The Elephant in the Dome

Senate Republican Leader John Braun reacts to Governor Bob Ferguson's bill signings, a surprising veto, and the policies he let stand. From tax hikes to housing studies, police funding to rent control, we break down what made the cut—and what didn't—in his first legislative session as governor. The post The Elephant in the Dome Podcast: Gov. Ferguson's First Big Test: What He Signed, Vetoed, and Didn't appeared first on Senate Republican Caucus.

Senator John Braun discusses Washington's constitutional duty to fund education, concerns over academic decline, the impact of local levies, and policy shifts shaping schools. Is the legislature delivering on its promise? Listen to find out. The post The Elephant in the Dome Podcast: Education—The State's Paramount Duty, A Reality Check with Sen. John Braun appeared first on Senate Republican Caucus.

With the legislative session officially over, Senate Republican Leader John Braun unpacks the whirlwind of budget debates, tax hikes, and behind-the-scenes maneuvering. From killing harmful proposals to pushing back on rent control, Medicaid cuts, and unemployment benefits for striking workers—and will the new governor whittle down a budget many say is bloated? The post The Elephant in the Dome Podcast: Post-Session Recap: Taxes, Transparency & Tension in Olympia appeared first on Senate Republican Caucus.

As the Legislative Session ends, Senate Republican Leader John Braun unpacks key issues: tax debates, rent control, unemployment benefits for striking workers, public safety strides, and challenges in education policy. The post The Elephant in the Dome Podcast: Session Closes: Taxes, Public Safety, and Education Updates appeared first on Senate Republican Caucus.

Senate Republican Leader John Braun, on “The Elephant in the Dome,” criticized Democrats' $18 billion tax proposals, including property and sales tax hikes. He warned of economic risks, business exodus, and fiscal mismanagement. Braun also discussed rent control and transparency concerns in budgeting. The post The Elephant in the Dome Podcast: Democrat Taxes, Taxes, and more Taxes and Rent Control appeared first on Senate Republican Caucus.

Senate Republican Leader John Braun discusses concerns over proposed property tax increases and rent control, featuring voices from homeowners, renters, and landlords. He examines economic impacts, the housing crisis, and the broader effects on businesses and essential services.   The post The Elephant in the Dome Podcast: Property Taxes & Rent Control—The Unintended Consequences appeared first on Senate Republican Caucus.

Senator John Braun shares his thoughts on some of Washington's statewide leaders in this episode of “The Elephant in the Dome.” From the Treasurer's warnings about the rainy day fund to the Governor's cautious stance on taxation and spending, the discussion highlights key policy debates. Plus, criticism of the Attorney General's litigious approach and its […] The post The Elephant in the Dome Podcast—State Leadership in Focus—Treasurer, Governor, & Attorney General appeared first on Senate Republican Caucus.

Senate Republican Leader John Braun breaks down Olympia's latest tax proposals, from property tax hikes to new fees on outdoor recreation. With over $20 billion in increases at stake, learn how these changes could hit homeowners, renters, and businesses—and what they mean for Washington's housing crisis. The post The Elephant in the Dome Podcast: The True Cost of Washington's Tax Hikes appeared first on Senate Republican Caucus.

In this episode of The Elephant in the Dome, Senate Republican Leader John Braun talks about the impact of proposed tax increases in Washington. He discusses the Republican budget alternative, concerns over new payroll and wealth taxes, and how these policies could affect affordability, job growth, and economic stability in the state. The post The Elephant in the Dome Podcast—Tax Debate in Olympia—Cost of Living, Innovation & Economic Growth appeared first on Senate Republican Caucus.

In this episode of The Elephant in the Dome, the official podcast of the Washington State Senate Republican Caucus, join Senators John Braun and Chris Gildon as they explore the innovative $ave Washington Budget. Discover their “third way” approach to addressing the state's budget challenges—avoiding heavy taxes or harmful cuts—while focusing on priorities like education, […] The post The Elephant in the Dome: Senators Braun and Gildon Discuss the $ave Washington Budget appeared first on Senate Republican Caucus.

On this episode of The Elephant in the Dome, Senator John Braun is joined by KVI radio host Ari Hoffman for a no-holds-barred conversation about rising anti-Semitism on college campuses, the state of public safety in Washington, and the looming budget crisis. They discuss the University of Washington's handling of campus activism, the challenges of […] The post The Elephant in the Dome Podcast: Anti-Semitism on Campus, Public Safety, and Washington's Budget Crisis appeared first on Senate Republican Caucus.

Republican Senators John Braun and Chris Gildon break down Washington's budget debate, tackling spending concerns, new taxes, and the state's $6.7B shortfall. Can lawmakers solve it without raising costs for families? Get the inside scoop on fiscal responsibility in Olympia! The post The Elephant in the Dome Podcast: Budget Battles & Big Decisions – Senators Braun & Gildon Weigh In appeared first on Senate Republican Caucus.

