Rep. Andrew Engell and Sen. Shelly Short join Tracy Ellis on KOMW Radio’s “Live from Olympia” to give a legislative update

February 9, 2026

State Sen. Shelly Short and Rep. Andrew Engell joined Tracy Ellis on “Live from Olympia” for a legislative update as the 60-day session hits major cutoff deadlines and a busy stretch of floor action.

Short described Republican-led listening sessions on the citizen initiatives recently certified to the Legislature, including proposals on protecting girls’ sports and parents’ rights. She said Democrats have indicated they will not hold formal hearings, so Republicans created a venue for public input. Short emphasized concerns about protecting girls’ privacy and safe spaces, and said opponents were invited but did not participate.

The group also discussed a proposed income tax bill in the Senate. Short said public turnout and opposition have been overwhelming and argued Washington’s challenge is spending, not revenue. She warned an income tax would add to a long list of existing taxes and fees. Short and Engell also raised concerns about increased use of “emergency clauses” and a separate proposal Short called an “initiative killer,” which she said could make it harder for citizens to use initiatives and referendums.

A listener asked whether thefts under $1,000 are not prosecuted. Short said she was not aware of such a law, but Engell described major retail theft impacts locally and said restoring confidence in public safety requires addressing lower-level crime, not just felonies.

In the final segment, lawmakers highlighted district-related priorities still moving, including flexibility for small school districts, efforts to fully fund wildfire response, and a homeowner insurance proposal tied to wildfire risk transparency. Engell also discussed rural health care staffing and his charity care reform proposal, which he said was aimed at preventing unsustainable charity care burdens on border communities while preserving emergency care protections.