Tag Archives: Boehnke

Boehnke opposes Senate Democrats’ $78.5 billion budget, largest tax hike in state history

Sen. Matt Boehnke, R-Kennewick/Credit: Washington State Senate

OLYMPIA… Sen. Matt Boehnke joined Senate Republicans today in voting against Senate Bill 5167, the majority Democrats’ 2025-27 operating budget, which dramatically increases state spending and relies on the largest set of tax hikes in Washington State history.

Prior to adopting their $78.5 billion budget proposal, majority Democrats rejected the Senate Republicans’ $ave Washington approach, which would have balanced the budget without raising taxes or cutting essential services. That plan was voted down along party lines, 30-19.

Despite bipartisan opposition, the Senate budget was passed 28-21. Once the House adopts an operating budget, which is expected to happen Monday, budget leaders from the two chambers will meet to work on a compromise version.

Senator Boehnke, R-Kennewick and Ranking Member on the Senate Environment, Energy and Technology Committee, issued this statement:

“The budget passed by the Democrats today would cut support for child care, force an increase in tuition at our state-run colleges and universities, raise the costs of hunting and fishing licenses and the Discover Pass, reduce the pay of state employees through furloughs, and more – all while increasing taxes by a record $21 billion. And they adopted that budget after voting down the budget we proposed, even though our plan didn’t require a single tax increase or make a single service cut yet supports K-12 education and other priorities we all share.

“A responsible budget isn’t just about how much we spend—it’s about setting the right priorities, and the priorities in the majority’s budget are clearly wrong. It’s more than just the tax hikes and cuts; they would almost completely drain the state’s rainy-day fund, even though our state is not in a recession and revenues are still on the rise. The budget we offered is focused on preserving core services, and the complete lack of tax increases ensures fiscal responsibility. That’s real value for Washingtonians, and the better way for our state. Fortunately, the Senate budget isn’t the final version, and there is still time for some sanity to overcome the tax madness we’re seeing from the Democrats.”

The 105-day legislative session began Jan. 13 and is scheduled to conclude on April 27.

House committee backs Boehnke bills creating more opportunities for students

Sen. Matt Boehnke, R-Kennewick/Credit: Washington State Senate

OLYMPIA… Today, two of Sen. Matt Boehnke’s bills, which would create more financial opportunities for students in Washington to attend college or a technical school, came one step closer to a vote by the full House of Representatives.

Senate Bill 5542 and Senate Bill 5543 were endorsed by the House Committee on Postsecondary Education and Workforce, with the former gaining unanimous support. Both are now before the committee that determines which legislation will be placed on the voting calendar.

SB 5542 would eliminate the requirement that a student be 19 years of age or older to be eligible for a tuition and fee waiver for a high school completion program.

“Education should never have an expiration date, and by removing the age restriction on high school diploma and certificate course fee waivers, this bill opens the door for more Washingtonians to pursue their education, regardless of their stage in life,” said Boehnke, R-Kennewick. “This bill is about breaking down barriers to opportunity. No one should be denied the chance to earn a diploma or certification simply because they don’t meet an arbitrary age requirement. By expanding access to fee waivers, we’re ensuring that more students, especially those facing financial hardship, can get the education they need to build a better future.”

SB 5543 would extend eligibility for College Bound Scholarships to students who have received a high school-equivalency certificate. Currently, only students with a high-school diploma are eligible.

“Every student deserves a fair shot at higher education, regardless of how they completed high school. Expanding this scholarship to include those with a high school-equivalency certificate removes an unnecessary barrier and opens doors for more students to pursue their dreams. This bill recognizes that success doesn’t follow a single path, and it ensures that financial aid is available to those willing to work for a brighter future.”

The measures have bipartisan sponsorship and were introduced in cooperation with the State Board for Community and Technical Colleges.

Boehnke expects the bills will come up for a vote on the House floor ahead of the April 16 voting deadline. They were passed unanimously by the Senate during the first week of March.

