Author Archives: kimberlywirtz

NEWSLETTER: A victory on property taxes, but higher local levies

Areas outside Seattle will see an increase of nearly 20% next year and 55% over the next six years.

 

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

At the beginning of the week, the news media reported legislative Democrats had again decided to abandon their efforts to increase your property taxes. This was the third consecutive year in which they had proposed to increase the annual rate by which state and local government can increase your property taxes without a vote of the people – which has been capped at 1% since Initiative 747 passed in 2001.

This is a tremendous win for
everyone across our state.

 

Thank you to those who spoke out against making housing more expensive. Your efforts made a big difference.

What was not immediately reported, however, is that Democrats are still pushing to allow significant increases in the school-levy cap, and that levy dollars are collected through property taxes.

 

Read my full statement.

 

This policy opens the door to the same reliance on local-levy funding that led to the Supreme Court ruling in the K-12 funding case McCleary v. State of Washington in 2012.

If it becomes law, this also will be a huge step backward because it creates inequitable funding among school districts. Our state constitution requires the state to provide for the education of all children within its borders; “all” does not mean a child’s educational opportunities should be influenced by his or her ZIP code.

 

Listen to my interview with Brandi Kruse on her Undivided podcast about this issue.

 

This policy will benefit the wealthier areas of our state but will only deepen the education-funding inequities across Washington — particularly in rural areas with larger Latino populations.

When discriminatory policies like this move forward, it’s hard to take Democrats seriously when they claim to be prioritizing equity or considering the real impact of their legislation on low-income communities or people of color.

It’s very likely that if this policy passes, the state will end up back in court because the resulting reliance on local levies will be just as unconstitutional today as it was before.

 

Sincerely,

John Braun

 

 

An assault on women: Cutting postpartum maternity care in half

 

 

One of the truly incomprehensible measures being advanced by Democrats (House Bill 2041) would cut in half the length of time that the state will pay for postpartum care for Medicaid patients who have delivered a baby.

In 2021, through the bipartisan Senate Bill 5068, the Legislature extended that time from six months to a year based on the following statistics quoted in that bill, which was sponsored by a Democrat.

  • 80% of pregnancy-related deaths are preventable, primarily through postpartum follow-up care for women’s health and behavioral-health.
  • More than 50% of pregnancy-related deaths in Washington state are women enrolled in Medicaid.
  • The Center for Disease Control found that pregnancy-related deaths occur up to one year postpartum, and data shows that critical health needs continue through that year.
  • Gaps in postpartum maternity care have been found to contribute to preventable pregnancy-related deaths.

It turns out that 58% of maternal deaths by suicide and 65% of maternal deaths by overdose occur between 43 days and one year postpartum.

 

Providing 12 months of postpartum
maternity care saves lives.

 

Reducing this coverage would put more women, and their babies, at risk, and it will make Washington one of only two states in the country not to provide 12 months of post-partum maternity care.

 

This is a step backward.

And for what?

 

Democrats claim the bill will save the state $11 million over four years, but while they are cutting post-partum care, they have another bill, House Bill 1043, that proposes spending $11 million by continuing a “Commute Trip Reduction Credit” which provides state payments to employers who give their employees financial incentives to use alternatives to cars in their commute.

 

What are their priorities?

 

The Senate Republican “$ave Washington” budget written by Sen. Chris Gildon, R-Puyallup, and Sen. Nikki Torres, R-Pasco, would not cut postpartum maternity care. In fact, it would not cut ANY services at all. It would protect the most vulnerable in our state while still not raising taxes.

 

That’s not just rhetoric. That’s fact. 

 

As for the Democrats who support this bill, they can’t claim they “put people first” when they put low-income mothers and their babies LAST.

 

Listen to me talk about this assault on women during our recent media availability.

 

 

 

CTE will be extended to 6th graders

 

 

 

Currently, 7th- and 8th- graders in middle school get to participate in career technical education (CTE) courses that allow them to explore the different options they have for their future. However, middle schools also include 6th-grade students who, up until now, haven’t been given the opportunity.

This week, my bill to extend CTE to 6th-graders in middle school was signed by the governor and will become law 90 days after this legislative session ends Sunday. It will be in effect for the 2026-27 school year.

I’m very pleased that Senate Bill 5382 will become law, and I’ve heard from many constituents who feel the same.

Read my full news release about the bill. 

 

 

Majority blocks effort to honor girls’ sports

 

 

A very controversial topic lately is whether biological men should be allowed to compete in women’s sports.

Although everyone should be treated with respect and dignity, women fought too hard for Title IX and for the recognition that women’s sports deserve – they should not be forced now to accept biological men into their arena.

