Washington is losing residents and income at a pace lawmakers can’t ignore. Senate Republican Leader John Braun breaks down IRS migration data, rising costs, new taxes, and why businesses and families are reconsidering their future in the state. He also discusses ExitWA and shares a message of hope and engagement. TRANSCRIPT

The post Leaving Washington: Myth, Reality, and the IRS Data Behind It—The Elephant in the Dome Podcast appeared first on Senate Republican Caucus.

Washington’s 2026 legislative session ended with a historic income tax proposal, an $80 billion state budget, and major fights over agriculture, law enforcement, and business regulation. Senate Republican Leader John Braun joins Elephant in the Dome to explain what passed, what Republicans stopped, and what it could mean for Washington’s economy. Topics include: Washington income […]

The post A ‘Train Wreck’ for Washington? Inside the 2026 Legislative Session appeared first on Senate Republican Caucus.

Senate Republican Leader John Braun and Senator Chris Gildon break down Washington’s newly released budget, long‑term deficits, and the impacts of the income tax. They warn of structural instability, spending growth, and economic risks they say could drive Washington toward a fiscal “doom loop.” TRANSCRIPT

The post The Elephant in the Dome: Budget Battles & Washington’s Fiscal Future: Income Tax, Deficits, Doom Loops appeared first on Senate Republican Caucus.

As Washington lawmakers enter the final stretch of the legislative session, Senate Republican Leader John Braun discusses a recent meeting with Governor Ferguson and the growing debate over a proposed state income tax. In this episode of Elephant in the Dome, Braun shares what was discussed in the meeting, where negotiations stand, and why Republicans […]

The post The Elephant in the Dome Podcast: Washington Income Tax Showdown? Braun Reveals What Happened in Governor Meeting appeared first on Senate Republican Caucus.

Senator John Braun unpacks the Senate operating budget, income tax assumptions, education funding challenges, and concerns over one‑time money used for ongoing programs. TRANSCRIPT

The post The Elephant in the Dome Podcast: How an Income Tax Shapes the Budget—and Schools appeared first on Senate Republican Caucus.

Senator John Braun and Fostering Change Washington’s Jamie Williams discuss stalled child protection bills and the urgent need to update Washington’s child endangerment laws. They explore the fentanyl crisis, legislative roadblocks, and how citizens can push for accountability to protect vulnerable children from drug-exposed environments. Support Senate Bill 5071—contact your legislators today and demand action […]

The post The Elephant in the Dome Podcast: Fentanyl, Families, and the Fight for Child Safety appeared first on Senate Republican Caucus.

Senators John Braun and Ron Muzzall discuss why Washington’s food prices keep climbing. From labor and fuel costs to taxes and regulations, they reveal how policies impact farmers, grocery stores, and families—and why affordability should be a legislative priority. An illuminating look at the state’s food affordability and agricultural crisis. [TRANSCRIPT]

The post Elephant in the Dome Podcast: Cost of Food: Senators Braun & Muzzall on Affordability & Agriculture appeared first on Senate Republican Caucus.

Washington Democrats have introduced a bill to enact an income tax in our state. Senate Republican Leader John Braun and Budget Lead Chris Gildon join Tracy Ellis to break down what’s in the bill, why it matters, and what comes next. Who will be impacted first—and why everyone should pay attention Why promises of tax […]

The post The Elephant in the Dome Podcast: Breaking: Democrats Drop Income Tax Bill – What It Means for You appeared first on Senate Republican Caucus.

In this episode of Elephant in the Dome, Tracy Ellis sits down with Senate Republican Leader John Braun and Caucus Chair Judy Warnick to discuss two citizen-driven initiatives shaping Washington’s legislative agenda: IL26-638 – Protecting fairness and safety in girls’ sports, and IL26-001 – Restoring the Parents’ Bill of Rights. We dive into why these […]

The post The Elephant in the Dome Podcast—The People’s Voice in Olympia: Parental Rights & Fair Play in Girls’ Sports appeared first on Senate Republican Caucus.

In this episode of *The Elephant in the Dome Podcast*, Senate Republican Leader John Braun is joined by Senators Keith Wagoner and Jeff Wilson to discuss two controversial proposals in Olympia: restrictions on Washington’s initiative process and a bill that could allow unelected boards to remove elected sheriffs. Are these measures protecting democracy—or undermining it? […]

The post The Elephant in the Dome Podcast: Is Democracy Under Attack in Washington? appeared first on Senate Republican Caucus.