WA House Republicans
@WaHouseGOP
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This is the official Twitter account of the Washington State House Republican Caucus. Our policy: https://t.co/STgke7kIcP.
Olympia, Washington
Joined December 2008
House Democrats on the Education Committee just voted against an amendment to House Bill 1296 that would have required school districts to immediately notify parents if a student is the victim of sexual misconduct by a school employee. #waleg.
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BREAKING: WA House Democrats today eliminated a 132-year-old rule enacted in 1893 that guaranteed free and open debate on the House floor. By a 54-33 vote, Democrats lowered the supermajority 2/3 threshold required to end debate and vote on bills down to a simple majority.
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House Republican Leader Drew Stokesbary: "Today is a sad day for the institution, a chilling day for the three million Washingtonians whose elected voices can now be silenced at any time.". #waleg
BREAKING: WA House Democrats today eliminated a 132-year-old rule enacted in 1893 that guaranteed free and open debate on the House floor. By a 54-33 vote, Democrats lowered the supermajority 2/3 threshold required to end debate and vote on bills down to a simple majority.
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Gov. Jay Inslee: “Our tax system is unfair to working families.” . The real per person tax burden in our state increased by 43% over the past 10 years and his party has passed nearly 50 new taxes and fees during that time. #waleg.
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A week’s worth of groceries in Washington will cost you, on average, 43% more than it does in Idaho, 8% more than in California, and 7% more than in Oregon. The high cost of groceries isn’t an accident – it’s the result of policy choices of Democrats in Olympia. #waleg
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Under Gov. Jay Inslee:. ➡️Chronic unsheltered homelessness is up 531% since 2015. ➡️Homicide is up 96% since 2019. ➡️Overdose deaths are up 199% since 2019. ➡️WA is the 5th most unaffordable state for housing. ➡️WA has the 3rd highest gas prices. ➡️Most kids are failing math and
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No other state in the nation imposes an unrealized capital gains tax on its citizens, as Gov. Inslee is proposing we do. Policymakers in other states understand that this kind of punitive tax would cause entrepreneurs and investors to flee and cripple their economies. #waleg.
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Rep. Travis Couture, R-Allyn, the ranking Republican on the House Appropriations Committee, issued a statement Tuesday following the release of Gov. Jay Inslee's proposed operating budget. "This budget is not a serious proposal. Governor Inslee's $13 billion tax hike and
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As Democrats in Olympia prepare to introduce yet another wave of new taxes in the upcoming legislative session, Washington families are already burdened with some of the highest costs in the nation for gas, groceries, housing, and child care. Enough is enough. #gas #groceries
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Here we go again: state Democratic leaders want to bridge the budget gap, caused by their reckless spending, with more new taxes. #waleg
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1⃣As we turn the page on Gov. Jay Inslee's 12 years in power, let's review the results of his party's policies. (1/7)🧵. #WALeg #FixWashington
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House Republican Leader Drew Stokesbary, during his opening day remarks, said many of the crises facing Washington state are the result of policy choices made in Olympia. Washington's gas prices are the third highest in the nation because the Legislature passed laws designed to
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Washingtonians are paying more taxes than ever before. Since 2014, state tax collections have more than doubled, ballooning to $36.4 billion in 2023. In fact, Democrats have passed nearly 50 new taxes and fees that hurt middle class families and drag down our state’s economy.
Since 2004, state revenue has grown nearly twice as fast as Washington household incomes. Despite this massive growth, some Democrats are exploring new tax ideas, on top of the dozens of new taxes and fees they’ve passed in recent years. #waleg
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The House Democrats' new unrealized capital gains tax proposal was introduced today: HB 1319. They also dropped: .HB 1320 - Business and occupation (B&O) tax increase. HB 1334 - Property tax cap increase. #waleg
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Washington is the fourth most expensive state to live in, per new data from the Bureau of Economic Analysis. Now, state Democrats are planning to add fuel to the fire with a flurry of new tax proposals for the 2025 session. To paraphrase Churchill, a state trying to tax itself
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According to a new Cascade PBS/Elway poll of Washington state residents, two-thirds of respondents indicated they would prioritize cutting spending over raising new taxes. What do you think?. #waleg
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If you think life in Washington is expensive now, just wait — legislative Democrats plan to double-down on more of the same next session. #waleg #affordability #taxes #WA #PNW
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A message from Rep. Travis Couture, the Washington House Republican budget lead, on the Senate Democrats accidentally leaking their secret wish list of new taxes for 2025:. #waleg
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Washington state is facing a growing catalog of crises. House Republicans are committed to delivering solutions: lower costs, safer streets, better schools, a stronger economy, smarter government and a cleaner Washington. #waleg #FixWashington #PNW
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Washington state government has a spending problem, not a revenue problem. House Republican budget lead Rep. Travis Couture takes Gov. Jay Inslee to task for employing Olympia math on the budget. #waleg
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The legacy of Governor Jay Inslee and legislative Democrats is one of rampant crime, homelessness, drug addiction, declining test scores, and unaffordability. #WALeg #FixWashington #PNW
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The 105-day legislative session begins on Monday, January 13. Tax increases being considered by legislative Democrats include a:. ➡️Property tax increase. ➡️Real estate excise tax increase. ➡️Payroll tax increase. ➡️Business and occupation tax increase. ➡️Capital gains tax
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The @seattletimes: "Since the start of Inslee’s three terms as governor, he and the Legislature have been the beneficiaries of increasing revenues for each two-year budget cycle, according to the Washington Research Council. They still managed to outpace those revenues with.
