January 31, 2022
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Budget & Taxes

WA CARES Fund payroll tax exemption now available
October 05, 2021
Dear Neighbor, Some of you may remember receiving a newsletter from me earlier this summer regarding the newly formed WA CARES Fund and the payroll tax that comes with it. In that newsletter, I promised to follow-up with information on how you could opt-out of this program. Today, I want to provide... Read More...

WA CARES Fund (Upcoming Payroll Tax) – what you need to know
July 20, 2021
Dear Friends and Neighbors, I recently heard from many of you regarding the payroll tax that will be implemented next year to fund long-term care. I know many of you have questions and concerns regarding this new tax and I wanted to provide you with background information on this topic... Read More...

That’s a wrap: Republican leaders wish Legislature had listened to the people more
April 25, 2021
Senate Republican leaders released the following remarks as the 2021 legislative session came to a close as it prepared for the traditional “Sine Die” adjournment. Senate Republican Leader John Braun, R-Centralia: “Throughout this session Republicans have consistently offered ideas and taken positions that come from listening to the people.... Read More...

Capital gains income tax update & new recommendations for reopening schools
March 26, 2021
Dear Friends and Neighbors To say that the last few weeks have been intense and demanding is an understatement. Floor action for the Senate and the House during this point in session is always an all-encompassing time that combines long hours, minute focus on the bills before us for consideration... Read More...

Republican budget proposal – we don’t need to raise your taxes
February 22, 2021
Dear Friends and Neighbors We have reached the point in the legislative session where we are busy with floor action – passing bills out of the Senate Chamber and moving them along in the legislative process over to the House of Representatives. As floor leader, I spend many hours in... Read More...

Senate Bill 5114 follow up: Thank you!
January 22, 2021
Dear Friends and Neighbors, This week began with the legislature honoring the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Both the House and Senate chambers offered floor resolutions remembers Dr. King’s legacy. I spoke in strong support of the resolution and that we are stronger when we work together. Click here to... Read More...

Budget cuts should not include releasing inmates early
September 24, 2020
Sen. Shelly Short, R-Addy, issued the following statement in response to the Department of Corrections (DOC) proposal to save money by reducing the state’s prison population by about 30 percent. “The implications of this proposal could have devastating effects on families and communities across our state. A move like this... Read More...

Legislature must act now to curb budget deficit
June 24, 2020
By Shelly Short Special to The Miner COVID-19 has challenged each and every one of us at every level. From businesses, to families and workers, no one has escaped the devastating effects of this pandemic. First and foremost, the coronavirus has taken the lives of too many Washingtonians. We grieve... Read More...