Republican leaders discuss tax increases, public safety and housing as session nears end
Republican legislative leaders sounded the alarm on last-minute tax increases proposed by Democrats, reviewed the status of watered-down public safety policies, and assessed wins, losses and missed opportunities in housing legislation in a wide-ranging discussion with reporters during the last week of the 2023 legislative session.
Lawmakers also answered questions from media members on clergy reporting of child abuse, gun rights and whether Democrats have gone too far on family-related issues. Joining the media were House Republican Leader J.T. Wilcox (R-Yelm), Rep. Kelly Chambers (R-Puyallup), Senate Republican Leader John Braun (R-Centralia) and Sen. Mike Padden (R-Spokane Valley).
