economy now!

Published on January 28, 2021
There’s no time to wait, Washington’s economy must reopen. That was the impetus behind a Senate Republican push in the Legislature. The views expressed by individual members are not necessarily those of the entire caucus. Listen Now

This Week in Olympia Jan. 18 – Jan. 22

Published on January 22, 2021
Tracy Ellis takes a look back at this week in Olympia. The views expressed by individual members are not necessarily those of the entire caucus. Listen Now

State Senator Chris Gildon tells the real story of the proposed capital gains tax.

Published on January 19, 2021
Listen as Sen. Chris Gildon explains the governor’s capital gains tax proposal. There’s more to the story than you might expect.  The views expressed by individual members are not necessarily those of the entire caucus. Listen Now

This Week in Olympia Jan. 11 – Jan. 15

Published on January 15, 2021
Tracy Ellis takes a look back at this week in Olympia. The views expressed by individual members are not necessarily those of the entire caucus. Listen Now

State Senators aren’t just politicians, they’re also people

Published on January 14, 2021
When Republican Senators Perry Dozier and Ron Muzzall talked on the Senate floor about the pain caused by Governor Inslee’s restrictions on restaurants, it wasn’t political grandstanding, it was from the heart. The views expressed by individual members are not necessarily those of the entire caucus. Listen Now

Republican State Senators Concerned About Lack Of Access to Democracy

Published on January 11, 2021
Access to democracy is a major topic at the start of this year’s Legislative Session. COVID-related restrictions and extreme safety measures are keeping the public away from capitol buildings and legislators. The views expressed by individual members are not necessarily those of the entire caucus. Listen Now

Republican leaders from the state House and Senate address the media

Published on December 04, 2020
Republican leaders from the Washington State Senate and House of Representatives talked with the media about the upcoming Legislative Session. John Handy with the House Republican Caucus moderated. The views expressed by individual members are not necessarily those of the entire caucus. Read More

Ericksen announces proposal to improve elections security, restore public trust in system

Published on November 10, 2020
Senator Doug Ericksen wants to restore public trust in elections.       The views expressed by individual members are not necessarily those of the entire caucus. Read More

Boeing decision should be incentive for lawmakers

Published on October 02, 2020
A state Senator says the Boeing decision to move it’s 787 line out of state should be an incentive for lawmakers to increase support for manufacturing.   The views expressed by individual members are not necessarily those of the entire caucus. Read More

Several Washington State Senate Republicans Now Deregulatory Champions

Published on July 23, 2020
Several Washington State Senate Republicans are now Deregulatory Champions. They signed up to support the Initiative on Regulatory Innovation. Senator Judy Warnick of Moses Lake is one of the Republican legislators to sign on. The views expressed by individual members are not necessarily those of the entire caucus. Read More

Huge budget hole prompts Senate Republicans to repeat call for June session

Published on June 17, 2020
State Senate Republicans say a $9 billion chasm in the state budget requires a special legislative session now.       The views expressed by individual members are not necessarily those of the entire caucus. Read More

Republican Zoom media availability on special session proposal

Published on May 21, 2020
State Senate Republicans John Braun and Shelly Short were part of a Zoom media availability to announce a proposal for a special session to address impacts of the COVID-19 public health crisis.     The views expressed by individual members are not necessarily those of the entire caucus. Read More

Sen. Short on Importance of Census and Ways to Keep Census Workers from Coming to Your Home

Published on May 15, 2020
Washington State Senator Shelly Short wants you to know something about the 2020 Census.       The views expressed by individual members are not necessarily those of the entire caucus. Read More

Sen. Becker telemedicine push paying dividends right now

Published on March 31, 2020
The Leader of the Free World says it’s an important tool in the fight against COVID-19 and our state already has it. Republican State Senator Randi Becker championed several telemedicine bills that are now law.   The views expressed by individual members are not necessarily those of the entire caucus. Read More

