Democrats Reject Protections for Children in Drug-Affected Homes
With a handful of days left in the 2026 legislative session, we still don’t know what will happen with some very controversial bills, such as the proposed income tax. Unfortunately, it’s already clear these 60 days at the Capitol will not end well for those of us who take a special interest in the safety […]
John Braun commentary: Olympia’s concern for affordability continues to be one-sided
Republicans still seem to be alone at the state Capitol when it comes to knowing what “affordability” truly means. The proof is in the nearly 70 bills proposed or reintroduced by majority Democrats over the past several weeks that would make living in our state even more expensive. This long list of legislation would increase […]
WA State Senate approves Millionaires’ Tax on personal income
OLYMPIA [JERRY CORNFIELD & BILL LUCIA]—Washington state moved one step closer Monday, February 16, to creating a personal income tax two years after the Legislature said it wouldn’t. Majority Democrats in the Senate advanced legislation on a 27-22 vote to tax households earning more than a million dollars. Passage of the bill followed a three-and-a-half hour debate on […]
Bill targets elected sheriffs for removal by appointed state board without a public vote
OLYMPIA—A divided Washington state Senate committee advanced a bill on February 9, 2026, that would empower a state oversight board to remove elected sheriffs from office if their peace officer certification was revoked, igniting a fierce debate over balancing accountability in law enforcement with the rights of local voters. Senate Bill 5974 cleared the Ways […]
WA income tax on higher earners clears first legislative hurdle
OLYMPIA [Jerry Cornfield]—Democrats advanced controversial income tax legislation out of a key Washington state Senate committee on Monday after pledging more proceeds to local public defender costs and increasing a tax break for small businesses. Senate Bill 6346 passed the Senate Ways and Means Committee on a voice vote. This marked the first legislative test of […]
Democrats’ no-mask bill is unenforceable, distracts from real issues
Whether officials in our state like it or not, federal officers have a responsibility to enforce federal laws. That doesn’t change just because the enforcement efforts have unforeseen consequences, such as the tragic deaths of two people in Minnesota over a recent 17-day period. Many in the public have seen the disturbing videos of the […]
John Braun commentary: A state income tax is illegal, but don’t expect that to stop Democrats
Our state’s Democratic legislators have a long list of tax dreams. It’s safe to say a state income tax is at the top of their list, even though Washington voters have repeatedly said no to one over the past 90 years. Even so, according to recent news reports, an income tax is a hot topic […]
Federal funding passes first hurdle, contains provision gutting hemp-derived products
WASHINGTON, D.C—The United States Senate voted 60-40, in a first step, to approve H.R. 5371, the Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2026, which funds the government through early 2026. The resolution now heads to a floor vote on Monday. If the bill passes with no changes to the House’s Bill, then the bill moves to […]
Lawmakers point fingers over government shutdown while blue-collar people suffer
WASHINGTON D.C.—At 35 days and counting, the current government shutdown now ties the record for the longest government shutdown in U.S. history. Both Democrats and Republicans are placing the blame across the aisles claiming the opposite side is responsible for federal workers not being paid and millions of Americans left without food assistance, heat, and […]
WA State Democrats back Ferguson for Governor, establish 2024 platform
BELLEVUE—The Washington State Democrat party held its 2024 Convention at Bellevue’s Meydenbauer Convention Center from Friday, June 21 through Sunday, June 23, where it established its platform, nominated candidates, held workshops and training for delegates, and featured several prominent speakers within the party. The convention kicked off Friday with a welcome reception featuring Chair Shasti […]