In this episode of The Elephant in the Dome, Senate Republican Leader John Braun and Senator Keith Goehner discuss Washington's housing crisis and the Senate Republican plan to address affordability. They break down the impact of restrictive regulations, the risks of rent control, and why empowering private sector development is key to increasing supply. Tune […] The post The Elephant in the Dome Podcast: Washington Senate Republicans Push for Housing Solutions appeared first on Senate Republican Caucus.

In this episode of Elephant in the Dome, Washington State Senate Republican Leader John Braun joins Tracy Ellis and Laudan Espinoza to break down the controversial Road Usage Charge proposal. Is this new mileage tax just another burden on hardworking Washingtonians? How will it impact rural communities, low-income drivers, and transportation funding? We also dive […] The post The Elephant in the Dome Podcast: The Truth About The Road Usage Tax and New Tax Hikes appeared first on Senate Republican Caucus.

In this episode of Elephant in the Dome, hosts Tracy Ellis and Laudan Espinoza sit down with Senate Republican Leader John Braun to discuss the controversial Senate Bill 5181. How does this bill impact parental rights in schools? What key amendments were made, and what were rejected? The growing concerns over public education, declining test […] The post Elephant in the Dome Podcast | The Fight for Parental Rights: Senate Bill 5181 Debate and Failing Schools appeared first on Senate Republican Caucus.

In this episode of the Elephant in the Dome, Senator John Braun and hosts Tracy Ellis and Lauden Espinoza dive into the shocking legislation proposed in Washington state that would reduce sentences for violent crimes—including those involving firearms. How does this align with Democrats' push for stricter gun laws? Who's really behind these policies? And […] The post The Elephant in the Dome Podcast: Reducing Sentences for Violent Crimes? Washington's Shocking New Bills appeared first on Senate Republican Caucus.

In this episode of the Elephant in the Dome, Senator John Braun and hosts Tracy Ellis and Lauden Espinoza dive into the shocking legislation proposed in Washington state that would reduce sentences for violent crimes—including those involving firearms. How does this align with Democrats' push for stricter gun laws? Who's really behind these policies? And […] The post The Elephant in the Dome Podcast: Reducing Sentences for Violent Crimes? Washington's Shocking New Bills appeared first on Senate Republican Caucus.

In this episode of “The Elephant in the Dome,” the official podcast of the Washington State Senate Republican Caucus, hosts Tracy Ellis and Laudan Espinoza sit down with Senate Republican Leader John Braun. They delve into Democrat efforts affecting parental rights, the challenges and opportunities in education funding, and a vision for reimagining The Evergreen […] The post The Elephant in the Dome Podcast: A Better Future for Washington's Children appeared first on Senate Republican Caucus.

In this episode of “The Elephant in the Dome,” the official podcast of the Washington State Senate Republican Caucus, hosts Tracy Ellis and Laudan Espinoza are joined by Senate Republican Leader John Braun. They discuss Governor Bob Ferguson's inaugural address and some key issues facing legislators. They also touch on the potential for new taxes […] The post The Elephant in the Dome Podcast: Governor's Inaugural Address, Budget Insights, and Legislative Updates appeared first on Senate Republican Caucus.

Washington State Association of Broadcasters and Allied Daily Newspapers of Washington legislative session preview Senate Republican Leader John Braun on Senate Republicans' priorities Senator Chris Gildon on the need to identify the actual budget problem Senator Curtis King making more money from transportation taxes and fees available to transportation projects The post The Elephant in the Dome Podcast: Senate Republican Priorities, Budget Challenges and Transportation Funding appeared first on Senate Republican Caucus.

State Senate Democrats accidentally leak new tax plans. A bill seeks 100 million dollars to help hire more law-enforcement officers. A Senator wants to help illegal immigrants by repealing Washington's sanctuary state status. Guests include: Sen. Chris Gildon, Sen. Jeff Holy, Sen. Phil Fortunato The post The Elephant in the Dome Podcast: New Democrat taxes, hiring more law enforcement, repealing sanctuary state status appeared first on Senate Republican Caucus.

As Democrats prepare for unilateral, supermajority control in Olympia, Republicans recall a more bipartisan era – 12 years ago, when the Majority Coalition Caucus, an historic alliance that ushered in a wave of critical reforms, came into existence. The post The Elephant in the Dome Podcast: Majority Coalition Caucus versus single-party rule appeared first on Senate Republican Caucus.