My colleague, Sen. Judy Warnick, R-Moses Lake, recently sponsored Senate Resolution 8647 to honor women in sports. Like me, she has daughters who were athletes and simply wanted to recognize the commitment of young women like them.

The Democrat majority refused to let the Senate adopt this resolution during our “floor action,” in the Senate chamber, despite having allowed other somewhat controversial resolutions to come before us this year. While that is their privilege as the majority, it is not equitable, tolerant or fair.

In a recent statement, Senator Warnick said, “This is not a fringe issue, it is a mainstream concern shared by athletes, coaches and families across Washington and the country. Washington should be leading the way in supporting women’s sports, not silencing efforts to recognize and protect them.”

Listen to Sen. Warnick speak out about this issue during our latest media availability.

Governor signs Braun bill expanding technical education to 6th graders

OLYMPIA…A bill sponsored by Sen. John Braun, R-Centralia, to expand exploratory career and technical education (CTE) to sixth-grade students was signed today by Gov. Bob Ferguson. It will become law 90 days after the Legislature adjourns.

Currently, K-12 education funding provides exploratory CTE to students beginning in seventh grade. Exploratory CTE introduces students to a variety of career paths and industry sectors, sparking their curiosity through early exposure to career options. Senate Bill 5358 expands funding to include sixth graders in the program.

“While we encourage students to attend college, we should also encourage middle school students to explore career options that don’t require a four-year degree – to see what’s out there,” Braun said. “Even if they do choose to go to college, they’ll have a greater appreciation for the trades.”

Middle-school CTE courses cover a wide range of topics, including computer applications such coding and digital design, business management and entrepreneurship, healthcare diagnostics, manufacturing, construction, automotive technology, fabrication and welding, horticulture, early education and the culinary arts. They focus on career exploration, teamwork and problem-solving and typically incorporate field trips and guest speakers to connect students with real-world opportunities.

“Right now, seventh graders can participate in CTE courses, but sixth graders in the same schools cannot,” he added. “My bill expands the funding so all middle school students can participate. At that age, CTE courses help students explore their interests. If they continue into high school, they learn more advanced skills and how to prepare for the workforce. For some students, this exposure can mean the difference between a minimum-wage job and a career that provides a living wage. The demand for workers with technical skills is growing all the time.”

High school students in Washington also have access to CTE courses, but those are considered preparatory. Those courses offer in-depth training in a specific career pathway, including technical skills, certifications and work-based learning such as internships and apprenticeships. Preparatory CTE courses for 11th and 12th graders are taught at skills centers during the regular school day.

NEWSLETTER: It’s budget week in the Legislature – what does that mean for you?

Legislative budget week — the Tax Day rally

 

 

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

On Tax Day, I was fortunate to have the opportunity to speak to a large crowd of Washingtonians who came to the steps of the Capitol to protest the billions in new and higher taxes Democrats have sponsored to fund their ongoing habit of overspending your money.

And every one of those taxes is unnecessary.

Sen. Chris Gildon, Puyallup, is the Republican lead on the operating budget. He and the assistant Republican lead, Sen. Nikki Torres, Pasco, wrote a full, balanced operating budget, introduced this week as Senate Bill 5810, which balances the state’s operating budget over four years.

What it does NOT do is raise taxes or cut services. 

In the meantime, Democrats are on day 15 of negotiating a state budget – in secret – that they hope the governor will agree to support. Gov. Ferguson already drew a line in the sand by saying he would not support a budget that drained the state’s “Rainy-Day Fund” or relied on any controversial, untested taxes that are likely to end up in court.

Our budget does neither of those things and could be brought to the Senate floor and passed today. 

Predictably, the Democrat majority won’t even consider our budget. It is based on fiscal responsibility, removes wasteful spending, and doesn’t cost taxpayers a dime more in taxes.

That’s not the way they want to do things, and that’s bad for Washington.

Sincerely,

Sen. John Braun

 

 

 

Watch my weekly update from Olympia

 

 

Watch my weekly video update from Olympia. I update you about where some bad bill ideas stand at this point in the legislative process, including the largest tax increase in Washington state history.

I also explain what happened with my bill to help alleviate overcrowding at juvenile-justice facilities such as Green Hill School. House Democrat leadership played political games and the bill died as a result.

If you have questions, contact me at john.braun@leg.wa.gov. 

 

 

 

Close to the end of session…hopefully

 

 

The end of the 2025 Legislative Session is a little more than a week away, but there is a good chance we may be called back for a special session. The governor released a statement Thursday saying that the $12 billion in taxes the Democrats just proposed is too high and unsustainable. We agree.

