Washington State House Republicans
Walsh fights against ESSB 6058 linking Washington's carbon market with California and Quebec
- Title
- Walsh fights against ESSB 6058 linking Washington's carbon market with California and Quebec
- Date posted
- 2 months ago
- Description
- Rep. Jim Walsh, R-Aberdeen, expresses his opposition to ESSB 6058 on the House floor. Under the bill, Washington's carbon market will be linked with the carbon market of California and Quebec. Despite offering several amendments during the debate to alleviate the financial burden on taxpayers, the Democratic party voted to pass the bill. Unfortunately, every amendment offered by Republicans was rejected.
- Title
- House committee vote on I-2113 (restoring vehicular police pursuits)
- Date posted
- 2 months ago
- Description
- The House Committee on Community Safety, Justice, & Reentry takes executive action on Initiative 2113 (restoring vehicular police pursuits). The initiative passed the committee by a 7-2 vote. #waleg #fixwashington
For more information on I-2113, view our summary of the initiative here: https://houserepublicans.wa.gov/i-2113/
- Title
- Rep. Dent speaks on linkage bill amendment authorizing the Dept. of Ag to enter linkage agreements.
- Date posted
- 2 months ago
- Description
- Rep. Dent speaks in favor of amendment to the Carbon Market Linkage bill (SB 6058), that would move the authority of the linkage agreements from the Department of Ecology to the Department of Agriculture.
The linkage bill would link the state's Climate Commitment Act energy policy to programs in California and Quebec, likely driving up energy costs.
- Title
- Rep. Jim Walsh backs amendment for higher student proficiency thresholds
- Date posted
- 2 months ago
- Description
- Rep. Jim Walsh, R-Aberdeen, spoke in favor of Amendment 1211 to ESB 5462, a proposal aimed at promoting inclusive learning standards and instructional materials in public schools. The amendment would have mandated that provisions in the bill take effect only when statewide long-term student proficiency rates reached 90 percent for mathematics and English language arts.
- Title
- Rep. Mary Dye - Floor speech on Senate Bill 6058 - CCA - California/Quebec linkage - Feb. 29, 2024
- Date posted
- 2 months ago
- Description
- During a debate of nearly five hours on the House floor, Rep. Mary Dye, ranking Republican on the House Environment and Energy Committee, led the opposition against Senate Bill 6058, which would make it easier to link Washington's carbon market to California and Quebec. Dye and other House Republicans argued that linkage to California, one of the most expensive and unaffordable states in the nation, would drive up energy costs and fuel prices in Washington state. The bill passed 57-39 on a party-line vote, with Republicans voting no.
For more information, go to: https://marydye.houserepublicans.wa.gov
- Title
- Rep. Alex Ybarra spotlights his energy bills in this update from Olympia
- Date posted
- 2 months ago
- Description
- Rep. Alex Ybarra, R-Quincy, shares an update from Olympia. The 13th District lawmaker discusses two energy bills he sponsored in this legislative session. House Bill 2410 aims to broaden tax preferences for jet fuel, benefiting distressed areas, while House Bill 1948 empowers clean energy initiatives, removing barriers for utilities and aligning with sustainability goals. HB 1948 was recently approved in the Senate and now heads to the governor's desk for signature.
- Title
- Rep. Leonard Christian urges House to pass amendment to cap carbon taxes
- Date posted
- 2 months ago
- Description
- Amendment 1133 would have capped carbon taxes in Washington state.
The amendment failed 40-56.
- Title
- Rep. Leonard Christian urges House to protect taxpayers from high energy prices
- Date posted
- 2 months ago
- Description
- Amendment 1138 would eliminate the authority for the director of the Department of Ecology to enter into a linkage agreement and instead provides a process for the Department of Ecology to recommend to the Legislature that Washington enter into a linkage agreement and to publish a report containing certain details of the recommended linkage agreement, including the text of the proposed linkage agreement and projected revenue impacts from the linkage agreement.
The amendment failed 40-56.
- Title
- Mashup: House Republicans fight to protect children when parents abuse fentanyl in the home
- Date posted
- 2 months ago
- Description
- Last night, we brought an amendment forward to Senate Bill 6109 to ensure children are protected in the event their parent(s) abuse fentanyl at home. We spoke passionately about the need to protect children because too many are dying. Democrats rejected our amendment.
