The Weekly Roundup | Monday, Feb. 23 - Friday, Feb. 27

Monday, Feb. 23 - Friday, Feb. 27

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A weekly summary of Senate Republican Caucus content, featuring links to videos, radio and podcast appearances, press releases, social media posts, priority bills, and a short list of bad bills to watch.

Income Tax

Income tax opponents gather for a photo, Feb. 2026

Webpages:

State budget proposals

Washington can’t afford it

Affordable solutions for Washington

Income tax: Unpopular, unconstitutional

Press Releases:

STATEMENT: Republican leaders on proposed Senate operating budget: Too much spending, wrong priorities, and unsustainable

STATEMENT: Republicans continue push for affordability amid wave of tax proposals

Income tax sets another state record for most unpopular bill ahead of hearing

Republican leaders on budget: Too much spending, wrong priorities, unsustainable

Newsletters:

Social Media: 

Facebook

Former AG Rob McKenna Eviscerates the Income Tax Bill (SB 6346)

Thank You for Signing-in CON/PRO on Key Bills This Year!

Commission Appointed by WA Democrats Vote to Lower Penalties for Sex Offenders

Another $1 BILLION Wasted

X

Concerned Citizen Tears Income Tax Bill Apart (SB 6346)

Elephant in the Done Podcast on the Budget and the Unaffordable & Unconstitutional Income Tax Bill (SB 6346)

NO INCOME TAX

Lies From Gov. Bob Ferguson

Spokane County Sheriff Speaks Against Anti-Sheriff Bill (SB 5974)

Instagram

The Truth About the "Millionaire’s Tax"

Dark Week in Olympia. The Fight is Not Over!

Podcasts:

The Elephant in the Dome Podcast: Fentanyl, families, and the fight for child safety

Mighty 8th Podcast: Income tax debate, FAFSA fix, and fertilizer innovation

Audio:

AUDIO: Republican Budget leader on proposed Senate operating budget: Too much spending, wrong priorities, and unsustainable

AUDIO: Senate releases 2026 capital budget proposal

AUDIO: Sen. Wagoner criticizes income tax plan and budget moves in Olympia on KGMI Radio

AUDIO: KOMW: Seventh District lawmakers push back on income tax, budget growth, and rural impacts

AUDIO: Sen. Goehner highlights income tax opposition, budget concerns, and local project funding on KOZI Radio

Videos:

Republican legislative leaders critique taxes, spending, and budget priorities

Former Attorney General Rob McKenna: SB 6346 violates Washington’s Constitution

Sen. Mark Schoesler 2026 session week 7 update

AGC’s Michelle Willms: SB 6346 would tax contractors’ working capital

7th District resident Brittany Ingalls testifies against SB 6346

Ethnic Chambers Coalition’s Mike Sotelo opposes SB 6346

Bellevue union contractor warns SB 6346 would slow hiring and investment

Sen. Phil Fortunato: What happens when the clock strikes 5 p.m. on house of origin cutoff day?

Bad bills to watch:

SB 5855 Police Face Masks (Valdez): Prohibits law enforcement officers from wearing face coverings while performing their duties. Supporters argue it increases transparency and accountability, but opponents note the bill is aimed in part at federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents, over whom the state has no authority under the Supremacy Clause of the U.S. Constitution. Critics warn the policy would expose officers’ identities to violent protesters, potentially putting them and their families at risk of retaliation at a time when assaults on officers have increased. The bill would also allow individuals to sue officers for wearing a mask during an interaction, unless the officer is otherwise compliant with existing identification requirements. A similar law in California (SB 627) was overturned in court, raising concerns that Washington taxpayers could bear the cost of defending a measure that may ultimately be found unconstitutional.

SB 5974 Removing Elected Sheriffs (Lovick): Authorizes a state-level, unelected oversight body to decertify and effectively remove county sheriffs who were elected by local voters. Supporters say the measure strengthens accountability standards, but opponents argue it shifts power away from the electorate and into a bureaucracy that answers to the governor. Critics contend the proposal undermines the will of county voters and could place sheriffs in an untenable position — forced to choose between enforcing state laws that may conflict with federal law or constitutional provisions they are sworn to uphold. They also warn the state could spend significant taxpayer dollars defending the law if it is challenged as unconstitutional under the U.S. Constitution.

SB 6346 Income Tax (Pedersen): Establishes a new state income tax starting at 9.9% on income over $1 million, projected to raise roughly $4 billion per year while returning only a small share in tax reductions. Opponents argue the tax is framed as targeting only high earners but creates a precedent for a broader income tax that could be expanded over time, adds a new revenue stream without significant offsetting relief, and includes provisions that limit voter referendum options. Critics also say the proposal increases long-term tax burdens, risks Washington’s competitive advantage as a no-income-tax state, and directs most new revenue to government spending rather than meaningful tax reform.

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Quotes
Torres

From Sen. Nikki Torres, R-Pasco, assistant Republican operating budget leader, on the Democratic-proposed operating budget:

“This budget is more proof that Olympia has a spending problem, not a revenue problem. While it’s encouraging to see some attention given to reforms in programs that are failing children, I’m deeply concerned that the largest policy savings are taken from K-12 schools, colleges, and universities. That’s the wrong direction for Washington’s future workforce.

“What makes this even more concerning is where those reductions fall. Proposed cuts to Local Effort Assistance and Transition to Kindergarten hit some of our most vulnerable students the hardest. LEA exists to help property-poor school districts, including districts like mine, ensure their students have opportunities comparable to wealthier areas."

 

Senate rostrum


Testifying in Committee:

 

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Participate by:

 

1. Written testimony.

 

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