Legislature approves controversial sex-ed bill

Published on March 07, 2020
An extremely controversial sex-ed bill is on its way to the Governor’s desk after Democrats in the state Legislature passed it, despite the deep concerns of many parents and grandparents. Republicans in the House and Senate fought hard to defeat or, at least change the legislation but could not overcome Democratic majorities in both chambers.... Read More

Sen. Randi Becker announces her retirement

Published on March 05, 2020
  A leader in the state Senate is ready for the next stage in life. Mikaela Hobson tells us about Sen. Randi Becker’s retirement.     The views expressed by individual members are not necessarily those of the entire caucus. Read More

Legislature passes bill to ban immigration arrests within mile of courthouses

Published on March 04, 2020
Is it the year of the criminal in the state Legislature? One Senator thinks so and says this bill proves it.     The views expressed by individual members are not necessarily those of the entire caucus. Read More

Intentional HIV Transmission Reduced to Misdemeanor

Published on March 03, 2020
A person who intentionally exposes a sexual partner to HIV could no longer be charged with a felony under a bill passed by the state Legislature.     The views expressed by individual members are not necessarily those of the entire caucus. Read More

This Week in Olympia Feb. 24 – Feb. 28

Published on February 28, 2020
Tracy Ellis and Mikaela Hobson take a look back at this week in Olympia.     The views expressed by individual members are not necessarily those of the entire caucus. Read More

Senate Republican Caucus News Conference on Homelessness

Published on February 26, 2020
Members of the Senate Republican Caucus discuss homelessness funding in the 2020 Supplemental State Operating Budget during a news conference at the State Capitol.   The views expressed by individual members are not necessarily those of the entire caucus. Read More

This Week in Olympia Feb. 17 – Feb. 21

Published on February 21, 2020
Tracy Ellis and Mikaela Hobson take a look back at this week in Olympia.     The views expressed by individual members are not necessarily those of the entire caucus. Read More

Resolution celebrates Washington’s Chinese Americans

Published on February 18, 2020
The history and contributions of Chinese Americans in Washington were recognized on the state Senate floor.     The views expressed by individual members are not necessarily those of the entire caucus. Read More

This Week in Olympia Feb. 10 – Feb. 14

Published on February 14, 2020
Tracy Ellis and Mikaela Hobson take a look back at this week in Olympia.     The views expressed by individual members are not necessarily those of the entire caucus. Read More

Senator Mike Padden’s bill on teacher job-sharing

Published on February 13, 2020
Some teachers like to job-share, but commonsense bipartisan legislation to allow it to happen in our state appears dead. Senator Mike Padden’s bill in the legislature would let school districts split benefits of the job-sharing teachers.   The views expressed by individual members are not necessarily those of the entire caucus. Read More

Senate Republicans meet with reporters to discuss progress on homelessness

Published on February 11, 2020
State Senate Republicans met with reporters to discuss the legislative session. Senators Shelly Short and Hans Zeiger say they are finding ways to work with Democrats, especially when it comes to homelessness. The views expressed by individual members are not necessarily those of the entire caucus. Read More

This Week in Olympia Feb. 4 – Feb. 7

Published on February 07, 2020
Tracy Ellis and Mikaela Hobson take a look back at this week in Olympia.     The views expressed by individual members are not necessarily those of the entire caucus. Read More

This Week in Olympia Jan. 27 – Jan. 31

Published on February 01, 2020
Tracy Ellis takes a look back at this week in Olympia.   The views expressed by individual members are not necessarily those of the entire caucus. Read More

Emotional testimony on Sen. Steve O’Ban’s bill to help people with severe mental illness

Published on January 31, 2020
People with severe mental illness who are in and out of mental hospitals and jails because they refuse treatment could soon get some help. State Senator Steve O’Ban is sponsoring a bill that would allow courts to assign a special guardian to make care decisions for those who are incapable of recognizing their need for... Read More

A business tax increase balloons to one billion dollars under a bill sponsored by State Senate Democrats

Published on January 29, 2020
Senators started debate on the measure. The proposed legislation replaces a deeply flawed bill Democrats passed last year, but it hikes business taxes even more. Republicans attempted to exempt many businesses that can least afford the higher tax. Democrats didn’t accept any of the Republican amendments. We thought we’d do something a little bit different... Read More