Speakers include:
Rep. Spencer Hutchins, R-Gig Harbor
Rep. Chris Corry, R-Yakima
Rep. Travis Couture, R-Allyn
Rep. Greg Cheney, R-Battle Ground
Rep. April Connors, R-Kennewick
Rep. Dan Griffey, R-Allyn
Rep. Leonard Christian, R-Spokane Valley
Rep. Michelle Caldier, R-Gig Harbor
Rep. Stephanie Barnard, R-Pasco
Rep. Jacquelin Maycumber, R-Republic
Rep. Jim Walsh, R-Aberdeen
- Title
- Rep. Leonard Christian stands up for children in drug abusing households, urges House to action
- Date posted
- 2 months ago
- Description
- Rep. Leonard Christian, R-Spokane Valley, urged the House to vote for an amendment to Senate Bill 6109 that would have removed kids from households with illegal fentanyl.
The amendment failed 46-49.
- Title
- Rep. Jacquelin Maycumber delivers speech in support of amendment to protect children from fentanyl
- Date posted
- 2 months ago
- Description
- House Republican Floor Leader Jacquelin Maycumber delivers a floor speech in support of Amendment 1164 to Senate Bill 6109. The amendment would have required parents with illegal fentanyl to prove that they can provide a safe home for their children. It was voted down 46-49 by House Democrats, with all House Republicans voting in favor of it.
Senate Bill 6109 passed on a 94-0 voted on February 28.
Amendment 1164: https://lawfilesext.leg.wa.gov/biennium/2023-24/Pdf/Amendments/House/6109-S2.E%20AMH%20COUT%20WICM%20663.pdf
Senate Bill 6109: https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=6109&Year=2023&Initiative=false
- Title
- Rep. Joel McEntire speaks against the Carbon Market Linkage, SB 6058, during House floor debate.
- Date posted
- 2 months ago
- Description
- Rep. Joel McEntire opposes Senate Bill 6058, the Carbon Market Linkage bill, during floor debate.
The Linkage bill would make changes to Washington’s Climate Commitment Act that are designed to make it more compatible with California and Quebec’s linked cap-and-invest carbon market.
McEntire points out linking to high-cost California will worsen Washington's carbon market situation, not make it better.
- Title
- Walsh: Democrats let out-of-state “experts” filibuster police pursuit initiative hearing
- Date posted
- 2 months ago
- Description
- Watch the entire hearing and learn more about I-2113 here: https://houserepublicans.wa.gov/i-2113/
- Title
- Rep. Stephanie Barnard urges bipartisan action to shield children affected by fentanyl use
- Date posted
- 2 months ago
- Description
- Rep. Stephanie Barnard advocates for an amendment designed to enhance protections for vulnerable children whose parents are using fentanyl. Urging her colleagues in the chamber to set aside partisan differences, the lawmaker from the 8th District stresses the importance of safeguarding these children. Despite concerted efforts to prioritize their safety, the amendment narrowly missed passage, with Democrats voting against it by a margin of 46 to 49.
- Title
- House and Senate Republican media availability | Feb. 29, 2024
- Date posted
- 2 months ago
- Description
- House and Senate Republican leadership come together to discuss the 2024 session with the media. #waleg #fixwashington
- Title
- Rep. Greg Cheney shares his strong concerns about SHB 1104's proposed deferred prosecution criteria
- Date posted
- 2 months ago
- Description
- In a recent House floor debate, Rep. Greg Cheney expressed his strong concerns about SHB 1104, focusing on eligibility and criteria for deferred prosecutions. Cheney noted that, under this bill, individuals could potentially reach their tshird DUI conviction before facing any jail time.
- Title
- Rep. Jacobsen speaks against a bill regarding bias-motivated graffiti
- Date posted
- 2 months ago
- Description
- Rep. Cyndy Jacobsen, R-Puyallup, speaks against a bill that would modify criminal penalties for bias-motivated defacement of private or public property. Jacobsen explains that all defacement of property is a crime and no crime should be singled out for special punishment because of the perceived motivations of the perpetrator.
