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Tax hikes to fix the deficit? John Braun says ‘hard pass’—hear how Republicans plan to clean up Olympia without raiding your wallet!
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Inside Olympia: John Braun’s Game Plan for 2025
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What’s it like being the GOP’s top player in a blue-dominated legislature? Senate Minority Leader John Braun spills the tea on legislative strategy, why tax hikes aren’t the answer (shocking, we know), and how Republicans plan to tackle public safety, affordability, and K-12 education. Plus, he drops some solid book recs.
Don’t miss this episode—because who doesn’t love hearing how we don’t need more taxes to fix Olympia’s mess? Listen on Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts!
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Ferguson Borrows GOP Playbook, Dems Left Scowling
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In a plot twist no one saw coming, Gov. Bob Ferguson’s inaugural address sounded suspiciously like a Republican greatest hits album. GOP leaders Drew Stokesbary and John Braun had to double-check they weren’t hearing an echo as Ferguson talked about fiscal responsibility, government reform, and gasp
cutting spending—a far cry from Inslee’s “puppies and rainbows” farewell. Republicans, clearly more enthusiastic than the Democrats in the room, stood in applause multiple times while Dems apparently forgot how to clap. Despite the governor’s new tune, the GOP isn’t letting its guard down, vowing to hold Ferguson accountable for his promises to “reform government.” As Rep. Chris Corry put it, Republicans are ready to support good ideas—even if they come from an unlikely source like Ferguson—but the question remains: can he wrangle his tax-loving party to follow suit? Read more at Center Square.
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Democrats Take Aim at Anesthesia to Save the Planet
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Washington Democrats, led by Sen. Vandana Slatter, are now targeting anesthesia in their crusade against climate change, because apparently, nothing is too small—or too absurd—to regulate. Despite anesthetic gases contributing a laughable 0.01% to global greenhouse emissions, Slatter’s bill could lead to banning their use altogether, leaving patients to ponder the environmental impact while biting on a stick during surgery. This is virtue signaling at its peak, showcasing the Democrats’ knack for chasing irrelevant “solutions” while real problems like crime and taxes go untouched. Read more at KTTH.
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Democrats’ Latest Brainchild: Unionizing Cannabis and Squeezing Farmers
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Leave it to Washington Democrats to find a way to politicize pot while sticking it to farmers. HB 1067 shifts cannabis regulation from the Liquor and Cannabis Board to the Department of Agriculture, conveniently redefining cannabis workers as “farmworkers” just in time for HB 1141 to push unionization. This is less about protecting workers and more about testing the waters for unionizing agriculture as a whole—a move that would drown small farmers already struggling under heavy taxes, overtime rules, and regulations. For farmers battling unpredictable weather, pests, and predators, team effort is key, but good luck mobilizing “many hands” when unions bring pushback and red tape to time-sensitive crises. Washington farms, mostly small and already operating on razor-thin margins, can’t shoulder these costs, but Democrats seem eager to turn agricultural producers into their latest political experiment.
Meanwhile, grocery stores rake in profits, and the state’s actual producers are left holding the bag. Read more at the Washington Policy Center.
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Democrats Push 'Feelings Over Facts' with Flawed Hate Crime Bill
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Democrats in Olympia are at it again, this time redefining hate crimes to include non-violent acts or even speech—because apparently, hurt feelings now trump actual harm. House Bill 1052, spearheaded by Rep. Cindy Ryu, D-Shoreline, aims to criminalize behavior that someone perceives
as motivated by bias, leaving the door wide open for subjective interpretations of what constitutes a crime. Republicans like Dan Griffey and Jenny Graham called out the obvious flaws, pointing out that the bill prioritizes feelings over fair, equal justice. As Griffey noted, the legislation conveniently sidesteps situations like burning an American flag on someone’s property, proving its bias isn’t just in the name. Instead of sticking to clear, colorblind laws that punish actual crimes, Democrats are pushing this slippery slope, leaving Washingtonians to wonder: what’s next, prosecuting someone for a dirty look? Read more at Center Square.
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