Ericksen calls for legislative hearings on Custer derailment, explosion, possible sabotage • Oil train derailed in Custer Dec. 22 after decoupling that required insider knowledge • Fits pattern of violent, disruptive protest, shows need for legislation, Ericksen says • Urges environmental groups to disassociate themselves from violent protests OLYMPIA – A Whatcom County derailment that resulted in the explosion of three... Read More...

Inslee poised to create blackouts, crash economy, drive up energy costs, Ericksen says – bills await governor’s signature today Bills aim to promote electric cars – but there isn’t enough juice to power them Cap-and-tax, high-cost fuel standards measures will dramatically increase fuel costs Program requires increase in misery for people of state Will reduce Washington competitiveness, job creation Low-carbon fuel standards, cap and trade measures will send fuel... Read More...

As ‘vaccination discrimination’ spreads, Ericksen calls again for ban New decree from governor allows discrimination based on vaccinations ‘Vaccinated only’ seating sections possible for churches, spectator events Ericksen bill bans discrimination in schools, travel, public accommodations Government coercion inappropriate, Ericksen says – should be individual choice OLYMPIA – A new COVID decree from Gov. Jay Inslee mandating “vaccinated only”... Read More...

Income tax sweeps Senate Freedom Caucus ‘Galloping Gertie’ Awards Awards ceremony honors ‘epic fails’ of 2021 legislative session OLYMPIA – The new income tax passed by majority Democrats in the Washington Legislature earned top honors in the first annual Galloping Gertie Awards, presented by the Senate Freedom Caucus to honor the biggest fails of the 2021 legislative session. The... Read More...

Ericksen leads Senate in urging AG action on threats, intimidation at Puyallup Church Senators sign letter urging investigation of possible civil rights violations OLYMPIA – News reports of threats and intimidation at a Puyallup church warrant the attention of the state’s top law enforcement officials as a possible civil rights case, Washington senators declare in a letter to state Attorney General Bob Ferguson.... Read More...

New study says cap and trade would add $2.41 to a gallon of gas • Lawmakers considering big taxes on fuel during final hours of 2021 legislative session • New study says cap and trade could increase costs $2.41 for gas, $2.75 for diesel • Cost per household: $2,050 a year • Would add to existing taxes of 67.8 cents, proposals for low carbon... Read More...

DID YOU KNOW… Senate Democrats are considering another $400 million in new taxes? • New taxes on recording fees, cell phones poised for votes in Senate • Escape attention amid proposals for income tax, big new energy taxes • Would drive up cost of housing, phone service • Disproportionate impact on working families, low-income households OLYMPIA – Proposals for big new taxes are... Read More...

Senate Democrats pass 55-cent increase in gas taxes, as Ericksen makes stand for working families To see floor speech, click here.  Higher fuel prices are top priority for majority Democrats Ericksen says needs of working families come first Bills would have far-reaching effect on economy, stifling jobs, driving up cost of living No measurable impact on environment expected OLYMPIA – A pair of bills that... Read More...

Freedom Caucus battles discrimination as vaccination status becomes civil rights issue • Bill would prohibit discrimination based on COVID vaccination status • Proposals for ‘COVID passports,’ employer actions show urgency of issue • Leaves decision a matter of personal choice OLYMPIA – Discrimination based on vaccination status is a civil rights issue, and should be prohibited by law, say members of... Read More...

Senate Democrats’ budget sends spending skyrocketing and hands bill to middle class, Ericksen says To see video of floor speech, click here. OLYMPIA – A $59 billion state budget passed by majority Senate Democrats Thursday is based on big tax increases and missed opportunities, says Sen. Doug Ericksen, R-Ferndale. Rather than offer struggling Washington families relief from taxes as the state recovers from the... Read More...