- Title
- Rep. Jacobsen urges a no vote on a new policy regarding hate crimes and bias incidents
- Date posted
- 2 months ago
- Description
- Rep. Cyndy Jacobsen, R-Puyallup, explains why she opposes a bill that would establish a reporting hotline and tracking hate crimes and bias incidents. Jacobsen says we should not enact laws that look at the intent of a person rather than the crime they commit.
- Title
- Rep. Travis Couture floor speech after Dems reject amendment to stop rise in child fentanyl deaths
- Date posted
- 2 months ago
- Description
- Rep. Travis Couture, R-Allyn, who has been fighting to stop the rise in child deaths related to fentanyl for over a year, delivers an emotional floor speech after House Democrats narrowly defeat his amendment to strengthen HB 6109 - a weak bill from Democrats that prioritizes parents on fentanyl over the lives of Washington children. Despite his amendment failing 46-49, Couture urges House colleagues to pass HB 6109, saying "it's better than the nothing we have now."
- Title
- Rep. Jim Walsh condemns SB 5444 for unjustly targeting law-abiding gun owners
- Date posted
- 2 months ago
- Description
- Rep. Jim Walsh, R-Aberdeen, voices his dissent against SB 5444, a gun proposal that infringes upon Second Amendment rights to keep and bear arms. Walsh argues that by penalizing law-abiding citizens instead of targeting criminals, the legislation is eroding the rights of gun owners unjustly.
- Title
- Rep. Jim Walsh pushes amendment to refocus gun bill, majority party denies adoption
- Date posted
- 2 months ago
- Description
- Rep. Jim Walsh, R-Aberdeen, speaks in favor of his amendment aimed at redirecting Senate Bill 5444. Walsh's proposed amendment aims to address the root issue by focusing on criminals rather than penalizing law-abiding citizens who carry weapons while entering specific designated areas. The majority party refused to adopt the amendment.
- Title
- Following retirement announcement, Rep. J.T. Wilcox reflects on 14-year career in the Legislature
- Date posted
- 2 months ago
- Description
- In this Q&A-style video, 2nd District Rep. J.T. Wilcox reflects on his 14-year career in the Legislature and answers the following questions:
- What inspired you to pursue a career in politics and serve as a state representative for 14 years?
- Looking back on your time in office, what accomplishments are you most proud of?
- Can you share any memorable moments or experiences from your legislative career?
- What advice would you give to your successor or aspiring politicians?
- How have you navigated the complexities of bipartisanship and collaboration in the legislative process?
- As you retire from public office, what legacy do you hope to leave behind in your district and the state?
- What are you looking forward to in retirement?
- And what will you miss most?
- Finally, what message would you like to convey to the residents of your district as you step down from you...
- Title
- Rep. Dan Griffey, Rep. Travis Couture talk police pursuits/I-2113 with 35th LD sheriffs
- Date posted
- 2 months ago
- Description
- Rep. Dan Griffey, R-Allyn and Rep. Travis Couture, R-Allyn, meet with all three of their 35th District sheriffs to share message about the real impacts in their communities with existing limiting police pursuits. Thurston County Sheriff Derek Sanders, Kitsap County Sheriff John Gese , and Mason County Sheriff Ryan Spurling all came to Olympia to testify in support of I-2113 - the initiative to the Legislature that would loosen restrictions on police pursuits in Washington - but did not get the chance because of the abbreviated nature of the hearing that saw just seven people provide testimony.