Boehnke, Senate Republicans push back on Democrats’ tax-heavy budget proposal

Sen. Matt Boehnke, R-Kennewick/Credit: Washington State Senate

OLYMPIA… Sen. Matt Boehnke is among the Senate Republicans sounding the alarm over the 2025-27 operating budget proposed Monday by the Senate’s majority Democrats, which calls for nearly $78.5 billion in spending and includes significant tax increases that would burden Washington families and businesses. The plan, which outspends the no-new-taxes, no-cuts Senate Republican “$ave Washington” proposal by $3 billion, prioritizes government expansion over real solutions for working families.

Senator Boehnke, R-Kennewick and Ranking Member on the Senate Environment, Energy and Technology Committee, issued this statement:

“Washingtonians are already struggling with the high cost of living, yet Democrats are pushing a budget that demands billions in new taxes while cutting critical services. This plan fails to support working parents and small businesses and creates additional barriers for students to access higher education. It’s clear where their priorities lie—growing government instead of easing financial burdens on taxpayers and increasing college attendance. The ‘$ave Washington’ budget from Senate Republicans proves we can fund essential services, fully support K-12 education, and protect our most vulnerable citizens without raising a tax or cutting a single service.”

“The Democrats’ budget proposal requires the largest tax increases in state history, yet it still leaves behind those who need help the most. Cutting financial aid while raising tuition, slashing childcare support, and making outdoor recreation more costly is not the way to move Washington forward. On top of that, the Senate majority’s plan would even double the annual bed fees in long-term care facilities like nursing homes and assisted-living facilities. Republicans have proven there is a better way—we can fund key priorities, invest in public safety, and balance the budget without burdening families with higher taxes.”

The 105-day legislative session began Jan. 13 and is scheduled to conclude on April 27.

VIDEO

Sen. Matt Boehnke warns of rising taxes and tuition, emphasizing the impact on higher education. Tuition hikes across WA colleges will affect students statewide. He urges the public to stay engaged and voice concerns against increasing tuition.

WATCH

Kamiakin, Hanford students serve as pages for Sen. Matt Boehnke

Ryan Benham, Kennewick and Sen. Matt Boehnke, R-Kennewick/Credit: Washington State Senate

OLYMPIA… Ryan Benham and Alexander Li recently spent a week working as a page for the Washington State Senate at the Capitol in Olympia.

The teens were among 19 students who served as Senate pages for the ninth week of the 2025 legislative session.

The duo was sponsored by Sen. Matt Boehnke, who represents the 8th Legislative District, which includes Kennewick and Richland in Benton County.

“The page program is a great opportunity for youth from all over the state to connect and meet other students interested in politics,” Boehnke said. “Both of these boys were fantastic pages who did great work, and I am glad they both enjoyed their experience here at the Legislature.”

Ryan, a sophomore at Kamiakin High School and 16-year-old son of Denise Benham of Kennewick, became interested in paging when it was brought to his attention though his school.

He couldn’t be happier about having applied, commenting that “paging is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity with an abundance of knowledge to gain in only a week’s time.”

Alexander, 15, is the son of Huidong Li of Richland. He is a sophomore at Hanford High School, where he is involved in Key Club and has gone to state as a Knowledge Bowl team member two years in a row.

Getting to meet fellow pages from across the state was the highlight of Alexander’s experience. “Making friendships with other students from all over the place was something I never expected, but I am so happy it happened,” he said.

Alexander Li, Richland and Sen. Matt Boehnke, R-Kennewick/Credit: Washington State Senate

The Senate Page Program provides an opportunity for Washington students to spend a week working at the Legislature. Students transport documents between offices, as well as deliver messages and mail. Pages spend time in the Senate chamber and attend page school to learn about parliamentary procedure and the legislative process. Students also draft their own bills and engage in a legislative mock session.

Students interested in the Senate Page Program are encouraged to visit the Senate Page webage.

Applications for the 2026 legislative session open November 1, 2025.

Video | Teach with TVW | Senate Page Ryan Benham, Kennewick

Senate Page, Ryan Benham, from Kennewick, asks Senate Environment, Energy & Technology Committee Chair Sharon Shewmake, (D) 42nd District, and Ranking Committee Member, Matt Boehnke (R) 8th District, the question: “With the rise in energy demands, polls show increasing public support for nuclear energy but many voters have concerns about safety and waste disposal. How do you balance these concerns with the need for clean and reliable energy?”

