State lawmakers returned to Olympia on Monday for what is scheduled to be a short 60-day session. Since we adjourned in July, the dynamic has shifted as Democrats won a special election in November, giving them a narrow majority in the Senate for the first time since 2012.

We accomplished a great deal over the last five years, including historic reforms for education funding, the first tuition cut in state history, and incredible fiscal restraint. We also defeated several unnecessary tax increases proposed by the governor and House Majority. Regardless of the change, I am still working together with all of my colleagues toward policies that improve job opportunities — especially for rural Washington — and protect the historic education investments and tax reforms passed last year. I will continue leading on budget issues for the Senate Republican Caucus as the ranking minority member of the budget committee.

Below you’ll find some information on two pieces of legislation I’m working on this year to help our community as well as an update on the most recent state Supreme Court ruling on education.

If you have any questions or need assistance navigating an issue with state government, please contact my office at John.Braun@leg.wa.gov or by calling 360-786-7638. Also, please note that if you are visiting the Capitol, my office location is now 403 on the fourth floor of the legislative building.