Salmon Repopulation Act and Orca Recovery Media Briefing

Published on January 28, 2020
What do Puget Sound orcas need? They need salmon for food. Four Republican State Senators and a Representative held a  media briefing on salmon hatchery legislation aimed at saving the orcas. The views expressed by individual members are not necessarily those of the entire caucus. Read More

Senator Tim Sheldon on International Holocaust Remembrance Day

Published on January 27, 2020
It’s the 75th anniversary of the liberation of the largest Nazi concentration and death camp, Auschwitz. The State Senate passed a resolution in support of International Holocaust Remembrance Day. Senator Tim Sheldon tells the story of Auschwitz survivor Arnold Zweig. The views expressed by individual members are not necessarily those of the entire caucus. Read More

Two State Senate Republican Leaders on Centennial Anniversary of Women Being Allowed to Vote

Published on January 27, 2020
August 26th is the 100th Anniversary of the ratification of the 19th Amendment, giving women the right to vote. State Senate Republican Floor Leader Shelly Short and Senate Caucus Vice Chair Judy Warnick share their thoughts. Click here for more information on our state’s celebration.   The views expressed by individual members are not necessarily... Read More

This Week in Olympia Jan. 20 – Jan. 24

Published on January 24, 2020
Tracy Ellis and Mikaela Hobson take a look back at this week in Olympia.     The views expressed by individual members are not necessarily those of the entire caucus. Read More

Senate Republican’s comprehensive plan to address homelessness

Published on January 21, 2020
State Senate Republicans have a plan to address homelessness. They’re ready to fight for real solutions instead of throwing money at a broken system. Senators Hans Zeiger, Phil Fortunato, Steve O’Ban and John Braun held a homelessness crisis news conference.   The views expressed by individual members are not necessarily those of the entire caucus. Read More

This Week in Olympia Jan. 13 – Jan. 17

Published on January 17, 2020
Tracy Ellis takes a look back at this week in Olympia.     The views expressed by individual members are not necessarily those of the entire caucus. Read More

Senator Mike Padden details problems at the scandal plagued state Department of Corrections

Published on January 15, 2020
The prison problems are prompting a trio of Senate Republicans to introduce a package of sweeping reforms. Senators Padden, Keith Wagoner and Steve O’Ban are sponsoring measures. The views expressed by individual members are not necessarily those of the entire caucus. Read More

Senator John Braun responds to Governor Inslee’s State of the State

Published on January 14, 2020
The Republican Response to Governor Jay Inslee’s State of the State Address emphasized the need to get things done without taking more of your money or raiding the state’s savings account.     The views expressed by individual members are not necessarily those of the entire caucus. Read More

Senators Schoesler and Zeiger Preview Upcoming Session

Published on January 10, 2020
State Senate Republican Leader Mark Schoesler and Republican Senator Hans Zeiger spoke at the annual Associated Press Legislative Preview for the 2020 session. The views expressed by individual members are not necessarily those of the entire caucus. Read More

Senator Keith Wagoner Talks About Safety in Prisons

Published on January 10, 2020
State Senator Keith Wagoner wants to make prisons safer.     The views expressed by individual members are not necessarily those of the entire caucus. Read More

Senator Randi Becker announces the formation of the SRC Tax Watchdog Committee

Published on January 08, 2020
Sen. Becker says some people in Olympia may not be listening to the people, but the State Senate Republican Caucus is.     The views expressed by individual members are not necessarily those of the entire caucus. Read More

Elephant in the Dome Podcast – Sen. Steve O’Ban Reflects on 2nd Anniversary of Deadly Amtrak Crash

Published on December 18, 2019
The Amtrak train crash that killed three people near DuPont happened two years ago. What’s happened since then? And what still needs to be done?   The views expressed by individual members are not necessarily those of the entire caucus. Read More

Elephant in the Dome Podcast – Sustainability was the underlying theme from Senate Republicans at the Re-Wire Policy Conference

