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Washington GOP leaders call cutoff results a victory, flag worries on taxes, housing and public safety
Summary
State Republican leaders said the house-of-origin cutoff stopped bills they call harmful to public safety and affordability, highlighted a roughly $2 billion special-education proposal, and pitched a Senate Republican budget as a 'third way' ahead of the budget phase.
Drew, speaking at a press conference on the 60th day of the legislative session, said Republicans successfully blocked several bills at the house-of-origin cutoff that they described as threats to public safety and affordability, and introduced House Republican Deputy Leader Chris Corey and Sen. John Braun.
Sen. John Braun said public safety was a top priority and credited Republicans with stopping proposals he said would make "it easier on criminals" and "harder on victims." Braun also raised concern about a special-education package he described as costly: "I have some concerns about the cost. It's about a $2,000,000,000 bill over the 4 years." He said Senate Republicans rolled out an alternative budget this week that he framed as a "third way" that relies on restraint and existing resources rather than large new taxes.
Republican leaders used the news availability to lay out housing priorities, including a lot-splitting bill they say increases density and lowers entry costs, and to criticize Democratic proposals they said would discourage development. On rent stabilization, leaders warned that the bill's cap and other rules could discourage investment; one speaker said developers might build in other states if the law were too restrictive.
The leaders also raised concerns about recent changes to the parental bill of rights, noting that last-minute amendments and an emergency clause could prevent a citizen referendum. Drew said 400,000 people signed the initiative and criticized what he called a reversal by some Democratic lawmakers.
Why it matters: The remarks preview the second half of session, when budget decisions and floor negotiations intensify. Republican leaders framed the remaining work as protecting public safety and affordability while opposing what they said are costly tax and policy changes.
The press conference closed with Braun thanking reporters and noting continued outreach with the governor's office on policy options.
