Marie Gluesenkamp Perez FINDING

TO: Interested Parties 
FROM: Marie for Congress 
DATE: 7/10/2026 
SUBJECT: Campaign Memo Primary 2026 

Summary 
Voters need to know during this primary election that John Braun is a self-serving career politician 
who has used his 14 years in Olympia to enrich himself.  

Braun helped write the largest property tax increase in Washington state history while cutting 
taxes for his own company, and has taken over $100,000 from insurance and drug companies.  
A self-serving career politician, Braun used his position in Olympia to cut his own company's taxes 
by 40 percent. He favors tax and trade policies that help giant national companies like the one he 
owns, not local small businesses.  

As the cost of healthcare and prescription drugs have skyrocketed, John Braun has taken more than 
$100,000 in campaign contributions from health insurance and pharmaceutical companies while 
doing their bidding. He even voted against protecting coverage for people with pre-existing 
conditions and against efforts that could lower health insurance premiums. 

The top priority is for voters in the Portland media market to see ads on broadcast, as well as 
voters district-wide to see ads on cable, streaming, and digital and read mail about the fact that: 

● 

In Olympia, John Braun was the architect of the largest property tax increase in Washington 
state history — $1.6 billion — while in the very same budget deal he voted to cut his own 
company's taxes by 40 percent. Braun has sponsored legislation to lower the property tax 
bill on land he personally owns, and his company has taken more than $2.5 million in 
taxpayer subsidies. After 14 years, John Braun raised your taxes and cut his own — and he'll 
fit right in with the politicians in Washington, D.C. 

The second priority is for voters in the Portland media market to see ads on broadcast, cable, 
streaming, and digital as well as read mail about the fact that: 

● 

In the state Senate, John Braun took more than $100,000 in campaign contributions from 
health insurance and pharmaceutical interests, and he did their bidding in Olympia. Braun 
voted against protecting coverage for people with preexisting conditions, voted against 

1 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
lowering health insurance premiums, and voted to protect Big Pharma's ability to hike 
prescription drug costs. If Braun got his way, Southwest Washington families pay higher 
premiums and higher drug prices while the corporations funding Braun's campaigns get 
exactly what they paid for. 

Framing guidance 

●  These communications should land as pocketbook and accountability arguments, not 

partisan or national political attacks. 

●  This district has a distinctive look, as do the area's residents who work in natural resource 
industries such as timber and fisheries. Visual references should reflect the community's 
unique look and feel. 

Additional resources 

● 

● 

It is helpful but not essential for voters to receive these communications in the Seattle 
media market. 
In Washington State, everyone votes by mail and there are open primaries. Primary ballots 
are mailed to voters by Friday July 17, 2026, and the deadline to return them by is 8PM on 
Tuesday, August 4, 2026. Most voters mail in their ballots in the final week of the primary. 

Backup 

Claim 

Documenatation 

Braun helped write the largest property tax 
increase in Washington state history while 
cutting taxes for his own company, and has 
taken over $100,000 from insurance and drug 
companies. 

2017: Braun Negotiated The Washington 
State Budget  

2017: As Chair Of The Senate Ways And 
Means Committee, Braun Was Republicans’ 
Chief Budget Writer For The Washington State 
Budget  

2017: Braun Was Chairman Of The Senate 
Ways And Means Committee And Senate 
Republicans’ Chief Budget Writer. “The Senate 
Majority Coalition Caucus released its two-year 
operating budget proposal on Tuesday, placing an 
emphasis on education and services for the state’s 
most vulnerable. The proposal formally launches 
the debate that will take place during the 
remaining four weeks of Washington’s 2017 
regular legislative session. The Senate makes the 

2 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
first legislative proposal this year, followed by a 
formal proposal by the House. Sen. John Braun, 
R-Centralia, Senate Ways and Means chairman 
and the Senate GOP’s chief budget writer, said the 
proposal is a K-12 education budget.” [Centralia 
Chronicle, 3/23/17]  

2017: As Chair Of The Senate Ways And 
Means Committee, Braun Served As Prime 
Sponsor Of The Budget That Provided Full 
Funding For Washington’s K-12 Public 
Schools. “Braun, R-Centralia, served as chair of 
the Senate Ways and Means Committee in 2017 
and was the prime sponsor of the budget that 
provided full funding for Washington’s K-12 
public schools.” [John Braun, Press Release, 
6/7/18] 

The 2017 Republican Budget Plan Was 
“Crafted In Large Part By Sen. John Braun” 

