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

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

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

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 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

Senators John Braun and Keith Wagoner say the move is a bit premature. Listen Now

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

State Senate and House Republican leaders are panning the Democrats’ new ‘wealth tax’ proposal. Listen Now

Senate Republican Leader John Braun explains why “Rebooting Education” is a top priority for Senate Republicans this legislative session. Listen Now

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

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

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

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

Homes in Washington are expensive. Why? Senator Lynda Wilson tries to answer that question. Listen Now

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

He passed away recently at the age of 52. Listen Now

Senator Mike Padden’s legislation would allow voters to repeal the law that created the tax. Listen Now

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 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

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

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 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

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

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

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

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

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

  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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

…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

The views expressed by individual members are not necessarily those of the entire caucus. Read More

The views expressed by individual members are not necessarily those of the entire caucus. Read More

The views expressed by individual members are not necessarily those of the entire caucus. Read More

The views expressed by individual members are not necessarily those of the entire caucus. Read More

The views expressed by individual members are not necessarily those of the entire caucus. Read More

The views expressed by individual members are not necessarily those of the entire caucus. Read More

The views expressed by individual members are not necessarily those of the entire caucus. Read More

The views expressed by individual members are not necessarily those of the entire caucus. Read More

The views expressed by individual members are not necessarily those of the entire caucus.     Read More

The views expressed by individual members are not necessarily those of the entire caucus. Read More

The views expressed by individual members are not necessarily those of the entire caucus. Read More

The views expressed by individual members are not necessarily those of the entire caucus. Read More

The views expressed by individual members are not necessarily those of the entire caucus. Read More

The views expressed by individual members are not necessarily those of the entire caucus. Read More

The views expressed by individual members are not necessarily those of the entire caucus. Read More

The views expressed by individual members are not necessarily those of the entire caucus. Read More

The views expressed by individual members are not necessarily those of the entire caucus. Read More

The views expressed by individual members are not necessarily those of the entire caucus. Read More

The views expressed by individual members are not necessarily those of the entire caucus. Read More

The views expressed by individual members are not necessarily those of the entire caucus. Read More

The views expressed by individual members are not necessarily those of the entire caucus. Read More

The views expressed by individual members are not necessarily those of the entire caucus. Read More

The views expressed by individual members are not necessarily those of the entire caucus. Read More

The views expressed by individual members are not necessarily those of the entire caucus. Read More

The views expressed by individual members are not necessarily those of the entire caucus. Read More

The views expressed by individual members are not necessarily those of the entire caucus. Read More

The views expressed by individual members are not necessarily those of the entire caucus. Read More

The views expressed by individual members are not necessarily those of the entire caucus. Read More

The views expressed by individual members are not necessarily those of the entire caucus. Read More

The views expressed by individual members are not necessarily those of the entire caucus. Read More