Published on December 12, 2019
Sen. John Braun emphasized the importance of sustainability in budgeting and Sen. Phil Fortunato touted a plan for sustainable transportation funding.   The views expressed by individual members are not necessarily those of the entire caucus. Read More

Elephant in the Dome Podcast – O’Ban fights to repeal business tax increase on health-care providers

Published on December 06, 2019
A state legislator wants to help doctors by getting rid of the tax hike imposed on them during the last legislative session. Senator Steve O’Ban is sponsoring a bill in the upcoming session that would repeal the 20% business tax increase for health care providers.   The views expressed by individual members are not necessarily... Read More

Elephant in the Dome Podcast – A nursing home funding crisis a state legislator wants to fix

Published on November 08, 2019
Pierce County Republican Senator Steve O’Ban held a press conference at the Tacoma Lutheran Retirement Community to introduce his bill to increase the state reimbursement for Medicaid patients.   The views expressed by individual members are not necessarily those of the entire caucus. Read More

Elephant in the Dome Podcast – GOP Senators react to I-976 passage

Published on November 07, 2019
Sen. Steve O’Ban says I-976 passage should send a strong message to Sound Transit and to Democrats and Sen. Phil Fortunato says it should get people thinking about his bill to pay for roads.   The views expressed by individual members are not necessarily those of the entire caucus Read More

Washington has a new State Senator

Published on October 24, 2019
Oak Harbor Republican Ron Muzzall was selected to represent the 10th District as State Senator.     The views expressed by individual members are not necessarily those of the entire caucus. Read More

The Majority Party increased the tax on businesses by 20%…

Published on October 08, 2019
…To better understand the impact on real people, Sen. Steve O’Ban interviewed doctors, and other small business owners. The views expressed by individual members are not necessarily those of the entire caucus. Read More

Trains are an important part of Eastern Washington’s economy. That’s why the top Republican on the State Senate Transportation Committee was named the keynote speaker at a rail summit

Published on September 13, 2019
The views expressed by individual members are not necessarily those of the entire caucus. Read More

Some Puget Sound-area taxpayers say expensive car tabs to pay for Sound Transit are illegal and State Senator Steve O’Ban agrees with them and says the State Attorney General should also be on their side, but he isn’t.

Published on September 11, 2019
The views expressed by individual members are not necessarily those of the entire caucus. Read More

This Week in Olympia 8/26-8/29: Legislature Sues Gov, Eastern WA Worries About Fire and Water, and Prison Problems

Published on August 29, 2019
The views expressed by individual members are not necessarily those of the entire caucus. Read More

Fire and water are two things on the minds of Eastern Washington lawmakers, including the State Senator in the 13th District

Published on August 27, 2019
The views expressed by individual members are not necessarily those of the entire caucus. Read More

Two Republican State Senators want you to get involved, while another prepares for a new phase in life

Published on August 22, 2019
The views expressed by individual members are not necessarily those of the entire caucus. Read More

Seattle’s proposed income tax is unconstitutional, but the State Court of Appeals says that doesn’t mean the city can’t impose a different kind of tax on income and Sen. Steve O’Ban is concerned

Published on July 17, 2019
The views expressed by individual members are not necessarily those of the entire caucus. Read More

Senate Republicans were hard at work for their constituents during the legislative session

Published on May 28, 2019
The views expressed by individual members are not necessarily those of the entire caucus. Read More

Republican State Senator Steve O’Ban held a press conference near the site of the 2017 Amtrak train derailment in DuPont to present a plan aimed at avoiding future tragedies

Published on May 23, 2019
The views expressed by individual members are not necessarily those of the entire caucus. Read More

Taxapalooza 2019 culminates with Governor Inslee signing the budget from Majority Democrats in the State Legislature

Published on May 21, 2019
The views expressed by individual members are not necessarily those of the entire caucus.     Read More

Taxapalooza 2019 – Majority Democrats in the State Legislature seemed determined to raise taxes from day one of the 2019 legislative session

Published on May 07, 2019
The views expressed by individual members are not necessarily those of the entire caucus. Read More

Property tax-raising school levy increases wouldn’t be needed under a plan proposed by Republican State Senator John Braun

Published on April 26, 2019
The views expressed by individual members are not necessarily those of the entire caucus. Read More

The State Senate passed a resolution honoring Class of 2019 Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame inductee Jack Sikma.