Centralia Chronicle Editorial: The 2017 
Republican Budget Plan Was “Crafted In 
Large Part By Sen. John Braun.” “The 
Republicans’ plans for resolving what is known as 
the McCleary decision are innovative and precise 
in both identifying the current shortcomings of the 
system and shoring them up responsibly. Crafted 
in large part by Sen. John Braun, R-Centralia, the 
proposal calls for the state to ‘collect new, local 
property-tax levies for schools, which would be 
set at a uniform rate statewide and not be subject 
to voter approval. The state also would add $1.4 
billion per two-year budget cycle to supplement 
education funding.’” [Centralia Chronicle, 
1/31/17] 

Braun Defended The Tax Increases, Saying 
“We Expect That 73 Percent Of The State’s 
Taxpayers Will See A Net Property Tax 
Reduction” 

Braun Defended The Property Tax Increase, 
Saying “We Expect That 73 Percent Of The 
State’s Taxpayers Will See A Net Property Tax 
Reduction.” “Details are emerging about the 
budget Washington state lawmakers plan to pass 
before midnight Friday. Over the next four years, 
schools in Washington will get more than $7 

3 

 
 
 
 
 
 
billion in additional state funds. Much of that 
money will come from a hike in the state property 
tax… Republican John Braun chairs the Senate 
budget committee and first proposed the property 
tax swap months ago. ‘We expect that 73 percent 
of the state’s taxpayers will see a net property tax 
reduction.’” [Northwest Public Broadcasting, 
6/29/17] 

Washington’s 2017 Budget Included “The 
Largest State Property Tax Increase In 
Washington History”   

Herald Net: Washington’s 2017 Budget 
Included “The Largest State Property Tax 
Increase In Washington History.”  “The largest 
state property tax increase in Washington history 
is the centerpiece of a plan released Thursday to 
boost funding for public schools as demanded by 
the state Supreme Court. Under the agreement, the 
state will pour an additional $1.8 billion into 
public schools in the next two years and another 
$5.5 billion between 2019 and 2021. Those dollars 
will go to address the education funding mandate 
of the court’s McCleary decision.” [Herald Net, 
6/30/17] 

Washington’s 2017 Budget Property Tax 
Increase Raised $1.6 Billion In New 
Revenue 

2017: Washington’s Budget Property Tax 
Increase Raised $1.6 Billion In New Revenue. 
"To pay for the increased spending, the budget 
counts on $1.6 billion from hiking the state 
property tax to $2.70 per $1,000 of assessed 
valuation, an 81-cent increase from the current 
level." [Herald Net, 10/27/17] 

While Cutting Taxes For His Own 
Company 

In 2017, Braun Voted For SB 5977, Which 
Reduced Business-And-Occupation Tax 
Rates For Manufacturers By 40% 

Washington’s 2017 Budget Reduced 
Business-And-Occupation Tax Rates For 

4 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Manufacturers By 40% Over Four Years, 
Starting In 2019.  “With little notice, a major tax 
cut for manufacturing businesses in Washington 
state was inserted into the state budget deal in the 
waning hours of all-night negotiations last week. 
Under the measure approved by the Legislature on 
Friday, business-and-occupation tax rates for 
manufacturers will be reduced 40 percent over 
four years, starting in 2019. By 2022, 
manufacturers will be taxed at the lower rate that 
lawmakers gave to Boeing and other aerospace 
companies in 2003 and later extended as part of a 
record-setting $8.7 billion tax-break package. The 
move came even as lawmakers raised state 
property taxes as part of a plan to boost state 
public-school funding by $7.3 billion over the 
next four years.” [News Tribune, 7/5/17] 

●  News Tribune: “The Move Came Even As 

Lawmakers Raised State Property Taxes As 
Part Of A Plan To Boost State 
Public-School Funding By $7.3 Billion Over 
The Next Four Years.” “With little notice, a 
major tax cut for manufacturing businesses in 
Washington state was inserted into the state 
budget deal in the waning hours of all-night 
negotiations last week. Under the measure 
approved by the Legislature on Friday, 
business-and-occupation tax rates for 
manufacturers will be reduced 40 percent over 
four years, starting in 2019. By 2022, 
manufacturers will be taxed at the lower rate 
that lawmakers gave to Boeing and other 
aerospace companies in 2003 and later 
extended as part of a record-setting $8.7 
billion tax-break package. The move came 
even as lawmakers raised state property taxes 
as part of a plan to boost state public-school 
funding by $7.3 billion over the next four 
years.” [News Tribune, 7/5/17] 

Braun Voted In Favor Of Washington’s 2017 
Budget. [Washington State Legislature, SB 5977, 
6/30/17] 

Braun’s Company, Braun Northwest, 
Benefited From The Tax Cut 

5 

 
 