- Title
- Rep. Kelly Chambers on Initiative 2113: Police must be allowed to do their jobs and stop criminals
- Date posted
- 2 months ago
- Description
- Rep. Kelly Chambers discusses today’s public hearing on I-2113 (police pursuit), which saw 5,000+ Washingtonians sign up “pro.” WA ranks #3 in the country for vehicle theft, which is up 73% since 2018. Chambers says police must be allowed to stop criminals. Learn more about I-2113: https://houserepublicans.wa.gov/i-2113/ #waleg #fixwashington
- Title
- Public hearing on Initiative 2113 (restore vehicular pursuits)
- Date posted
- 2 months ago
- Description
- Public hearing on I-2113 (restore vehicular pursuits). Our state has a public safety crisis. We want to fix it. I-2113 would restore the reasonable suspicion standard to vehicular pursuits, empower police officers and have a positive impact on community safety. #waleg #fixwashington
For more information on I-2113, view our summary of the initiative here: https://houserepublicans.wa.gov/i-2113/
- Title
- Rep. Greg Cheney advocates clarity in political advertising removal with House Bill 2371
- Date posted
- 2 months ago
- Description
- Rep. Greg Cheney, R-Battle Ground, delivers a speech on the House floor in support of his bill, House Bill 2371, which aims to provide clarity regarding the removal of political advertising post-election. Currently, state law considers it a misdemeanor to remove or deface political advertisements like yard signs or billboards without authorization. This legislation clarifies the point at which an advertisement is no longer lawfully placed, reducing confusion surrounding individuals' legal responsibilities concerning political signage.
- Title
- Rep. Greg Cheney speaks in favor of clearer political advertising disclosure
- Date posted
- 2 months ago
- Description
- Rep. Greg Cheney, R-Battle Ground, advocates for his legislation, HB 2032, which aims to enhance election transparency. The bill mandates "paid for by" disclosures on large yard signs exceeding the standard dimensions (24’’ x 18’’). This measure ensures that any signs larger than the typical yard sign prominently display the candidate or committee responsible for funding them. By enforcing these advertising disclosures, the bill strengthens transparency, providing voters with information about the entities financing political advertising.
- Title
- Rep. Greg Cheney champions his bill to simplify state employment criteria
- Date posted
- 2 months ago
- Description
- Rep. Greg Cheney, R-Battle Ground, advocates for his proposed legislation, SHB 2216, designed to streamline state employment by removing unnecessary two-year and four-year degree prerequisites.
- Title
- Rep. Greg Cheney speaks to support his bill simplifying court reorganization notification
- Date posted
- 2 months ago
- Description
- Rep. Greg Cheney, R-Battle Ground, delivers a compelling speech on the House floor advocating for his bill, HB 2034, aimed at mandating counties and cities to inform the Administrative Office of the Courts about court reorganizations. This bill seeks to enhance the efficiency of our legal system. By ensuring that all parties, including the state judiciary, are kept apprised of alterations affecting court operations, accountability is fostered, and unexpected disruptions are mitigated.
- Title
- Public hearing on Initiative 2081 (Parents' Bill of Rights)
- Date posted
- 2 months ago
- Description
- Public hearing on I-2081 (Parents’ Bill of Rights). Our state has an education crisis. We want to fix it. We need transparency and accountability in our public schools, and increased parental involvement is the key to better student outcomes. #waleg #fixwashington
For more information on I-2081, view our summary of the initiative here: https://houserepublicans.wa.gov/i-2081/
- Title
- Rep. Christian proposes amendments to protect local control of election security
- Date posted
- 2 months ago
- Description
- In an effort to protect local control of election security, Rep. Leonard Christian, R-Spokane Valley, proposed a series of amendments to Senate Bill 5843.
The bill would require every county to install and maintain an intrusion detection system to monitor their network and to disclose certain malicious activity or breaches of security of information technology systems.
Senate Bill 5843 passed the House 58-37.
- Title
- Rep. Ed Orcutt highlights what to expect in the homestretch of the 2024 legislative session
- Date posted
- 2 months ago
- Description
- Rep. Ed Orcutt, R-Kalama, highlights what to expect in the homestretch of the 2024 legislative session, including the six initiatives and the state supplemental operating, capital and transportation budgets.
Learn more about the six initiatives at: https://houserepublicans.wa.gov/2024-initiatives/
- Title
- Rep. Jim Walsh advocates for parental rights in joint committee hearing on Initiative 2081
- Date posted
- 2 months ago
- Description
- Rep. Jim Walsh, R-Aberdeen, addresses a joint House and Senate committee hearing on Initiative 2081, concerning parental rights relating to their children's public school education. As the initiative's author, Walsh emphasizes its aim to involve parents, grandparents, and legal guardians in their children's upbringing by clarifying parental rights in straightforward terms.