VIDEO | WATCH

VIDEO | The flaws of the Democrats’ Mileage Tax

Sen. Boehnke warns about the Mileage Tax (HB 1921 & SB 5726) from Legislative Democrats. It would charge 2.6 cents per mile, plus a 10% surcharge—a tax on a tax—tracked by a GPS transmitter. Boehnke says the rate will keep increasing and urges you to tell your legislators to oppose the Mileage Tax.

VIDEO | MILEAGE TAX

Sen. Matt Boehnke highlights the Senate Republican Budget, which closes the $6.6 billion deficit with no new taxes, no tax increases, and no cuts. He says it proves new taxes aren’t necessary and that WA families can’t afford more taxes.

VIDEO | SENATE REPULICAN BUDGET

Senate passes Boehnke bill making emissions data more timely

Sen. Matt Boehnke, R-Kennewick/Credit: Washington State Senate

OLYMPIA… In a landmark move to require more accountability from climate-related policies and programs, the Senate passed legislation from Sen. Matt Boehnke that would transition the state from biennial to annual greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reporting.

Senate Bill 5036 would provide a more current snapshot of Washington’s emissions, allowing lawmakers to make more informed decisions in their ongoing efforts to meet climate goals.

“It’s important we get this emissions data quicker. The current delay in receiving timely data hinders our ability to finely-tune these policies effectively,” said Boehnke, the ranking Republican on the Senate Environment, Energy, and Technology Committee.

“A more frequent reporting cycle will allow us to assess the effectiveness of existing regulations quickly and make necessary adjustments to keep Washington on track to meet its emission-reduction goals. This bill is an important step toward greater accountability by setting up a process where we get real data to make better decisions.”

The new reporting framework would also align state policy adjustments with more up-to-date emissions trends, helping legislators and agencies refine climate programs that intersect with the state’s Climate Commitment Act, Clean Fuel Standard, and zero-emission vehicle policies.

Releases of GHG emissions data biennially, fail to provide the critical data needed to shape effective, science-based climate policies, Boehnke said.

“Currently, our greenhouse gas inventory relies on data compiled from the EPA and other sources. The latest inventory, published in 2024, included data only through 2021. This has created a multi-year lag between the period analyzed and the report’s release.”

Greenhouse gases, including carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide, trap heat in the Earth’s atmosphere, contributing to global warming. Washington’s current climate policies aim to significantly reduce GHG emissions compared to a 1990 baseline, with a key 2030 target of lowering emissions to 45% below 1990 levels.

The 49-0 vote moved Boehnke’s bill to the House of Representatives for further consideration.

The 105-day legislative session began Jan. 13 and is scheduled to conclude on April 27.

Senate passes two Boehnke bills creating more financial opportunities for students

Sen. Matt Boehnke, R-Kennewick and Sen. Nikki Torres, R-Pasco/Credit: Washington State Senate

OLYMPIA… Today brought the deadline for the state Senate to pass legislation across to the House of Representatives, and the list of bills heading to the Legislature’s other chamber includes two of Sen. Matt Boehnke’s pro-education bills.

Senate Bill 5542 and Senate Bill 5543, both of which passed unanimously, would create more financial opportunities for students in Washington to attend college or a technical school.

SB 5542 would eliminate the requirement that a student be 19 years of age or older to be eligible for a high school completion program tuition and fee waiver.

“This is a transformative education bill,” said Boehnke, R-Kennewick. “While it may not solve every challenge, it will significantly reduce barriers for individuals over 19 seeking financial resources for community or technical college. By expanding access, we can increase enrollment and graduation rates, ultimately delivering more skilled workers to our local workforce.”

SB 5543 would extend eligibility for College Bound Scholarships to students who have received a high school-equivalency certificate. Currently, only students with a high-school diploma are eligible.

“Many college-bound kids before the pandemic did not get their high school diploma, for one reason or another, and went on to get an equivalency certificate. This bill opens up more financial resources for these kids and their families and brings a sense of pride. We want to inspire the future for all our kids, and this bill does that.”

Both measures have bipartisan sponsorship and were introduced in cooperation with the State Board for Community and Technical Colleges.

Boehnke’s bills have been referred to the House Postsecondary Education and Workforce Committee.