Tens-of-millions of dollars set aside to protect schools from earthquakes is not getting spent, and state Senator Judy Warnick wants something done about it. The Office of the State Superintendent of Public Instruction is supposed to be distributing the money. The post The Elephant in the Dome Podcast: Senator frustrated about bureaucratic delay of school earthquake protections appeared first on Senate Republican Caucus.

Washington's criminal justice system has a big problem – a shortage of public defenders and prosecutors. Senator Mike Padden, a former judge and the Ranking Republican on the Senate Law and Justice Committee is the featured guest. Washington Supreme Court justices take testimony on proposed changes to public defender standards – Learn you how you […] The post The Elephant in the Dome Podcast: Shortage of public defenders and prosecutors – a criminal justice crisis appeared first on Senate Republican Caucus.

Senator Matt Boehnke says State Department of Children, Youth, and Families mismanagement is leading to dangerous conditions at juvenile detention centers. Juvenile detention center overcrowding led to the transfer of dozens of men to adult prisons, but a judge ruled the move was illegal. The post The Elephant in the Dome Podcast: Senator Blindsided by Department of Children, Youth, and Families mismanagement and transfer and return of inmates appeared first on Senate Republican Caucus.

A shortage of public defenders is leading to the release of people charged with serious crimes. Senator Nikki Torres is working to address the crisis. The post The Elephant in the Dome Podcast: The public defender shortage crisis appeared first on Senate Republican Caucus.

New laws are going into effect that impact police pursuits, parental rights, and income taxes in Washington. The legislature passed three initiatives related to those issues. Senators Mike Padden, Shelly Short, and Matt Boehnke talk about them.   The post The Elephant in the Dome Podcast: New laws on police pursuits, parental rights, income taxes go into effect appeared first on Senate Republican Caucus.

Washington is grappling with a surge in deadly and serious injury car crashes. The Traffic Safety Commission says Washington hit a 33-year high in traffic deaths. Nearly half of those deaths involved drivers impaired by drugs or alcohol. The post The Elephant in the Dome Podcast: Sen. Mike Padden on increase in fatal car wrecks appeared first on Senate Republican Caucus.

Republican senators applaud the opening of the center, stressing its importance amid the opioid crisis. Senator Lynda Wilson highlights the need for both treatment and accountability. The post The Elephant in the Dome Podcast: Republicans applaud Center For Behavioral Health and Learning opening appeared first on Senate Republican Caucus.

What makes Senate Republicans tick? How do they come up with their priorities? What are they doing to tackle those priorities? Sen. John Braun talks public safety, affordability, education, and abortion in this episode of the Elephant in the Dome Podcast. The post The Elephant in the Dome Podcast: What's important to Senate Republicans? appeared first on Senate Republican Caucus.

A recent Seattle Times Op-Ed asks: Washington is losing farms and food-producing land – does anyone care? Senator Ron Muzzall, a farmer, and the ranking Republican on the Senate Ag Committee explains why people should care. The post The Elephant in the Dome Podcast: Will the last one on the farm please close the gate? appeared first on Senate Republican Caucus.

A Seattle teacher makes blatantly antisemitic comments. An illegal antisemitic protest blocks airport access. What's going on? Senate Republican Leader John Braun joins host Tracy Ellis. The post The Elephant in the Dome Podcast: Antisemitic rhetoric from teacher, and during dangerous illegal protest, Braun reacts appeared first on Senate Republican Caucus.

Governor Inslee signed a Democrat bill that he says creates the roadmap and tools for Puget Sound Energy to get out of the natural gas business. What does that mean? Senator Chris Gildon provides a comprehensive explanation of this controversial new law. The post Elephant in the Dome Podcast: Inslee signs Democrat bill to transition largest utility away from natural gas – Gildon breaks down implications appeared first on Senate Republican Caucus.

After four decades of public service, state Senator Mike Padden is calling it a career. The Spokane Valley Republican will not seek reelection to the Senate. The post Elephant in the Dome Podcast: Senator Mike Padden will not seek reelection to the state Senate appeared first on Senate Republican Caucus.

Senate Republican Leader John Braun says the three new laws on police pursuits, parental rights and income taxes that came from the citizens of the state highlight the session. He also talks about tax increase proposals, homelessness and rent control. Senator Lynda Wilson announced that she would not be returning to the Senate after ten […] The post Elephant in the Dome Podcast: A look back at the Legislative Session and a senator says goodbye appeared first on Senate Republican Caucus.

Democrats in the state Legislature passed a bill requested by Puget Sound Energy that insulates PSE from paying for state-mandated carbon-reduction goals by cutting off gas natural service to its customers. Listen to what Republican Senators John Braun, Chris Gildon, Drew MacEwen, Perry Dozier, Shelly Short and Matt Boehnke have to say about it. The post Elephant in the Dome Podcast: The natural gas ban – HB 1589 – selling out Washington families for corporate interests appeared first on Senate Republican Caucus.