Democrats in the #WALeg managed to outspend record-high revenues. Now, instead of budgeting within the state’s means, they’re turning to taxpayers to cover the shortfall.
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In his final budget, Gov. Jay Inslee is proposing the largest tax increase in state history: $13 billion over four years – an amount he calls a "fairly modest proposal.". #waleg.
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Washington state has a spending problem, not a revenue problem. And House Republicans have proposed a realistic budget reform that would prevent state Democrats from overspending again. (1/4)🧵. #waleg
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The @EverettHerald joins other editorial boards in support of emergency powers reform. Of the 2 bills featured in this editorial, House Republicans believe HB 1772 is the best approach to restore balance in state government. #waleg
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🚨 Bad Bill Alert 🚨. On Monday, Jan. 13, at 1:30 p.m., the House Housing Committee is holding a public hearing on statewide rent control: House Bill 1217. Democrats created our housing crisis and rent control will only make the problem worse by reducing the supply and quality.
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Gov. Inslee’s proposal would implement a new wealth tax - the first in the nation - and significantly increase the state’s business and occupation tax. #waleg #wealthtax
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House Republican Caucus Chair Peter Abbarno, R-Centralia, recaps week two of the 2025 legislative session. The bad bills:.House Bill 1217 would impose government rent control statewide. Housing is expensive in Washington because Democrats have enacted laws making it costly and
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Rep. Mary Dye, ranking Republican on the House Environment & Energy Committee: “Washington's inflated fuel prices are not because of big oil, but because of big government gouging Washingtonians.” #waleg
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Gov. Inslee says Washington is in better shape than it’s ever been, but reality paints a different picture. We are facing more crises than ever, and the data proves it. #waleg #fixwashington
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Jason Mercier in @TriCityHerald: “Having monitored the emergency powers debate across the country … I remain dumbfounded why Washington’s legislative majority is content to cede its constitutional role to debate and enact policy to the Governor. #waleg
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Housing is expensive in Washington because Democrats have enacted laws making it costly and difficult to build homes. Now they’re pushing rent control, which will only make our housing supply crisis worse. Government price controls don't work. #waleg
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Rep. Jim Walsh weighs in on today’s BIG news that Democrats have caved to public pressure and will now hold public hearings on four of the six initiatives before the Legislature. #waleg #fixwashington
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A Democratic bill that would have raised property taxes and rents is dead. 🪦 @WashingtonSRC #waleg #fixwashington
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The Democrats’ tax plan wouldn’t just affect big businesses - it would also impact all the local mom and pop stores throughout communities in Washington. #waleg
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@fox13seattle Under Inslee and the Democrats, Washington has the:. 3rd highest gas prices in the nation. 5th highest unemployment rate. 2nd highest rate of property crime. 9th highest cost of groceries. 6th highest homelessness rate. Let's just say we have a catalogue of crises:.
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House Republicans voted against HB 1589. The bill would ban natural gas in new residential and commercial buildings and increase the costs of housing, goods and services when our state is in an affordability crisis. Families deserve affordable, reliable energy choices. #waleg
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Rep. Jim Walsh shares the good news: Senate Bill 5770, the bill that would have raised property taxes and rents, won’t be moving forward this year. #waleg
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Starbucks is permanently closing its store on the corner of 1st and Pike, right across from Pike Place Market. The company has previously brought up public safety concerns for stores in downtown Seattle as reasons for closures. Washington has the second-highest rate of property.
The leasing agent for the building confirmed to KOMO News that Starbucks signed an early termination agreement this month on the property.
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Rep. Jim Walsh condemns the filibustering of the public hearing on I-2113 (restoring vehicular pursuits) by out-of-state “experts,” depriving law enforcement officials and citizens from across the state the opportunity to testify. #waleg #fixwashington
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Only 25% of Washington residents indicated they would prioritize raising new taxes over reducing the budget, according to a new Cascade PBS/Elway survey. Democratic leadership in the Legislature, however, have expressed support for new and higher taxes in the upcoming 105-day
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At a time when criminals are running wild across Washington state, House Democrats have introduced a bill (HB 1125) that would allow judges to release inmates early back onto our streets. Enough is enough. We need to hold criminals accountable. We need to hire more police
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@KING5Seattle No other state in the nation imposes an unrealized capital gains tax on its citizens, as Gov. Inslee is proposing we do. Policymakers in other states understand that this kind of punitive tax would cause entrepreneurs and investors to flee and cripple their economies.