In fact, according to nonpartisan analysis, the taxes on the table now amount to $13.5 billion in state taxes and $5 billion in local taxes over four years. The local taxes would come from higher property taxes and sales taxes.

Since It’s been two weeks since Democrats began their budget negotiations behind closed doors, away from the public eye, and we have yet to see a final budget proposal, special session is looking more like a possibility.

Usually a special session happens because Democrats and Republicans can’t agree on something critical. This time, it’s because the Democrat majority refuses to curb their spending and their thirst for new and higher taxes.

There is a BETTER solution.

The Senate Republican budget proposal doesn’t raise a single dime in taxes and it makes no cuts to services. It is the easiest and best solution, but the majority won’t even consider it because it’s a Republican idea. We hope they come to their senses and take a good, hard look at it.

Set partisanship aside, protect the most vulnerable, and leave taxpayers alone. 

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House Democrats fail those who work and live at Green Hill School

 

 

The House Democrats failed to move my bill to alleviate overcrowding at Green Hill School.

This is a dereliction of duty that leaves staff and residents at our juvenile-justice facilities in danger.

I worked with the Department of Children, Youth and Families on the bill, and the Senate passed it unanimously.

Read my full statement here.

House Democrats fumble justice-reform bill, leaving juvenile-justice facilities in crisis

OLYMPIA… On the final day for Senate bills to be considered by the House of Representatives, the majority Democrats in the House — including the Speaker of the House — fumbled a critical opportunity to alleviate dangerous overcrowding in Washington’s juvenile-justice facilities, leaving both residents and staff members in crisis.

Senate Republican Leader John Braun, R-Centralia, sponsored Senate Bill 5278 in direct response to worsening conditions at facilities like Green Hill School in Chehalis. These conditions have deteriorated significantly since the passage of juvenile-justice laws in 2018 and 2019 — particularly the policy known as “JR to 25,” which allows persons convicted as minors to remain in juvenile facilities until age 25 rather than transferring to adult prisons.

The JR-to-25 policy has contributed to escalating violence, gang activity, riots, drug smuggling, and overdoses at Green Hill. The facility — overseen by the Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) — has become increasingly unmanageable. Some staff members have even been implicated in illegal activity.

SB 5278 would have given DCYF critical tools to address the overcrowding, violence, and drug abuse at Green Hill. Braun has worked closely with the agency, repeatedly soliciting feedback to ensure the bill meets its needs and prioritizes the safety and rehabilitation of youth in custody.

Braun issued this statement in response to the House’s failure to act:

“The fact that this bill didn’t even receive a vote in the House after passing unanimously in the Senate is a dereliction of duty by House Democrats and the Speaker. Sadly, it’s not surprising — it’s yet another example of the majority enabling violent offenders to harm each other and the public, a pattern we’ve seen time and again in their legislation. Democrats even passed a bill this year to vacate Green Hill residents’ convictions for rioting.

“This legislative session will end without giving DCYF the tools it desperately needs to confront overcrowding that has already led to riots, smuggling, assaults, and overdoses. It’s a stunning failure — and it will have real, human consequences.

“Just today I heard from a constituent who is concerned about a family member who works at Green Hill and fears for their life. They described the situation there as a powder keg. A staff member recently required medical attention from accidental exposure to fentanyl smuggled into the facility, and it’s not the first time it’s happened. I’m told the average new hire lasts less than a month. House Democrats turned their backs on the situation – on a real solution.

“We have a moral obligation to ensure that youth in state custody receive the rehabilitation and support they need to change the course of their lives. But overcrowding caused by Democrat-led policies has made this nearly impossible. Staff are stretched beyond capacity and young people are being housed alongside violent adults — individuals who should be in the custody of the Department of Corrections.

“By continuing to play political games with the lives of those who live and work in these facilities, Democrats are perpetuating dangerous conditions — conditions that could cost someone their life. They should accept responsibility for that.”

“Washington has already closed two juvenile rehabilitation facilities. The new facility in Aberdeen — months away from being operational — is unlikely to resolve the crisis. For more than a year, Green Hill has been operating at well beyond its intended capacity. Without legislative action, it will remain unmanageable and unsafe.”

Just in time for Tax Day, Democrats double down on taxes

OLYMPIA…As if proposing the largest tax increase in Washington state history wasn’t enough, Senate Democrats in Olympia doubled the number of taxes proposed by introducing five tax bills just in time for Tax Day.

Senate Republican Leader John Braun, R-Centralia, offered this reaction:

“On Tax Day, no less, Democrats have decided to double down on taxing Washingtonians by introducing five new tax bills—not even two weeks before the end of session. This isn’t just bad timing; it’s bad governing.