Citizens collected more than 2.3 million signatures to put six initiatives before the Legislature. Three of the initiatives received a hearing and a vote. All three passed with bipartisan support. Majority Democrats refused to give hearings to the remaining three initiatives, so they will go to the ballot in November. Sens. John Braun and Mark […] The post Elephant in the Dome Podcast: Initiatives to the Legislature: Three pass, three go to the ballot in November appeared first on Senate Republican Caucus.

Many small Washington stores may be forced out of business by a bill passed by legislative Democrats. The legislation calls for employee background checks and several very expensive security requirements. It forces businesses to buy and maintain costly audio/video surveillance systems with months of data storage and carry one million dollars of liability insurance. Senators […] The post Elephant in the Dome Podcast: Democrat bill expected to put stores out of business appeared first on Senate Republican Caucus.

Legislative Democrats are allowing hearings on some of the six initiatives to the Legislature. Senate Republican Leader John Braun and Senator Matt Boehnke react to the Democrats' decision to hold the hearings and their outspoken opposition to the three initiatives that essentially provide tax relief to Washingtonians. The post Elephant in the Dome Podcast: Legislative Democrats holding hearings on some of the initiatives to the Legislature appeared first on Senate Republican Caucus.

Bills that passed in the House are now in the Senate and Senator John Braun has some concerns about the ones related to rent control, the availability of natural gas to people and businesses who need it, and allowing striking workers to collect unemployment insurance. Senator Chris Gildon has some insights on how the initiatives […] The post The Elephant in the Dome Podcast: Rent control, natural gas restrictions, striking worker unemployment, and initiatives' impact on state budget appeared first on Senate Republican Caucus.

Democrat legislation that could have led to the largest property tax increase in state history is dead. The Democrat sponsor of the bill that would have allowed annual property tax growth to triple announced that it will not be brought up for a vote this year. That decision followed a Senate Republican news conference on […] The post The Elephant in the Dome Podcast: Democrat property tax increase bill dies after Senate Republican news conference appeared first on Senate Republican Caucus.

Senate Republican Floor Leader Shelly Short explains why she's excited about the six initiatives to the Legislature and Senate Republican Leader John Braun talks about his concerns with the Green Hill School in his district and the agency that runs it, the Department of Children, Youth, and Families The post Excitement over 6 Initiatives and concerns about the Department of Children, Youth, and Families appeared first on Senate Republican Caucus.

Senate Republicans are calling for a stronger response to Washington's opioid crisis with a package of bills aimed at preventing overdoses, coordinating state efforts to promote treatment and recovery, and restoring funding for multijurisdictional law enforcement drug task forces. The bills give the state new tools to lead the fight against opioid addiction and overdose […] The post The Elephant in the Dome Podcast: Recovery Washington appeared first on Senate Republican Caucus.

In this episode of the Elephant in the Dome, Senators John Braun, Drew MacEwen, and Shelly Short talk about the initiatives related to police pursuits, cap-and-trade, and parents' rights. The post The Elephant in the Dome Podcast: Three initiatives to the Legislature are certified appeared first on Senate Republican Caucus.

In this episode of the Elephant in the Dome, Sen. Shelly Short talks about a Democrat bill that could cause property taxes to increase, Sen. Keith Wagoner introduces legislation in response to Attorney General Bob Ferguson's “chicken checks” and Senate Republican Leader John Braun outlines Senate Republican priorities for the legislative session. The post The Elephant in the Dome Podcast: property tax hikes, chicken checks, and Senate Republican priorities appeared first on Senate Republican Caucus.

Tracy Ellis and Laudan Espinoza host the Elephant in the Dome Podcast: Sen John Braun and Rep. Drew Stokesbary talk initiatives, Brandi Kruse challenges Gov. Inslee on gas prices, and Sen. Curtis King proposes using cap-and-tax money on ferries. The post Initiatives, Gov. Inslee and gas prices, cap-and-trade money for ferries, and more appeared first on Senate Republican Caucus.

An economist and top staffer at the State Department of Transportation says he was pressured to lie about how much gas prices would increase because of cap-and-trade. The post Economist says he was told to lie about projected gas price increase appeared first on Senate Republican Caucus.

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, […] The post The Elephant in the Dome Podcast: Cultivate Washington appeared first on Senate Republican Caucus.

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 […] The post Sen. Mike Padden to offer bill creating year-round standard time appeared first on Senate Republican Caucus.

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. The post Latina leaders on Democrat-fueled misconceptions about Latino communities appeared first on Senate Republican Caucus.

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   The post Senator Drew MacEwen featured on program about Cap-and-Tax appeared first on Senate Republican Caucus.