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“The state does not own our kids,” argued Rep. Travis Couture during debate over Initiative 2081. I-2081, a citizen-backed initiative, will create a Parents’ Bill of Rights, giving parents better access to student records and information and increasing transparency at schools.
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Washington has the second-highest rate of property crime in the nation - 50.6% higher than the national average - according to the latest FBI crime report. We also have the fewest police officers per resident of any state, yet Democrats in Olympia are prioritizing the
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House Bill 1307, sponsored by Reps. Michelle Caldier and Stephanie McClintock, would eliminate sales tax on diapers and other baby products. Families with babies and toddlers would save an estimated $1,000 per year in taxes. #waleg
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Democrats in the #WALeg managed to outspend record-high revenues. Now, instead of budgeting within the state’s means, they’re turning to taxpayers to cover the shortfall.
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The @TriCityHerald editorial board calls for a stronger emergency powers reform bill, with mention of Rep. Chris Corry’s House Bill 1772. #waleg
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Despite what you may have heard, Initiative 2117 (repeal the Climate Commitment Act/carbon tax) does NOT put road and bridge maintenance at risk. We’ll let Rep. Jim Walsh take it from here. #waleg #fixwashington
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2⃣Washington is the third least affordable state in the country, where we pay some of the highest prices for basic necessities like gas, groceries, housing, and child care. (2/7)🧵
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Rep. Andrew Barkis closes with a mic drop on the Democrats’ rent control bill (House Bill 2114): “You cannot have a tenant without a housing provider. Please vote no on this, because if we don't and it moves forward, you won't have either.” #waleg
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Rep. Mary Dye: It’s midnight, and we’re just waiting on the Democrats to see if we’re going to run HB 1589. House Republicans are ready to fight for you. #waleg #fixwashington
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“Not a dime of money in the CCA goes to maintenance and preservation of roads.” House Republican Leader Drew Stokesbary responds to the misleading information posted by the chair of the Senate Transportation Committee on the Climate Commitment Act (CCA). #waleg
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Washington continues to rank last in the nation for law enforcement officers per capita, 51% below the national average. In addition, our state has the highest motor vehicle theft rate, 114% higher than the national average, the most burglaries per capita, ranks number one in the
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Washington drivers today are paying 41.5 cents per gallon more than drivers in Oregon for regular gas. Exactly two years ago, the average gas price was identical in both states. House Republicans will continue fighting for solutions that make your life more affordable. #waleg
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Reps. Michelle Caldier and Stephanie McClintock have introduced a bill that would eliminate sales tax on diapers and other baby products. HB 1307 would save families with babies and toddlers an estimated $1,000 per year in taxes. #waleg
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Our thoughts and prayers are with Mr. Yim’s family. Senseless acts of violence have become all too common in Washington in recent years. Government has a fundamental duty to keep citizens safe. It’s time to restore law and order. Now. #waleg
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House Democrats rejected our motion for a prompt public hearing on I-2113 (vehicular pursuits). House Republican Leader Drew Stokesbary emphasized the moral and constitutional duty lawmakers have to give a voice to 430,000+ Washingtonians who supported the initiative. #waleg
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Since 2004, state revenue has grown nearly twice as fast as Washington household incomes. Despite this massive growth, some Democrats are exploring new tax ideas, on top of the dozens of new taxes and fees they’ve passed in recent years. #waleg
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From @seattletimes editorial board: “The absence of taxpayer relief in a year of a $15 billion budget surplus – and inflation at 40-year highs – strongly indicates that the current power players simply don’t care to cut. Ever.” #waleg
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WATCH: Rep. Peter Abbarno cover three bills by Washington House Democrats that prioritize criminals over victims. #waleg #fixwashington
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WATCH Rep. Jim Walsh on the latest Fix Washington Podcast dismantle House Democrat bills that target law-abiding gun owners introduced in the 2025 legislative session. #waleg
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5⃣Since 2013, the state has spent approximately $5.3 billion on homelessness prevention programs and housing construction. The results? Homelessness has skyrocketed at a rate multiple times that of the national average. (5/7)🧵
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Today, House Democrats voted to reject our motion for a prompt public hearing on I-2081 (parental rights). House Republican Floor Leader Jacquelin Maycumber made the case for why initiatives should be priorities for the Legislature. We think you should have a voice. #waleg
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4⃣A shockingly high 60.3% of Washington students are failing to meet grade-level standards in Math and 49.7% in English, despite robust funding levels. (4/7)🧵
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House Republicans stand united in our support for the six citizen-driven initiatives and joined supporters at a rally here at the Capitol last Friday. Three of the initiatives will receive public hearings starting tomorrow. #waleg #fixwashington
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Initiative opponents are resorting to scare tactics – but do not be fooled. The truth is, Olympia politicians have a spending problem, not a revenue problem. #waleg #washingtonstate #fixwashington
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Late last night, House Dems introduced an amendment to water down our Holocaust education bill, which seeks to stem the tide of antisemitism and Holocaust denial. Rep. Drew Stokesbary spoke out forcefully this morning in support of the Jewish community. #waleg #holocaust
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Under Democrats’ rule, Washington is facing a catalog of crises on affordability, crime, housing, homelessness, drugs, education, child care, the economy and more. Help us #FixWashington. #waleg #pnw #crime #childcare #publicsafety #housing #taxes
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6⃣Tragically, Washington has suffered some of the worst consequences of the national drug crises. (6/7)🧵
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Rep. Chris Corry’s emergency powers reform legislation, HB 1772, has been scheduled for a public hearing in the House State Government & Tribal Relations Committee on Monday at 1:30 p.m. Learn more about this bill and issue here: #waleg.
