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Braun pleased that four of his pro-job bills pass Senate

20th District lawmaker’s measures reflects his dedication to private-sector jobs

The Senate voted Monday in favor of four bills introduced by Sen. John Braun, who said each bill passed would help to bring stability, predictability and efficiency to Washington’s private sector.

“Yesterday the Senate Majority Coalition Caucus confirmed its commitment to jobs by passing four of the bills we’d highlighted as job-makers. Geographical limitations on Seattle’s sick-leave entitlement, renewing business licenses online, the frequency of sales tax changes, and a good faith defense for employers were addressed with thoughtful and meaningful improvements,” said Braun, R-Centralia. “These bills should help small-businesses to succeed and encourage them to hire new employees, increasing benefits for existing workers, and investing in capital-improvement projects.” Continue reading →

Braun’s bill allowing private-school online courses passes Senate

Sen. Braun speaking on the Senate FloorToday the Washington State Senate passed Senate Bill 5496, which gives private schools the same ability to offer online school programs as public schools. The bill would help schools like Centralia Christian School and St. Joseph Catholic School, in the 20th Legislative District represented by Sen. John Braun.

“Right now public schools have the ability to provide online programs through the 12th grade. This bill would grant private schools in Washington state the same capability,” said Braun, R-Centralia. “Parents should have choices regarding their children’s education, and this bill allows more options.” Continue reading →

John Braun on the MCC education reform bills

Audio FileWashington State’s 20th District Senator, John Braun, talks about the landmark education reform bills sponsored by the Majority Coalition Caucus that passed the Washington State Senate during “education day” Wednesday.

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Braun pleased with bipartisan support for fight against human trafficking

Sen. John Braun is pleased with Monday’s unanimous Senate votes for two bills aimed at fighting human trafficking and the sexual exploitation of children. Senate Bill 5669 would provide law-enforcement officers and the criminal-justice system with more tools to go after traffickers, and Senate Bill 5488 would establish an enhanced penalty for perpetrators who use the internet to assist in the commission of a sex-trafficking crime.

“People may not realize how big of a problem human trafficking is in our state,” said Braun, R-Centralia. “Too many people are falling victim to these predators, and right now law enforcement needs all the help it can get to stop the traffickers. They have the resources to relocate their operations very quickly, and these bills give law enforcement and local prosecutors additional tools to combat the abuse of our children.” Continue reading →

Senator Braun on how the MCC promotes job growth, education reform

Audio FileWashington State’s 20th District Senator, John Braun, R-Centrailia, and Chair of the Senate Trade and Economic Development Committee, talks about the 2013 legislative session, what the Majority Coalition Caucus is doing to promote job growth and how it plans to reform the education system in Washington State.

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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 →