News Releases

Homelessness crisis requires different kind of action, Fortunato says
February 12, 2021
As the ranking member on the Senate’s housing committee, state Sen. Phil Fortunato, R-Auburn has been looking at innovative ways to address the state’s affordable housing and homelessness crisis. Despite billions of dollars being spent on the problem, homelessness and housing insecurity continue to rise. In a recent hearing on... Read More...
Stark contrasts revealed in approach to state’s transportation needs 
February 05, 2021
Transportation policy leaders have been working to address Washington’s ailing infrastructure since the passage of the last major package, known as “Connecting Washington,” in 2015. Despite record increases in the state gas tax and other transportation-related fees and charges, the state’s transportation needs have remained woefully underfunded. State. Sen. Phil Fortunato... Read More...
Republican senators announce formation of ‘Freedom Caucus’
February 04, 2021
Freedom is the watchword for the new Senate Freedom Caucus, announced Thursday by lawmakers to advocate for lower taxes, responsible state spending, individual liberties and a government that gets out of the people’s way. The Freedom Caucus will advocate for core conservative principles. Sen. Doug Ericksen, R-Ferndale, said the new... Read More...
Fortunato thanks Biden for ESD commissioner promotion
January 22, 2021
State Sen. Phil Fortunato, R-Auburn, offered the following statement on the news of Washington’s Employment Security Department commissioner leaving to join the Biden-Harris administration.  “There is a strategy in corporate America that if you have an incompetent manager, you promote them to a job where they cannot do any harm,” said... Read More...
Fortunato continues tax-relief efforts for seniors
January 21, 2021
  OLYMPIA… State Sen. Phil Fortunato, R-Auburn, is keeping his promise to some of the state’s most vulnerable. “Seniors and disabled people are particularly affected by rising property taxes and health-care costs – and that was before the economic uncertainty related to COVID-19,” said Fortunato. “This issue is one that... Read More...
Fortunato introduces legislation to make some emergency proclamations permanent
January 14, 2021
Senator slams Democrat effort to sideline legislative oversight On Wednesday the state Senate’s majority party approved a measure which would extend many of Gov. Jay Inslee’s emergency proclamations indefinitely, and take away the opportunity for continued legislative oversight. Sen. Phil Fortunato, R-Auburn, believes some of the policies should extend beyond... Read More...