 
 
 
Braun’s Company, Braun Northwest, Benefited 
From The Tax Cut. “Braun said the tax cut had 
been a priority for Senate Republicans, but they 
had not been sure how to pay for it in the budget. 
He said in exchange for giving Democrats 
spending they wanted, the GOP sought the tax cut 
during final negotiations…Braun is president of 
Braun Northwest, a company that builds 
emergency vehicles and would benefit from the 
tax cut. Before Friday’s vote on the bill, Braun 
sought an ethics ruling from Lt. Gov. Cyrus Habib 
on whether he should recuse himself. Habib ruled 
that Braun, as part of a large class of beneficiaries, 
was cleared to vote.” [News Tribune, 7/5/17] 

And Has Taken Over $100,000 From 
Insurance And Drug Companies 

The Pharmaceutical And Health Insurance 
Industries Contributed A Combined 
$110,950 To Braun From 2012 To 2025 

2012-2025: The Pharmaceutical Industry 
Contributed $73,550 To Braun’s Washington 
State Senate Campaigns 

2012-2025: The Pharmaceutical Interests 
Contributed $73,550 To Braun’s State Senate 
Campaigns. [Washington Public Disclosure 
Commission, accessed 2/24/26] 

NOTE: See Appendix For Contribution 
Breakdown 

2012-2025: The Health Care Insurance 
Industry Contributed $37,400 To Braun’s 
Washington State Senate Campaigns 

2012-2025: The Health Care Insurance 
Industry Contributed $37,400 To Braun’s State 
Senate Campaigns. [Washington Public 
Disclosure Commission, accessed 2/24/26] 

NOTE: See Appendix For Contribution 
Breakdown 

6 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
A self-serving career politician, Braun used his 
position in Olympia to cut his own company's 
taxes by 40 percent. He favors tax and trade 
policies that help giant national companies like 
the one he owns, not local small businesses. 

In 2017, Braun Voted For SB 5977, Which 
Reduced Business-And-Occupation Tax 
Rates For Manufacturers By 40% 

Washington’s 2017 Budget Reduced 
Business-And-Occupation Tax Rates For 
Manufacturers By 40% Over Four Years, 
Starting In 2019.  “With little notice, a major tax 
cut for manufacturing businesses in Washington 
state was inserted into the state budget deal in the 
waning hours of all-night negotiations last week. 
Under the measure approved by the Legislature on 
Friday, business-and-occupation tax rates for 
manufacturers will be reduced 40 percent over 
four years, starting in 2019. By 2022, 
manufacturers will be taxed at the lower rate that 
lawmakers gave to Boeing and other aerospace 
companies in 2003 and later extended as part of a 
record-setting $8.7 billion tax-break package. The 
move came even as lawmakers raised state 
property taxes as part of a plan to boost state 
public-school funding by $7.3 billion over the 
next four years.” [News Tribune, 7/5/17] 

●  News Tribune: “The Move Came Even As 

Lawmakers Raised State Property Taxes As 
Part Of A Plan To Boost State 
Public-School Funding By $7.3 Billion Over 
The Next Four Years.” “With little notice, a 
major tax cut for manufacturing businesses in 
Washington state was inserted into the state 
budget deal in the waning hours of all-night 
negotiations last week. Under the measure 
approved by the Legislature on Friday, 
business-and-occupation tax rates for 
manufacturers will be reduced 40 percent over 
four years, starting in 2019. By 2022, 
manufacturers will be taxed at the lower rate 
that lawmakers gave to Boeing and other 
aerospace companies in 2003 and later 
extended as part of a record-setting $8.7 
billion tax-break package. The move came 
even as lawmakers raised state property taxes 
as part of a plan to boost state public-school 
funding by $7.3 billion over the next four 
years.” [News Tribune, 7/5/17] 

7 

 
 
 
 
Braun Voted In Favor Of Washington’s 2017 
Budget. [Washington State Legislature, SB 5977, 
6/30/17] 

Braun’s Company, Braun Northwest, 
Benefited From The Tax Cut 

Braun’s Company, Braun Northwest, Benefited 
From The Tax Cut. “Braun said the tax cut had 
been a priority for Senate Republicans, but they 
had not been sure how to pay for it in the budget. 
He said in exchange for giving Democrats 
spending they wanted, the GOP sought the tax cut 
during final negotiations…Braun is president of 
Braun Northwest, a company that builds 
emergency vehicles and would benefit from the 
tax cut. Before Friday’s vote on the bill, Braun 
sought an ethics ruling from Lt. Gov. Cyrus Habib 
on whether he should recuse himself. Habib ruled 
that Braun, as part of a large class of beneficiaries, 
was cleared to vote.” [News Tribune, 7/5/17] 

8 

 
 
 
As the cost of healthcare and prescription 
drugs have skyrocketed, John Braun has taken 
more than $100,000 in campaign contributions 
from health insurance and pharmaceutical 
companies while doing their bidding. He even 
voted against protecting coverage for people 
with pre-existing conditions and against efforts 
that could lower health insurance premiums. 

