The Elephant in the Dome Podcast: Cultivate Washington

Sen. Mike Padden to offer bill creating year-round standard time
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...
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Latina leaders on Democrat-fueled misconceptions about Latino communities
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.
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Senator Drew MacEwen featured on program about Cap-and-Tax
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
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Making childhood fentanyl exposure a felony
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.
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Legislature should reconvene Redistricting Commission to redraw 15th District map
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...
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Use cap-and-tax financial windfall to address affordability crisis
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.
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Latest carbon-pricing auctions will cause gasoline prices to continue to rise
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.
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Ukrainian refugees in Washington state get Senators’ attention
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.
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Homelessness to Housing with Senator Phil Fortunato
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.
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Senate Republican Priorities for Washington
8/21/2023… Senate Republican Leader John Braun talks about Restoring Public Safety, Returning Affordability and Rebooting Education.
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Crime is up in Washington – Senator Nikki Torres talks about it
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.
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Washington state becomes national leader in drug-overdose deaths
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.
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Senate Republicans: Democrat cap-and-trade policy real reason for highest gas prices in nation
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.
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Bill to Allow Opt Out of Long-Term Care Payroll Tax
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.
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Green Energy with Sen. Matt Boehnke
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.
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More Cap-and-Trade with Sen. John Braun
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.
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Cap-and-Trade with Sen. Mark Schoesler
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...
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The Long-term Care Payroll Tax with Sen. John Braun
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...
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Irv Newhouse Building Replacement Groundbreaking
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...
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The release of sexual predators and prisoners with substance use disorder
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.
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Emotional speeches on new hard drug possession law and Governor Inslee vetoes accountability
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...
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Governor Jay Inslee signs several Senate Republican Caucus member bills into law
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.
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Governor calls special session to work on hard drug possession law
Senators John Braun and Keith Wagoner say the move is a bit premature.
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Failure to reform drug-possession law rests squarely with House Democrats, says Republican leader
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.
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Senator John Braun: Republican Priorities on Sine Die
Restore public safety, Return affordability, Reboot Education Those were state Senate Republicans’ priorities this legislative session. Senate Republican Leader John Braun talks about them.
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Senate Republican Leader talks about Republican priorities and Senate Republicans vote against gun ban
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.
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Republican leaders call foul on Democrat late-session bid to raise property taxes
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.
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Legislature should focus on key issues, and letting state off hook in privacy bill height of hypocrisy
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.
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Housing and Homelessnes with Senator John Braun
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.
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Supreme Court Ruling on capital-gains income tax and the Senate operating budget
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.
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The Elephant in the Dome Podcast: Threats to 2nd Amendment rights as crime skyrockets
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.
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Republicans say pursuit bill passed by Senate is step in right direction but doesn’t go far enough
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.
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Bill threatening rights of parents passes Senate
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.
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State Senate Republicans want local control of schools
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.
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Why is Narcan and other medication used to reverse the effects of opioids important?
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.
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Forcing people to vote
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.
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What is happening with proposed fixes to the law limiting police pursuits
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.
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Sen. Braun on 2nd Amendment, Sen. Torres is busy, Sen. Short on housing
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...
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The Democrat Wealth Tax
State Senate and House Republican leaders are panning the Democrats’ new ‘wealth tax’ proposal.
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Reboot Education
Senate Republican Leader John Braun explains why “Rebooting Education” is a top priority for Senate Republicans this legislative session.
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2023 Legislative Session Preview
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.
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Senate Republicans file bills to reverse criminal friendly Democrat laws
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.
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New Democrat homelessness policies originally part of Republican package that Democratic lawmakers sought to kill
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.
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Health care challenges in Washington
Senator Ron Muzzall, who serves on the Senate Health & Long-Term Care Committee, explains that care providers are facing many urgent challenges.
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What makes Washington homes so expensive
Homes in Washington are expensive. Why? Senator Lynda Wilson tries to answer that question.
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The Power Washington energy plan
Senate Republicans have a new affordable and comprehensive energy plan that they believe offers fair and reliable solutions to benefit all Washingtonians.
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The Elephant in the Dome Podcast: Senate Republicans Want to Restore Public Safety
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.
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Looming 2023 Tax Hikes Will Exacerbate the Affordability Crisis
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.
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Transportation for Washington
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...
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This Week In Olympia Mar. 6 – Mar. 12
The Elephant in the Dome Podcast: Tracy Ellis takes a look at some of the things that happened this week in Olympia.
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This Week In Olympia Feb. 27 – Mar. 4
The Elephant in the Dome Podcast: Tracy Ellis takes a look at some of the things that happened this week in Olympia.
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This Week In Olympia Feb. 20 – Feb. 25
The Elephant in the Dome Podcast: Tracy Ellis takes a look at some of the things that happened this week in Olympia.
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This Week In Olympia Feb. 13 – Feb. 18
The Elephant in the Dome Podcast: Tracy Ellis takes a look at some of the things that happened this week in Olympia.
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This Week In Olympia Feb. 05 – Feb. 12
The Elephant in the Dome Podcast: Tracy Ellis takes a look at some of the things that happened this week in Olympia.
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This Week In Olympia Jan. 31 – Feb. 04
The Elephant in the Dome Podcast: Tracy Ellis takes a look at some of the things that happened this week in Olympia.
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This Week In Olympia Jan. 24 – Jan. 28
The Elephant in the Dome Podcast: Tracy Ellis takes a look at some of the things that happened this week in Olympia.
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This Week In Olympia Jan. 17 – Jan. 21
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.
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This Week In Olympia Jan. 10 – Jan. 14
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.
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State legislative Republicans share their vision for the future
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.
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Safe Washington: A Republican Plan for Increasing Public Safety, Reducing Crime and Putting Victims First
State House and Senate Republicans unveil common-sense solutions to the public safety crisis ravaging communities and destroying lives across the state.
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Senate Republican Caucus members remember Senator Doug Ericksen
He passed away recently at the age of 52.
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Senator Mike Padden has a bill that could end the long-term care payroll tax
Senator Mike Padden’s legislation would allow voters to repeal the law that created the tax.
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Vaccine deadline threatens critical services and public safety as people fear losing jobs and livelihoods
Republican Senators say it’s ridiculous and just plain wrong that thousands are losing jobs due to Governor Inslee’s vaccine mandate.
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Senate report sounds alarm about effort to empty prisons, return felons to the street
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.”
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Ericksen vaccination-rights bill becomes rallying point against Inslee decree
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.
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Braun calls on Democrats to fix problems created by controversial police-related bills
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.
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Senators say government failed Cowlitz County on methanol project
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.
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Senate Republican Caucus announces creation of new Office of Community Engagement and Inclusion
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.
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This Week In Olympia Apr. 19 – Apr. 25
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.
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A session of taxes – new ones and increases to old ones
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.
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This Week In Olympia Apr. 12 – Apr. 16
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.
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This Week In Olympia Apr. 05 – Apr. 11
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.
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Senate Republicans concerned about Democrat cap and tax, high cost fuel standard bills
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.
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This Week In Olympia Mar. 29 – Apr. 02
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.
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This Week In Olympia Mar. 22 – Mar. 26
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.
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This Week In Olympia Mar. 15 – Mar. 19
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.
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This Week In Olympia Mar. 8 – Mar. 12
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.
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This Week In Olympia Feb. 27 – Mar. 6
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.
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The Democrat majority in the state Senate passed a bill that would create an income tax – all Senate Republicans voted against it
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.
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Open Safe, Open Now: A Republican plan for Phase 3 and Beyond
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.
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This Week In Olympia Feb. 22 – Feb. 26
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.
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Senate passes Brown measure to create youth safety tip line
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...
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This Week In Olympia Feb. 15 – Feb. 19
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.
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This Week In Olympia Feb. 8 – Feb. 12
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.
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Senate Republicans unveil budget to help state restart and recover
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.
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Sen. Keith Wagoner Looks to Help Landlords
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.
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This Week In Olympia Feb. 1 – Feb. 5
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.
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This Week In Olympia Jan. 25 – Jan. 29
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.
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Senate Republicans: We need to take action to reopen our economy 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.
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This Week in Olympia Jan. 18 – Jan. 22
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.
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State Senator Chris Gildon tells the real story of the proposed capital gains tax.
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.
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This Week in Olympia Jan. 11 – Jan. 15
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.
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State Senators aren’t just politicians, they’re also people
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.
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Republican State Senators Concerned About Lack Of Access to Democracy
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.
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Republican leaders from the state House and Senate address the media
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.
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Ericksen announces proposal to improve elections security, restore public trust in system