“Washington families are already feeling the pinch of high inflation, soaring housing costs, and a slowing economy. Now, Democrats want to pile on even more taxes—on small businesses, on innovation, and on the very people who are trying to build a future here.

“Republicans believe government should live within its means—just like working families have to. We oppose these last-minute tax grabs and will continue to fight for policies that grow paychecks, not government. And because the Democrats have taken their budget negotiations into the proverbial back room, there’s no way of knowing why they want all these additional tax bills.”

The new tax bills will be heard in the Senate Ways & Means Committee meeting at 5:30 p.m., Wednesday, April 16 in Senate Hearing Room 4 in the John A. Cherberg Building on the Capitol Campus in Olympia.

 

These include:

Senate Republicans’ no-new-taxes budget a better option than any Democrat proposal, says Braun

OLYMPIA…Senate Republican budget leaders have filed their no-new-taxes, no-cuts-to-services operating-budget proposal as standalone legislation.

Crafted by Sen. Chris Gildon, R-Puyallup, and Sen. Nikki Torres, R-Pasco, the Senate Republican version of a 2025-27 state operating budget is a truly viable alternative to the $78 billion Democrat budget that relies on billions in higher property taxes, business taxes, job taxes and a variety of others cost increases.

Senate Republican Leader John Braun, R-Centralia, released the following statement in support of Senate Bill 5810, which up to now had been proposed only as an amendment to the Senate Democrats’ budget.

“Democrats sure seem to love the word ‘billion.’ Their out-of-control spending on unsustainable programs has created a multibillion-dollar budget shortfall. Now, their 2025–2027 budget proposal includes billions more in new spending, ballooning state government to the largest it’s ever been. To pay for it, they’re pushing tens of billions in new and higher taxes—regressive hikes that hit working families the hardest.

“Taxpayers are exhausted. The mismanagement, the misplaced priorities, the fiscal incompetence—it’s become too much.

“Senate Republicans have a better plan. The budget introduced by Senators Gildon and Torres gives taxpayers a much-needed break. Our proposal includes no new taxes. None. Because the last thing families need right now is government reaching deeper into their pockets.

“This year, we’ve heard from countless constituents who fear that the tax hikes Democrats are demanding will push them onto welfare—or into homelessness. And when you look at what Democrats are actually prioritizing in their spending, it’s even more alarming.

“Their budget priorities are misguided and unfair, and what they fail to acknowledge is the real economic harm their approach would do. Their ‘gimme more’ game plan risks driving out affordable housing, killing family-wage jobs, and stifling investment in our region.

“If we want to tackle the high cost of living in Washington, the answer is simple: stop making it more expensive.”

Democrats pass bill to bully schools, sideline parents

OLYMPIA…Parents’ rights, local control of our schools, and common sense took another hit today when the Democrat majority in the Senate passed a bill that would drive a wedge between parents and children, while also using state funding to punish school districts for not complying with liberal-agenda-driven state mandates.

Senate Republican Leader John Braun, R-Centralia, had the following reaction to House Bill 1296:

“Today, Senate Democrats ignored the will of Washington voters and continued their assault on parental rights by passing House Bill 1296. Not a single Republican supported this legislation—and for good reason.

“HB 1296 chips away at the foundation of the Parents’ Rights Act, a voter-approved law meant to keep parents informed and engaged in their children’s education. While Democrats removed one of the most egregious provisions—prohibiting schools from notifying parents during medical emergencies—this bill still crosses the line by interfering in the parent-child relationship and centralizing more power in Olympia.

“It’s especially troubling that HB 1296 allows the state to withhold up to 20% of a school district’s constitutionally guaranteed basic education funding if it doesn’t comply with partisan mandates. That’s not support—it’s coercion. These aren’t just policy differences. This is an attempt to weaponize education funding and force local schools to adopt a far-left social agenda, regardless of community values or capacity.

“Half of our students are failing English assessments. Two-thirds can’t pass math. This Legislature should be focused on academics, not politics. The people of Washington expect their lawmakers to prioritize learning, not use state dollars to bully school districts into compliance.

“Republicans stand with parents, with students, and with local communities. We will continue to fight for transparency, accountability, and excellence in education.”

NEWSLETTER: Gov. Ferguson rejects details of Democrat budgets — what now?

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

The primary reason for Washington state government’s multibillion-dollar budget shortfall is years of overspending by majority Democrats. This is a bipartisan belief. Our new Democrat governor said as much during his recent press conference, during which he also vowed not to sign any budget that does not meet certain criteria. (See below.)

