John Braun: Let’s have more action on water quality concerns tied to game farm
Two recent public meetings about the water contamination situation stemming from the Bob Oke Game Farm in Centralia bring to mind the warning not to confuse motion with action.
John Braun: Majority's massive expansion of sales tax is costly, chaotic and unnecessary
A colleague of mine was recently told by his teen’s drivers-education school to expect a larger bill this fall because of the “crazy tax hikes signed by the governor.” In this case it’s the new law that will force even more businesses in our state to collect sales tax, starting Oct. 1.
John Braun: Watch out for ‘mega-taxes’ as budget time draws closer
While people across our state continue to struggle financially, Democrats in Olympia are moving forward with tax legislation that would make living in our state even less affordable.
John Braun: Democrats claim they want to reduce spending, Republicans are showing the way
As this year’s legislative session got underway, Democratic budget leaders were talking like they had already given up on the idea of overcoming state government’s multibillion-dollar budget deficit without imposing more taxes on the people of Washington.
John Braun: Legislators have unique opportunity to help prepare for the ‘silver tsunami’
Between 2010 and 2023, the 65-and-older population in Washington increased by more than 40%. In 18 of our 39 counties, at least 25% of the population was at least 65 when the 2020 census was taken; in one-third of those, at least one third of residents were 65 and older.
John Braun: Shorten prison sentences to reduce state spending? No thanks, Democrats
A question regarding a bill introduced by a group of Democratic state senators early in this legislative session: What price do you put on public safety?
John Braun: Attack on new parental-rights law shows how far Democrats’ priorities are off
When the Legislature’s majority Democrats joined Republicans to pass the parental-rights initiative during our 2024 session, did they do so to keep the popular measure from being passed by voters in November, making it possible for them to gut the new law this year over Republican objections?
John Braun: Rent control isn’t a real answer to the shortage of affordable rentals
Senate Republicans believe in lowering rental costs by increasing the supply of rentals.
Sen. John Braun: As session begins, here’s what to expect from Senate Republicans
Those of us who take to heart President Lincoln’s words that government is “of the people” appreciate being asked to offer a forecast of an upcoming session.
Our constituents and others, such as the news media and business and local-government leaders around the state, deserve to know what we want to accomplish at the state Capitol.