Chris Gildon

PUYALLUP… Although the year’s third quarterly revenue forecast makes the state’s budget picture brighter, the budget leader for Senate Republicans says Olympia’s focus should be on following through on calls to save money and avoid new spending. The forecast, approved today by the state Economic and Revenue Forecast Council, has...

PUYALLUP — A prominent Washington business leader and self-described lifelong Democrat has joined former Governors Gary Locke and Christine Gregoire in raising concerns about Olympia’s budgeting practices. Sen. Chris Gildon said the comments add to a growing debate over the state’s fiscal direction. Gildon, R-Puyallup, pointed to remarks by Tod Leiweke,...

OLYMPIA… Despite an unexpected infusion of money from the state’s capital-gains income tax, Olympia remains on track for yet another multibillion-dollar budget shortfall as it moves into the second half of the current budget cycle. The second of the state’s four quarterly revenue forecasts for 2026 was adopted today by...

PUYALLUP… The budget leader for the state’s Senate Republicans says the “significant” shortfall anticipated in the next state operating budget by Gov. Bob Ferguson’s administration was completely predictable. Sen. Chris Gildon, R-Puyallup, offered this reaction to budgeting instructions sent to state agencies that call for reductions without acknowledging Olympia’s chronic...

PUYALLUP… Washington families deserve an honest discussion about why they continue to pay some of the highest gasoline prices in America, says Sen. Chris Gildon. In a May 20 letter, Gildon urged Gov. Bob Ferguson to temporarily suspend the Climate Commitment Act (CCA) as a way to provide immediate relief...

PUYALLUP… Washington drivers are paying around $1.20 more than the national average for a gallon of gasoline. Sen. Chris Gildon says Gov. Bob Ferguson can reduce that by around 55 cents almost immediately by suspending the costly carbon-related policy known as the Climate Commitment Act. “The governor acknowledged more than...

    Dear Friends and Neighbors, I’ll begin by saying thanks to everyone who joined our recent town hall at the Fruitland Grange. The discussion was spirited at times but respectful, much like how we debate legislation in the Senate. You should have received our 25th District delegation’s 2026 session...

PIERCE COUNTY… The state lawmakers serving Washington’s 25th Legislative District, which includes the Puyallup, South Hill, Summit, and Waller areas of Pierce County, will host an in-person town hall meeting Saturday, April 18. It will be from 9:30 to 11 a.m. at the Fruitland Grange, at 11102 86th Ave. E....

    OLYMPIA… Today’s Senate vote on a final supplemental operating budget for the 2025-27 biennium gave Senate Republican budget leaders another opportunity to express their concerns about the inability of majority Democrats to restrain government spending. Like the separate versions approved in recent days by Senate and House Democrats, the $80.1...