As The Cost Of Healthcare And 
Prescription Drugs Have Skyrocketed,  

John Braun Has Taken More Than 
$100,000 In Campaign Contributions 
From Health Insurance And 
Pharmaceutical Companies  

The Pharmaceutical And Health Insurance 
Industries Contributed A Combined 
$110,950 To Braun From 2012 To 2025 

2012-2025: The Pharmaceutical Industry 
Contributed $73,550 To Braun’s Washington 
State Senate Campaigns 

2012-2025: The Pharmaceutical Interests 
Contributed $73,550 To Braun’s State Senate 
Campaigns. [Washington Public Disclosure 
Commission, accessed 2/24/26] 

NOTE: See Appendix For Contribution 
Breakdown 

2012-2025: The Health Care Insurance 
Industry Contributed $37,400 To Braun’s 
Washington State Senate Campaigns 

2012-2025: The Health Care Insurance 
Industry Contributed $37,400 To Braun’s State 
Senate Campaigns. [Washington Public 
Disclosure Commission, accessed 2/24/26] 

NOTE: See Appendix For Contribution 
Breakdown 

While Doing Their Bidding 

2022: Braun Voted Against SB 5532, Which 
Created A Prescription Drug Affordability 
Board 

2022: Braun Voted Against SB 5532, Which 
Created A Prescription Drug Affordability 
Board. In March 2022, Braun voted against SB 
5532, a bill “establishing a prescription drug 

9 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
affordability board.” The bill passed the Senate by 
a vote of 28-20 and was signed into law. 
[Washington State Legislature, SB 5532, 3/7/22] 

●  The Prescription Drug Affordability Board 

Identified The Need For Upper Limits On 
Drug Prices And Imposed Penalties On 
Increased Revenue For Some Prescriptions. 
“Senate Bill 5532 would establish the 
Prescription Affordability Board, said Sen. 
Karen Keiser, D-Des Moines. She advanced 
similar legislation to the governor’s desk in 
2020, but it was vetoed when the pandemic 
ramped up and the legislature scrambled to 
respond. The board would identify 
prescription drug prices above a certain 
threshold and determine whether upper 
payment limits are needed. The bill requires 
the Department of Revenue to impose 
penalties on increased revenue for some 
prescriptions.” [Columbia Basin Herald, 
1/20/22] 

Washington’s Prescription Drug Affordability 
Board Aimed To Set Limits On What 
Individuals, State Agencies, And Insurers Must 
Pay For Prescription Drugs  

AARP: SB 5532 “Would Create A Prescription 
Drug Affordability Board To Evaluate Prices 
And Set Limits On What Individuals, State 
Agencies, And Insurers Must Pay.” “AARP 
applauds Senator Karen Keiser (D–Des Moines) 
for introducing a bill to help protect Washington 
consumers from exorbitant price increases for 
prescription drugs.  Senate Bill 5532 would create 
a Prescription Drug Affordability Board to 
evaluate prices and set limits on what individuals, 
state agencies, and insurers must pay.  This 
legislation could lead to lower insurance 
premiums, reduce taxpayer spending on 
healthcare, and would help ensure people can 
afford the medication they need.” [AARP, 
accessed 12/9/25] 

10 

 
 
 
 
 
Prescription Drug Affordability Boards Were 
Considered “Necessary To Lower The Total 
Cost Of The Drugs For Payers” And Were 
Opposed By The Pharmaceutical Industry  

National Academy For State Health Policy: 
Prescription Drug Affordability Boards Were 
“Necessary To Lower The Total Cost Of The 
Drugs For Payers.” “On March 24, 2022, 
Washington state joined five other leading states 
in establishing a Prescription Drug Affordability 
Board (PDAB) when Governor Inslee signed SB 
5532, sponsored by Senator Karen Keiser, into 
law. Washington’s PDAB, like those already 
established in Maryland and Colorado, has the 
authority to limit what payers in the state will pay 
for certain high-cost drugs following an 
affordability review…More than a dozen states 
have enacted legislation to cap out-of-pocket costs 
for insulin and on March 30, 2022, the House 
passed a federal out-of-pocket cap for insulin at 
$35 a month (HR 6833). While out-of-pocket caps 
bring necessary and immediate relief to 
consumers, additional measures like a state PDAB 
or federal drug price negotiations, are also 
necessary to lower the total cost of the drugs for 
payers.” [National Academy for State Health 
Policy, 4/7/22] 