Boeing decision should be incentive for lawmakers

Several Washington State Senate Republicans Now Deregulatory Champions

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

Republican Zoom media availability on special session proposal

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

Sen. Becker telemedicine push paying dividends right now

Legislature approves controversial sex-ed bill

Sen. Randi Becker announces her retirement

Legislature passes bill to ban immigration arrests within mile of courthouses

Intentional HIV Transmission Reduced to Misdemeanor

This Week in Olympia Feb. 24 – Feb. 28

Senate Republican Caucus News Conference on Homelessness

This Week in Olympia Feb. 17 – Feb. 21

Resolution celebrates Washington’s Chinese Americans

This Week in Olympia Feb. 10 – Feb. 14

Senator Mike Padden’s bill on teacher job-sharing

Senate Republicans meet with reporters to discuss progress on homelessness

This Week in Olympia Feb. 4 – Feb. 7

This Week in Olympia Jan. 27 – Jan. 31

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

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

Salmon Repopulation Act and Orca Recovery Media Briefing

Senator Tim Sheldon on International Holocaust Remembrance Day

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

This Week in Olympia Jan. 20 – Jan. 24

Senate Republican’s comprehensive plan to address homelessness

This Week in Olympia Jan. 13 – Jan. 17

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

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

Senators Schoesler and Zeiger Preview Upcoming Session

Senator Keith Wagoner Talks About Safety in Prisons

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

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

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

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

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

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

Washington has a new State Senator

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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

Welcome to Washington Baby Act and Raising Tobacco Age to 21

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

Episode 5 – Affordable Housing & Homelessness Package

Episode 4 – Mental Health Package

Episode 3 – Seattle Jobs Tax

Episode 2 – Western State Hospital

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