Monthly Archives: February 2013

Majority Coalition leaders laud committee chairs for bipartisan accomplishments

New leadership delivering on commitment to bring new way of governing to Senate

Senate Majority Leader Rodney Tom, D-Bellevue, and Senate Republican Leader Mark Schoesler, R-Ritzville, today applauded the Senate’s committee chairs for their even-handed approach to moving legislation forward by Friday’s deadline for policy committees to act on Senate bills.

“One of the main reasons I went through with forming the Majority Coalition was because I wanted to put people such as Senator (Steve) Litzow in charge of issues such as education,” said Tom. “We’re bringing a fresh approach to this issue and considering ideas that would have never been brought forward otherwise; I couldn’t be prouder of the job this team of committee chairs has done.”

Schoesler agreed. “The Majority Coalition Caucus is governing – focusing on job growth, education and creating a sustainable budget while bringing an unprecedented level of cooperation,” said the 20-year veteran of the Legislature. “Our chairs have gone out of their way to create a new way of governing that is based on collaboration, bipartisanship and mutual respect. Continue reading →

Senate Trade & Economic Development leader celebrates progress

Yesterday was the last day legislators voted on policy bills in the Senate Trade & Economic Development Committee. The meeting was focused on passing bills that would help private sector job growth or increase global competitiveness.

“We had several complex issues in front of us this year, which required more work sessions than normal. I would like to personally thank Senators John Smith (R-Vice Chair) and Maralyn Chase (D-Ranking member) for their efforts to maintain a bipartisan effort,” said Braun, R-Centralia. “I am very proud of what we have accomplished so far. We were able to focus our efforts on jobs and pass several bills that will make it easier for employers to invest in their employees or hire new workers.”

Braun would like to point out the eight bills included in a release issued February 21, and the fifteen bills that passed out of committee with unanimous support as examples of his effort on jobs.

“In the Senate, we formed a Majority Coalition Caucus to focus the legislative agenda on jobs, education and passing a sustainable budget,” said Braun. “In Trade and Economic Development, we looked at every bill before the committee through the eyes of the unemployed, and voted for those bills that fit within our focus on helping them find jobs.” Continue reading →

Braun adds several bills to Senate Majority Coalition’s jobs package

The Senate Trade and Economic Development Committee voted Wednesday in favor of adding eight bills to the already robust jobs package spearheaded by the Senate Majority Coalition Caucus. Sen. John Braun, committee chairman, said each bill passed would help to bring stability, predictability and efficiency to Washington’s private sector. It will also help small-business owners by encouraging them to spend money on hiring new employees, increase benefits for existing workers, or invest in capital-improvement projects.

“Our committee is dedicated to passing bills that will improve the conditions for employers looking to manufacture products in Washington,” said Braun, R-Centralia. “Long gone are the days of competing with other states. We have to make sure our local manufacturers can compete in a global market, which includes China and India.”

Since the 2013 legislative session began less than six weeks ago Braun and his fellow Majority Coalition Caucus members have put together a comprehensive collection of proposed legislation designed to help stimulate Washington’s economy and create private-sector jobs. So far the caucus has voted more than 20 pro-jobs bills out of several committees, and will add several more bills ahead of legislative deadlines for committee votes on bills. Continue reading →

Sen. Braun’s first speech, in which he supports families of fallen soldiers

Sen. John Braun testifying before the Senate floor in support of Senate Bill 5161, which would authorize families of United States armed forces members who died while in service to apply for gold star license plates.

This is also Sen. Braun’s first official floor speech in support of a bill. The speech took place February 15, 2013. Continue reading →

Braun denounces Senate-minority tax plan but says it deserves fair hearing

While Sen. John Braun has no interest in tax increases, he is interested in bringing more cooperation and bipartisanship to the state Capitol – and that’s why the 20th District lawmaker will spend part of Valentine’s Day listening to proposals from the Senate minority that would raise taxes on Washingtonians by more than $38 billion.

“The voters sent a strong no-new-taxes message in November. Still, several of my colleagues in the Senate minority think this would be a great time to go for everything from new income taxes to a tax on plastic bags,” said Braun, R-Centralia.

“Those of us from the Senate Majority Coalition Caucus who serve on the Senate budget committee are going to let them make their case Thursday – and frankly, I suspect the public will be shocked and disappointed to realize how eager some legislators are to add to the tax burden on job creators and working families.” Continue reading →

Sen. Braun’s third weekly video

Senator John Braun, R-Centralia, talks about training wage, teen unemployment, jobs and tax reform. Did you know that teen unemployment went from 102,465 in 2001 to 56,153 in 2011*? A bill introduced in the legislature will try to help.

*Numbers based on a report issued by the Washington State Employment Security Department.

Continue reading →

Braun talks about new workers’ comp. bill

Audio FileWashington State’s 20th District Senator, John Braun, R-Centrailia, and Chair of the Senate Trade and Economic Development Committee, says Oregon’s private-insurance option has helped to lower the rates for employers, improve the quality of care for injured workers and reduced the amount of time-loss incurred.

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Braun proposes to end state’s monopoly on workers’ compensation coverage

20th District senator’s bill would give employers choice when buying industrial insurance

OLYMPIA… Washington is one of only a handful of states that do not allow employers to choose between a state agency and private carriers when shopping for industrial insurance, also known as workers’ compensation. Sen. John Braun says it’s time to end the state’s monopoly on offering workers’ comp coverage and points to Oregon for convenient proof.

“We don’t generally look to Oregon for advice on how to run a government program, but its workers’ compensation system is something we should look at,” said Braun, R-Centralia.

Braun said Oregon’s private-insurance option has helped to lower the rates for employers, improve the quality of care for injured workers and reduced the amount of time-loss (the amount of time an injured worker is not on the job) incurred. Continue reading →