Governor Ferguson drew a line in the sand, telling legislators once again he doesn’t support untested taxes. He also said that this is not the year for new spending, no matter how much it’s desired. This is a more common-sense approach to the state budget than Republicans saw from his predecessor, and it’s an approach we wholeheartedly support.

WATCH MY VIDEO UPDATE

However, we encourage the governor to also take a stand against the limitless property-tax increase in Senate Bill 5798. This is the bill that would remove any cap on how much state and local governments can raise your property-tax rates each year without voter approval. Inflation and population growth would be the factors determining the allowable rate each year, under the Senate Democrats’ bill. Over the next 10 years, it could potentially result in government taking $16 billion more of your money.

This increase would hit households with lower incomes the hardest, making it extremely regressive. During his news conference, Governor Ferguson said the state’s tax code is already too regressive. If that’s the case, it makes sense for him to oppose further property-tax hikes, but he didn’t really say whether he supports or opposes that tax.

Higher property taxes would hurt renters as well as homeowners, potentially pushing many of them out of their homes. Our retirees on a fixed income will be equally hard-hit.

In many cases, people trying to get into their first home may not be able to break into the market because of the tax increases, affecting their ability to build generational wealth for their families.

Earlier this week, 43,153 people signed in CON against this bill before its public hearing in the Senate Ways and Means Committee. That is, by far, the most opposition recorded for any bill in the history of the Legislature.

Sadly, the news media aren’t covering it as much as some of the other taxes. I encourage you to spread the word about this harmful tax while there’s still time to stop it.

You may contact the chairs of the budget and finance committees in both chambers.

Chair of the House finance committee

Chair of the Senate budget committee

You may also contact the governor and demand that he not sign any budget that includes a property-tax increase.

Email the governor

Call the governor at 360-902-4111

 

Sincerely,

Sen. John Braun

LISTEN: My podcast on the governor’s stance on taxes and spending

Listen to my latest podcast for thoughts on some of Washington’s statewide leaders. 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 implications for local governance and public services.

 

 

Thank you to those 43,153 who signed in CON

 

Sen. Chris Gildon, R-Puyallup, shows the enormous list of people who signed in CON against SB 5798. Thank you to everyone who shared their opposition to the property tax.

 

 

Watch: Most recent media availability

WATCH the weekly Senate and House Republican media availability originally airing April 1.

 

 

FACT: The Senate proposal to increase the property tax growth rate,
with no caps, would hurt low-income families the hardest.

Source: Dept. of Revenue

43,153 people sign in to oppose property-tax increase being heard today in Senate budget committee

OLYMPIA…More than 43,000 people have signed in to oppose Senate Bill 5978, a proposal that would drastically raise property taxes — more than four times the opposition received for any previous bill to receive a public hearing in the Senate.

SB 5978 is scheduled for a hearing today at 4 p.m. in the Senate Ways and Means Committee. The proposal has already proven to be wildly unpopular, despite receiving little media coverage.

If passed, SB 5978 would eliminate the current 1% cap on annual property-tax increases by state and local governments without requiring voter approval. Future rate increases would be tied to inflation and population growth, potentially raising property taxes by 8% to 9% annually.

Senate Republican Leader John Braun, R-Centralia, offered this reaction:

“I haven’t heard a single property owner or renter say they want to pay more in taxes on their home. I’m encouraged by the overwhelming opposition to this latest attempt by the Democrats to raise property taxes. We’ve worked hard to educate the public about Senate Bill 5978, and the response has been clear: people do not want the property-tax rate to grow beyond 1% a year without their say. They have good reason to feel that way. If this tax had been in effect for the past decade, property taxes would be 50% higher today. There’s a reason Washington voters supported the 1% cap nearly 25 years ago — to keep government accountable to voters. If cities and counties need more money to provide critical services than the current cap allows, they should make their case directly to the people, as the law permits.

“What’s odd is the lack of media coverage on this bill. I can understand why Democrats might not want to draw attention to it, because it completely contradicts the claim that they’re making the wealthy pay more, but the public has a right to know. It’s puzzling that the media is not doing more to inform people about a policy that could have such a significant, detrimental impact on people across Washington, regardless of their income.

“To make matters worse, Senate Bill 5978 contains a provision that strips citizens of their right to repealing the bill through a referendum. While an initiative would still be an option, it requires gathering twice as many signatures to qualify for the ballot. Even if the media isn’t interested in the size of this tax increase, then at least report on how this bill repeatedly undermines the will of the voters.”

Watch Sen. Braun share his concerns about the Democrat property tax increase.