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Republican leaders outline public-safety, housing and K–12 priorities as policy cutoff nears
Summary
Senate and House Republican leaders told reporters they will focus on public-safety funding, a GOP housing package and K–12 outcomes ahead of the policy-bill cutoff Friday, and said they will press the new governor on budget reductions and agency efficiency.
OLYMPIA — Senate Republican leader John Braun and House Republican leader Drew Stokesberry used a press availability to outline the caucuses’ agenda as the legislature nears the policy committee cutoff.
Braun said the caucus is concentrating on public safety, noting a bill that would increase funding for local law enforcement is moving through the Senate. He called affordability — including food, gas, housing, child care and health care — a top concern and said a comprehensive housing package under consideration aims to increase supply and lower costs. Braun also flagged K–12 funding and outcomes as a major focus.
Stokesberry said House Republicans will pursue budget discipline and efficiency without raising taxes and will push to stop policies they say undermine public safety. He said his caucus will work to advance bills that reflect their priorities to the House floor before Friday’s cutoff.
Both leaders said they expect to raise those issues during a meeting with the governor. Braun listed likely topics including the governor’s requested 6% agency budget reductions and an emergency-powers reform bill that is scheduled for committee action; Stokesberry said he welcomed the governor’s engagement with the legislature on service delivery.
The leaders declined to announce any formal agreements reached at the availability. No motions or votes were taken during the event; reporters were given a short Q&A before the leaders left for a private meeting with the governor.