LISTEN | AUDIO

‘$ave Washington’ budget backed by Boehnke

Sen. Matt Boehnke, R-Kennewick/Credit: Washington State Senate

OLYMPIA… Sen. Matt Boehnke and his Senate Republican colleagues have proposed a new state operating budget that would fund the shared priorities of Washington residents without tax increases or spending cuts.

Their “$ave Washington” proposal offers a commonsense approach that prioritizes financial stability while protecting essential services.

“Washington taxpayers deserve a budget that works for them, not one that asks them to pay more for the same services,” said Boehnke, R-Kennewick. “This plan keeps our state financially stable while rejecting unnecessary tax hikes.”

“Instead of pushing new fees on state parks, hunting, and fishing, the $ave Washington plan makes responsible choices. No one goes backward under this budget — it’s an honest solution that prioritizes fiscal responsibility.”

The $75.6 billion proposal would have state government live within its means. While revenue growth is projected to be 7.6% for the 2025-27 budget cycle (an additional $5 billion), this plan would increase spending by just 5%, keeping the state on solid financial footing while maintaining vital programs.

“This budget challenges the idea that tax hikes are the only way forward. With state revenues expected to grow by $5 billion, we can maintain vital programs without demanding more from hardworking families. The $ave Washington budget protects education, public safety, and social services.”

“It also demands accountability in state spending, tightening the government’s belt where necessary while keeping Washington on a sustainable path. This is the right way to govern — without forcing taxpayers to foot the bill for unnecessary tax increases. Washingtonians have consistently expressed opposition to higher taxes.”

A recent poll found that 98% believe taxes are too high or about right, with 78% saying taxes are too high. Despite this, Democrats have proposed raising fees for state parks, hunting, and fishing, even though such hikes could reduce public participation.

“If we want a government that serves the people, we must make responsible choices. The $ave Washington budget does exactly that—balancing our state’s finances without cuts or tax increases. Instead of asking more from taxpayers, it controls spending and prioritizes what matters most—education, public safety, and services for vulnerable residents.”

The $ave Washington budget prioritizes education funding, ensuring K-12 receives a larger share of the budget for the first time in six years.

The plan also includes public-safety investments, such as funding Senate Bill 5060, backed by Governor Ferguson, which would provide grants to help communities hire more law enforcement officers. In addition, it would implement reforms at the Department of Children, Youth, and Families to reduce administrative costs and prioritize front-line workers.

The plan exempts public safety, social services, and K-12 education from across-the-board reductions, ensuring that vital services remain intact. However, it demands efficiency in other areas.

“If Democrats introduce a budget with tax increases, it’s because they want them—not because Washington needs them. This plan demonstrates that by freezing spending growth in key areas, we can balance the budget responsibly without burdening families or businesses.”

For more information on the $ave Washington plan, src.wastateleg.org/ave-washington.

Sawyer Kreis serves as page for Sen. Matt Boehnke

OLYMPIA… Sawyer Kreis, a sophomore at Hanford High School, recently spent a week working as a page for the Washington State Senate at the Capitol in Olympia.

He was one of 19 students who served as Senate pages for the eighth week of the 2025 legislative session.

He was sponsored by Sen. Matt Boehnke, who represents the 8th Legislative District, which includes Kennewick and Richland in Benton County.

“The page program gives Washington students a unique chance to learn about government and get to know other students from across the state,” said Boehnke. “Sawyer was a fantastic page and a hard worker, and I am very happy he enjoyed this experience.”

One of the highlights of the week for Sawyer was getting to talk with senators while preforming page duties and getting to know them on a more human level. “Everyone here is so normal, even the senators are cool people and make jokes like everyone else does.”

Extra free time is not something Sawyer has too much of, as extracurricular activities include being the theater program, tennis, crafting sculptures, and lots of involvement with other school clubs and groups.

He is the 16-year-old son of Shawn and Irish Kreis of Richland.

Students interested in the Senate Page Program are encouraged to visit:

https://leg.wa.gov/learn-and-participate/civic-education-programs/page-program/

The last day to apply for the Senate Page Program for the 2025 session is March 17, or until all available openings are filled. Applications for the 2026 legislative session open November 1, 2025.