- Title
- Rights of law-abiding citizens to protect themselves from criminals under siege - Rep. Peter Abbarno
- Date posted
- 2 months ago
- Description
- Rep. Peter Abbarno, R-Centralia, stood on the House floor to defend the rights of law-abiding citizens to protect themselves from criminals. He urged the House to vote against Senate Bill 5444, a measure that would bar law-abiding citizens from exercising their right to carry a weapon in certain public areas.
The bill passed the House 58-36.
#2anews #gunrights #2ndamendment #secondamendment #guncontrol
- Title
- Rep. Peter Abbarno defends rights of law-abiding gun owners to protect themselves from criminals
- Date posted
- 2 months ago
- Description
- Rep. Peter Abbarno, R-Centralia, stood on the House floor to defend the rights of law-abiding citizens to protect themselves from criminals. He urged the House to vote against Senate Bill 5444, a measure that would bar law-abiding citizens from exercising their right to carry a weapon in certain public areas.
The bill passed the House 58-36.
#2anews #gunrights #2ndamendment #secondamendment #guncontrol
- Title
- LIVE: Public hearing on Initiative 2081 (Parents' Bill of Rights)
- Date posted
- 2 months ago
- Description
- LIVE: Public hearing on I-2081 (Parents’ Bill of Rights). Our state has an education crisis. We want to fix it. We need transparency and accountability in our public schools, and increased parental involvement is the key to better student outcomes. #waleg #fixwashington
- Title
- Public hearing on Initiative 2111 (prohibiting a state or local personal income tax)
- Date posted
- 2 months ago
- Description
- Public hearing on I-2111 (prohibit state and local personal income taxes). Our state has an affordability crisis. We want to fix it. Washington voters have told us several times over the years they don’t want a state income tax. We are listening. #waleg #fixwashington
For more information on I-2111, view our summary of the initiative here: https://houserepublicans.wa.gov/i-2111/
- Title
- Anti-income tax initiative heard today. Two more initiatives to receive public hearings tomorrow!
- Date posted
- 2 months ago
- Description
- It’s a big week for democracy! Initiative 2111 (prohibits state and local income taxes) received a public hearing today, and (Initiatives 2081 (Parents’ Bill of Rights) and 2113 (restore vehicular pursuits) will be heard tomorrow. Rep. Spencer Hutchins emphasizes how to stay involved in the legislative process. #waleg #fixwashington
- Title
- Rep. Travis Couture blasts the Democrats’ operating budget for failing to fix Washington’s crises
- Date posted
- 2 months ago
- Description
- Rep. Travis Couture on the House Democrats' supplemental operating budget: “We should be focusing on the priorities that our constituents desperately need us to solve the most. This budget doesn't do that.” #waleg #fixwashington
- Title
- Rep. Stephanie Barnard's bill set to enhance community development in Washington state
- Date posted
- 2 months ago
- Description
- The MATCH Program, House Bill 1870, spearheaded by Rep. Stephanie Barnard, is set to revolutionize community development efforts across Washington. By leveraging federal grants effectively, this legislation aims to bolster local initiatives, enhance infrastructure, and empower grassroots projects. With bipartisan support and a clear focus on community well-being, the MATCH Program is poised to make a tangible difference in the lives of Washingtonians.
- Title
- Rep. Jim Walsh champions amendment to support fishing fleet upgrades
- Date posted
- 2 months ago
- Description
- During the recent debate on the House floor, Rep. Jim Walsh, R-Aberdeen, spoke in favor of Amendment 1098 to the state's supplemental transportation budget. This amendment aims to allocate a grant to help cover the expenses associated with upgrading and electrifying boats in the commercial and charter fishing fleets operating along the state's coastline.
- Title
- Rep. Jim Walsh advocates for I-2111, a push to prohibit personal income taxes
- Date posted
- 2 months ago
- Description
- Rep. Jim Walsh, R-Aberdeen, advocates for Initiative 2111. This citizen-driven initiative aims to bar taxes on personal income. Walsh, author of this initiative, articulates its objectives and significance during his speech.
