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John Braun, right, represents the 20th Legislative District in the Washington State Senate and serves as the Senate Republican Leader. Michael Baumgartner, left, represents Washington’s 5th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives. He previously chaired the Senate Commerce and Labor Committee, and served as Spokane County Treasure
Commentary: How progressives wrecked Washington in under a decade
The Seattle Seahawks just won the Super Bowl. But fans across Washington have returned to a state in trouble.  Over the past eight years, Washington has dropped from No. 1 in the nation for … more
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Wayne Fournier is a Thurston County commissioner and former mayor who has spent more than three decades working in public safety.
Wayne Fournier: When certification meets democracy — who should decide who can be your sheriff?
Who should decide who can serve as your county sheriff: voters or a state board? That question sits at the center of Senate Bill 5974, legislation now awaiting a decision from Gov. Bob Ferguson. … more
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The House is pictured from the gallery during a House floor debate on SB 6346 on Tuesday, March 10, in Olympia.
Commentary: A democracy worthy of its people
This legislative session has been difficult. I have submitted written testimony, signed in support or opposition to numerous bills, and tried in every way available to make my voice heard. Yet, as we … more
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Rep. Peter Abbarno, R-Chehalis, speaks during a House floor debate on SB 6346 on Tuesday, March 10, in Olympia.
Peter Abbarno: A state income tax — making history for all the wrong reasons
After more than 24 hours of debate on the House floor, Democrats in the Legislature passed Senate Bill 6346, moving Washington another step toward something voters have rejected again and again: a … more
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Thurston County commissioner Wayne Fournier speaks about Edward Jones and growth in Tenino during a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Hallett, Conklin, Whitworth, Horning Team of Edward Jones at their new location in Tenino on Tuesday, Oct, 14.
Wayne Fournier: In the tunnels beneath the nation's capital
Last week, I spent several days in Washington, D.C., attending the National Association of Counties Legislative Conference. Each year, leaders from counties across the country gather there to discuss … more
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The Washington state Capitol is pictured from Heritage Park in Olympia on Tuesday, Feb. 3.
Commentary: Will businesses really leave? That’s the wrong question
Our recent survey of Washington employers hit a nerve. The results showing that 44% of business leaders are considering moving their personal residence to another state — and the number who are … more
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State Sen. John Braun, R-Centralia, speaks during a Legislative Media Day at the Washington state Capitol on Thursday, Feb. 19, in Olympia.
John Braun commentary: Another session, another failure by majority to protect children
With a handful of days left in the 2026 legislative session, we still don’t know what will happen with some very controversial bills, such as the proposed income tax. Unfortunately, it’s … more
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Rob Richards is a Navy veteran and former congressional staffer who has been an active community member in Thurston County for over two decades.
Rob Richards Commentary: Bosses getting under our skin — the case against microchipping workers
The Washington House of Representatives recently passed HB 2303, a bill that says companies can’t force workers to get microchips under their skin. It's now making its way through the Senate. At … more
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State Sen. John Braun, R-Centralia, speaks during a Legislative Media Day at the Washington state Capitol on Thursday, Feb. 19, in Olympia.
John Braun commentary: Blame one-party rule for unsustainable new budget, not the feds
Based on what we’ve seen from the Senate’s majority Democrats, the final version of the new operating budget that emerges from Olympia this year will top out at over $80 billion. If so, … more
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Thurston County commissioner Wayne Fournier speaks about Edward Jones and growth in Tenino during a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Hallett, Conklin, Whitworth, Horning Team of Edward Jones at their new location in Tenino on Tuesday, Oct, 14.
Wayne Fournier commentary: What the bell doesn’t tell you after cancer treatment ends
In the first months after cancer treatment ends, people often ask the same question: How does it feel to be done? It’s an understandable question. We like clean endings. We like the idea that … more
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Washington state Sen. John Braun
John Braun commentary: In Olympia, the response is ‘more taxes’ when it should be ‘less spending’
It didn’t take long for majority Democrats in our state Legislature to jump off the affordability bandwagon. Just five days before this year’s session convened, my counterpart on the … more
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Rep. Peter Abbarno, R-Chehalis, listens during an Environment and Energy Committee public hearing on Thursday, Jan. 22, in Olympia.
Peter Abbarno commentary: Washington state attorney general’s new authority puts jobs at risk
Washingtonians value clean air, clean water and responsible environmental stewardship. Our farmers, ranchers, shellfish growers and skilled trades workers depend on it. So do our families. But … more
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A rack holds various e-cigarettes and vaping pens prepared for testing inside a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention laboratory.
Commentary: Stronger enforcement, effective policy: Protecting kids without fueling the Illicit market
Washington lawmakers deserve credit for taking meaningful steps to confront the growing threat of illicit tobacco and vapor products. Stronger enforcement tools, clearer penalties, and a renewed … more
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Wayne Fournier is a Thurston County commissioner, former Tenino mayor, firefighter and lifelong community advocate. His column appears in The Chronicle every two weeks.
Wayne Fournier commentary: Two years after cancer treatment, why I never rang the bell
As I approach the two-year mark since completing cancer treatment, I’ve found myself reflecting more than I expected. Not because of a scan or an appointment, but because of people. Recently, … more
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Commentary: Rule of law takes a hit in Washington with unconstitutional income tax vote
It takes 33 votes to advance a constitutional amendment in the Washington State Senate. In a universe where the Washington Legislature cared about the rule of law and honoring state supreme court … more
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A Sound Transit Link light rail train is stopped at a station as riders use the stairs and escalator to exit.
Commentary: Washington legislation would target parked cars to pay for light rail cost overruns
A new bill in Washington state would target parked vehicles for expired registration. Senate Bill 6172 could be voted on by the Senate soon. The measure received backlash from local radio and online … more
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The Washington state Capitol is pictured from Heritage Park in Olympia on Tuesday, Feb. 3.
Commentary: Proposed tax on advertising would have widespread consequences
In the Washington state Senate’s tax bill, SSB 6113, a small paragraph poses devastating consequences to our communities: it would create a new tax on advertising that has until now been … more
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Sen. John Braun of Centralia serves the 20th Legislative District, which spans parts of four counties from Yelm to Vancouver. He became Senate Republican leader in 2020.
John Braun commentary: Olympia’s concern for affordability continues to be one-sided
Republicans still seem to be alone at the state Capitol when it comes to knowing what “affordability” truly means. The proof is in the nearly 70 bills proposed or reintroduced by majority … more
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Rob Richards is a Navy veteran and former congressional staffer who has been an active community member in Thurston County for over two decades.
Rob Richards Commentary: Building bridges in Thurston County — Why local action matters more than ever
Thurston County is shaped by the state government in Olympia, fast-growing urban areas along I-5, and our rural communities from the Black Hills to the Nisqually Valley. We need to remember that our … more
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The Washington state Capitol is pictured from Heritage Park in Olympia on Tuesday, Feb. 3.
Commentary: Washington’s competitive edge is eroding
Washington has long been a high-cost state for employers, but new data show the state is increasingly losing its competitive edge in key areas.  Job growth is stalling, the business climate … more
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