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House Democrats voted today to reject our motion for a prompt public hearing on I-2109, which would repeal the capital gains income tax. Rep. Mike Steele emphasized that initiatives should take precedence over other legislative matters and that you deserve to be heard. #waleg
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“We don’t think it should be a requirement for those who don’t want it,” says House Republican Leader Drew Stokesbary on the state’s long-term care program and payroll tax. We support I-2124, which would allow WA workers to opt out of this state program/tax. #waleg #fixwashington
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During this year’s legislative session, Democrats passed dozens of bad bills. However, Republicans were able to help stop some of the most extreme bills from passing. #waleg #fixwashington
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The state collected an extra $3.3 billion over the four-year outlook, and yet the House Democrats’ supplemental operating budget provides no meaningful financial relief for working families, argued Rep. April Connors during floor debate on SB 5950. #waleg #fixwashington
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Today is the first day of the 105-day legislative session. Washington is facing a growing catalog of crises and Republicans don't have the numbers to alter the course of our state alone - we need your help. Please consider participating in the legislative process. We have a.
1⃣As we turn the page on Gov. Jay Inslee's 12 years in power, let's review the results of his party's policies. (1/7)🧵. #WALeg #FixWashington
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Rep. Jim Walsh and House Republican Floor Leader Jacquelin Maycumber weigh in on Initiative 2081 (parental rights). This is the third initiative to be certified and before the Legislature. #waleg
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Since Gov. Jay Inslee took office in 2013, the state has spent approximately $5.3 billion on homelessness prevention programs and housing construction. The results? Homelessness has skyrocketed at a rate multiple times that of the national average. #waleg
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7⃣Despite all these challenges, House Republicans are committed to offering real solutions for lower costs, safer streets, better schools, a stronger economy, smarter government, and a cleaner Washington. (7/7)🧵.
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I KNOW IT'S A 60-DAY SESSION AND WE HAD A PUBLIC HEARING ON OUR BILL TO ALLOW SERIAL KILLERS TO VOTE, BUT WE DON'T HAVE ANY TIME FOR THE SIX INITIATIVES. #waleg #priorities
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House Speaker Laurie Jinkins recently “chided” the Seattle Times editorial board for “being overly critical of current academic outcomes,” despite 60.3% of Washington students failing to meet grade-level standards in Math and 49.7% in English. These dismal results should
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House Democrats rejected a motion today by Rep. Peter Abbarno to hold a public hearing on Initiative 2124 – a measure that would allow Washington workers to opt-out of the WA Cares program and payroll tax. #waleg
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Rep. Spencer Hutchins: “Protesters be aware. We support your First Amendment freedom of speech rights. We do not support you interrupting the lives and safety of your fellow citizens.” HB 2358, sponsored by Rep. Andrew Barkis, would increase penalties for illegal highway
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On Tuesday, Jan. 21, at 8:00 a.m., the House Finance Committee will hold a public hearing on House Bill 1386, which would impose an 11% tax on the sale of firearms, firearm parts, and ammunition. #waleg.
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BREAKING: House passes Initiative 2081 (establishing a Parents’ Bill of Rights) on an 82-15 vote. This policy will help build trust between parents and schools through more transparency. #waleg #fixwashington.
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Washington's carbon tax has increased the price of gas by about 50 cents per gallon. This tax isn't just hurting Washington drivers at the gas pump, it's increasing the cost of basic services and goods – including groceries. Despite numerous opportunities in recent years to
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