Senate Republican Caucus
Senate Democrats REJECT opportunity to pass a no-new-tax and no-cuts budget
OLYMPIA…In a 28-21 vote, the Washington State Senate Democrats today passed their $78.5 billion operating budget proposal, the funding for which relies on the largest tax increase in state history and a raiding of the “rainy-day fund.” Senate Democrats also rejected a striking amendment proposed by Sen. Chris Gildon,...
Read More
NEWSLETTER: The continuing attack on parents’ rights and taxpayers’ wallets
Dear Friends and Neighbors, Parents’ rights are still under attack in Olympia. Both the House and Senate versions of a bill to undo much of the Parents’ Rights Act – created less than a year ago through the bipartisan passage of Initiative 2081 – continue to advance through the legislative...
Read More
Munro showed what a difference one person can make, says Senate Republican Leader
Former secretary of state left his mark on Washington, advocated for disability rights, better social services, refugee housing, trail development, state parks and killer whales – just to name a few OLYMPIA – Former Secretary of State Ralph Munro left an enduring stamp on the state of Washington over a...
Read More
Braun: Slashing teacher bonuses unwise, unnecessary
OLYMPIA…Senate Republican Leader John Braun, R-Centralia, says Washington teachers don’t deserve to have incentive bonuses cut in half by Democrats. Educators in Washington currently qualify for a bonus for achieving certification by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards. They can receive an additional bonus for teaching in a school...
Read More
Senate Republican leader: Democrats expected to push tax hikes to fund inequitable pay raises
OLYMPIA – Senate Republicans released their $ave Washington budget proposal Tuesday, proving the state budget that lawmakers must adopt for 2025-27 can be balanced without new taxes—despite a multibillion-dollar shortfall. Senate Republican Leader John Braun, R-Centralia, issued this statement about the Republican budget and Democrats’ push for billions in new...
Read More
Senate Unanimously Passes Braun Bill to Improve Safety, Reduce Overcrowding in Juvenile Facilities
OLYMPIA – Legislation from Sen. John Braun, R-Centralia, to address overcrowding in Washington’s juvenile-justice facilities and improve safety for both staff and inmates was passed by the Senate unanimously today. The bill now moves to the House of Representatives for consideration. Senate Bill 5278 responds to ongoing issues at institutions...
Read More
Braun files bill to step up state’s handling of child-neglect cases
OLYMPIA… Senate Republican Leader John Braun, R-Centralia, introduced legislation today aimed at improving the state’s response to child-neglect cases and reducing costly lawsuits stemming from inadequate intervention. Cases of child neglect are increasing, as are monetary settlements against the state for its handling of these cases. Senate Bill 5736 seeks...
Read More
NEWSLETTER: Democrats undermining your right to know
Watch my weekly legislative update: Friends and Neighbors, Nearly 500,000 Washington voters signed on to Initiative 2081, knowns as the Parents’ Bill of Rights. Last session, legislators on both sides of the aisle, including me, spoke in favor of the initiative and why it was a positive step. It passed with...
Read More
Another year fighting for your priorities
Friends and Neighbors, I hope that this newsletter finds you in good health and ready for a new year. I spent this week at the Capitol in Olympia preparing for the upcoming 2025 legislative session and wanted to share some updates with you. First, I look forward to serving the...
Read More