Published on April 18, 2019
The views expressed by individual members are not necessarily those of the entire caucus. Read More

Another Tax Day is a time for two state legislators to lament tax hikes proposed in Olympia

Published on April 15, 2019
The views expressed by individual members are not necessarily those of the entire caucus. Read More

The U.S. Supreme Court ruled that government workers can’t be forced to pay union dues, but Republicans say a bill passed in the Senate attempts to circumvent that ruling.

Published on April 13, 2019
The views expressed by individual members are not necessarily those of the entire caucus. Read More

Wolves are moving into Western Washington, worrying a state senator, and a state legislator is backing a different type of clean energy

Published on April 09, 2019
The views expressed by individual members are not necessarily those of the entire caucus. Read More

He says the State Senate Democrats’ spending plan has unneeded tax hikes and unnecessary expenditures, but Republican Senate budget lead John Braun says it could be worse – it could be the one released by House Democrats.

Published on April 03, 2019
The views expressed by individual members are not necessarily those of the entire caucus. Read More

Many people consider some bills at the State Capital this legislative session to be unfriendly to families. Senators Shelly Short and Ann Rivers talk about the legislation that should have parents concerned

Published on April 02, 2019
The views expressed by individual members are not necessarily those of the entire caucus. Read More

One State Senator says it seems like Democrats in the legislature are trying to drive oil refineries out of our state. Senator Doug Ericksen says a new proposal could cost taxpayers upwards of a billion dollars.

Published on March 28, 2019
The views expressed by individual members are not necessarily those of the entire caucus. Read More

Homelessness took center stage at the State Capital. With little more than a month left in the legislative session, Republican senators emphasized their continued commitment to addressing the crisis.

Published on March 22, 2019
The views expressed by individual members are not necessarily those of the entire caucus. Read More

Senators Mark Schoesler, Randi Becker and John Braun talk about a big increase in projected state revenues and why it should lead to tax cuts instead of tax increases

Published on March 20, 2019
The views expressed by individual members are not necessarily those of the entire caucus. Read More

Senator Ann Rivers on her bill that strongly encourages schools to teach the Holocaust

Published on March 12, 2019
The views expressed by individual members are not necessarily those of the entire caucus. Read More

Senate Republican Leader Mark Schoesler and Senator Steve O’Ban talk about farmers accused of having slaves, ethics violations, Sound Transit, long term care, gun control, prisoners being let out early, vaccinations, and a carbon tax.

Published on March 01, 2019
The views expressed by individual members are not necessarily those of the entire caucus. Read More

The New Green Manifesto for Washington State, Democrats who are unwilling to work with Republicans, the state budget, forced unionization, immunizations, and public records

Published on February 21, 2019
The views expressed by individual members are not necessarily those of the entire caucus. Read More

Welcome to Washington Baby Act and Raising Tobacco Age to 21

Published on February 18, 2019
The views expressed by individual members are not necessarily those of the entire caucus. Read More

Senator Mike Padden on longer “look-backs” for DUIs

Published on February 07, 2019
The views expressed by individual members are not necessarily those of the entire caucus. Read More

Episode 5 – Affordable Housing & Homelessness Package

Published on November 15, 2018
The views expressed by individual members are not necessarily those of the entire caucus. Read More

Episode 4 – Mental Health Package

Published on November 15, 2018
The views expressed by individual members are not necessarily those of the entire caucus. Read More

Episode 3 – Seattle Jobs Tax

Published on November 15, 2018
The views expressed by individual members are not necessarily those of the entire caucus. Read More

Episode 2 – Western State Hospital

Published on August 03, 2018
The views expressed by individual members are not necessarily those of the entire caucus. Read More

Episode 1 – Sen. O’Ban discusses his jobs tax credit

Published on August 03, 2018
The views expressed by individual members are not necessarily those of the entire caucus. Read More