- Title
- "It falls short," says Rep. Kelly Chambers of Democrats' supplemental operating budget proposal
- Date posted
- 2 months ago
- Description
- Rep. Kelly Chambers, assistant ranking member on the House Appropriations Committee, speaks in opposition to the Democrats' $2.2 billion operating budget proposal. In her speech, she confronts the growing size of Washington state's operating budget and its shortcomings in addressing public safety and education concerns.
- Title
- Rep. Sam Low speaks in favor of bipartisan supplemental transportation budget proposal
- Date posted
- 2 months ago
- Description
- Speaking in favor of the supplemental transportation budget, Rep. Sam Low, assistant ranking member on the House Transportation Committee, lauds the bipartisan collaboration that went into crafting a budget that reflects the state's needs.
Low underscores the policy implications of funding priorities, emphasizing the necessity of a new revenue package to kickstart essential projects in his district, including improvements to Highway 2, Highway 522, and Highway 20. He stresses the critical need for an increased state patrol presence to address rising fatalities on roadways, advocates for robust investment in ferry operations and workers, acknowledges the challenges faced by state workers in maintaining roads, and highlights how the budget addresses preservation and maintenance concerns.
- Title
- Rep. Andrew Barkis praises bipartisan supplemental transportation budget proposal
- Date posted
- 2 months ago
- Description
- Rep. Andrew Barkis, ranking Republican on the House Transportation Committee, speaks in favor of the supplemental transportation budget, which was crafted in a bipartisan manner. He dives into the complexities of the budget, focusing on the crucial role it plays in the state's development.
Barkis also underscores the importance of delivering on promises to the public, ensuring that essential projects are completed efficiently.
- Title
- Rep. Ed Orcutt supports amendment to provide financial relief to WA drivers facing high fuel prices
- Date posted
- 2 months ago
- Description
- Rep. Ed Orcutt, R-Kalama, delivers a floor speech in support of Amendment 1107 to Senate Bill 5950 (supplemental operating budget). The policy in the amendment would send $150 checks to registered drivers in Washington state to help offset high fuel prices caused by the state's Climate Commitment Act/carbon tax.
Amendment 1107 was not adopted. Senate Bill 5950 passed on a party-line, 58-37 vote -- with all House Democrats voting in favor and all House Republicans opposed.
Learn more about Senate Bill 5950: https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=5950&Year=2023&Initiative=false
Learn more about Amendment 1107: https://lawfilesext.leg.wa.gov/biennium/2023-24/Pdf/Amendments/House/5950-S.E%20AMH%20CONN%20H3424.1.pdf
- Title
- No meaningful tax relief or resources to address fentanyl crisis in WA House budget | Rep. Connors
- Date posted
- 2 months ago
- Description
- The state collected an extra $3.3 billion over a 4-year outlook, and yet the House Democrats’ 2024 supplemental operating budget provides no meaningful financial relief for working families, argued Rep. April Connors during floor debate on HB 2104. #waleg
- Title
- Rep. Gina Mosbrucker gives an update on her bills and citizens' initiatives hearings - Feb. 22, 2024
- Date posted
- 2 months ago
- Description
- In this Legislative Update, Rep. Gina Mosbrucker, R-Goldendale, says four of her prime-sponsored bills have unanimously passed both the House and Senate committees, and may soon be up for a vote by the full Senate. The 14th District lawmaker describes each of the bills. She also discusses public hearings scheduled on three citizens' initiatives to the Legislature.
Learn more: https://ginamosbrucker.houserepublicans.wa.gov
- Title
- Rep. Travis Couture blasts majority Democrats for failing to prioritize public safety
- Date posted
- 2 months ago
- Description
- Rep. Travis Couture, R-Allyn, says majority Democrats continue to prioritize criminals over public safety in bills they've passed in 2024, and in the supplemental operating budget they passed in the House.
- Title
- Rep. Travis Couture says majority Democrats failed Washington with their budget
- Date posted
- 2 months ago
- Description
- Rep. Travis Couture was highly critical of majority Democrats final 2-year supplemental operating budget right before it passed off the House floor on party lines. Couture said the budget failed to do anything about key priorities, such as public safety and increasing law enforcement staffing. He says it failed to adequately helps Washingtonians with the affordably crisis on everything. Couture said Democrats in the House have passed bills this session that will increase costs, such as rent control.