PhRMA Described Prescription Drug 
Affordability Boards As “Government Price 
Setting Schemes” That “[Wedged] 
Government-Appointed Bureaucrats Between 
Doctors And Their Patients” 

PhRMA Said Prescription Drug Affordability 
Boards Were “Government Price Setting 
Schemes That Let Politicians Set Medicine 
Prices With Little Accountability To, Or Input 
From, Patients And Their Doctors.” “Risk 
patients’ access to medicines. Prescription drug 
boards are government price setting schemes that 
let politicians set medicine prices with little 
accountability to, or input from, patients and their 
doctors. Under this scheme, an unelected board of 
bureaucrats evaluates the price of medicines and 
determines whether certain medicines and 
treatments are worth paying for, with the state 
coming between patients and the treatments their 
doctors prescribe.” [PhRMA, 10/10/23]  

11 

 
 
 
 
PhRMA Opposed Prescription Drug 
Affordability Boards And Claimed The Boards 
“[Wedged] Government-Appointed 
Bureaucrats Between Doctors And Their 
Patients.”  “Groups motivated by special interests 
(see NASHP) and backed by insurance companies 
(see AARP) are pushing states to adopt flawed 
price-setting schemes, often in the form of 
prescription drug affordability boards (PDABs). 
Establishing these boards wedges 
government-appointed bureaucrats between 
doctors and their patients while shortsightedly 
focusing on only one component of health care — 
all too curiously avoiding any review of or actions 
on abusive health insurance practices. This is not 
good news for patients.” [PhRMA, 10/10/23] 

Braun Voted Against SB5203, Which 
Sought To Increase Washingtonians’ 
Access To More Affordable, Generic 
Prescription Drug Options, Including 
Insulin  

2021: Braun Voted Against SB 5203, Which 
Allowed Washington State To Enter Into 
Partnership Agreements With To Produce, 
Distribute, Or Purchase Generic Prescription 
Drugs And Distribute And Purchase Insulin. In 
April 2021, Braun voted against SB 5203, a bill 
“An Act relating to the production, distribution, 
and purchase of generic prescription drugs and 
distribution or purchase of insulin; amending 
RCW 70.14.060; and adding a new section to 
chapter 70.14 RCW. [Washington State 
Legislature, SB 5202, 3/4/21, 4/21/21] 

SB 5203 Allowed Washington State To 
Distribute And Manufacture Generic 
Prescriptions By Forming Partnerships With 
Other States, Local Governments, Nonprofit 
Organizations, For-Profit Insurers And 
Medical-Care Providers 

SB 5203 Allowed Washington State To 
Distribute And Manufacture Generic 
Prescription Drugs By Forming Partnerships 
With Other States, Local Governments, 
Nonprofit Organizations, For-Profit Insurers 

12 

 
 
 
 
 
 
And Medical-Care Providers. “Legislation that 
passed the state Senate on Thursday would enable 
Washington to not just buy generics, but also 
distribute and even manufacture the cheaper 
drugs. To do this, the state could form partnerships 
with a range of organizations: other states, local 
governments, nonprofit organizations, for-profit 
insurers and medical-care providers… This 
legislative session’s prescription drug bill, Senate 
Bill 5203, is the latest entry in the playbook as 
Olympia tries to bend the curve on drug costs.” 
[Cascade PBS, 3/4/21] 

Cascade PBS: SB 5203 Allowed “Washington 
State To Partner With Other States, 
Organizations And Companies To Procure 
Nonpatented Drugs, Often Generics.” “Having 
passed the Senate on a vote of 28-21, SB 5203 
would enable Washington to enter the generic 
drug market more vigorously. The bill is driven 
partly by California’s push to begin manufacturing 
insulin and other drugs that are inexpensive to 
produce but have crept — or leapt — up in price. 
If enacted, the bill would allow Washington state 
to partner with other states, organizations and 
companies to procure nonpatented drugs, often 
generics. The group could contract with 
manufacturers, buy in bulk at reduced cost or 
make the drugs themselves.” [Cascade PBS, 
3/4/21] 

Braun Voted Against SB 6113, Which 
Created A Centralized Insulin-Purchasing 
Program To Allow Washington State To 
Purchase Insulin At Bulk Discount Rates 

2020: Braun Voted Against SB 6113, Which 
Created A Centralized Insulin-Purchasing 
Program In Washington State. In February 
2020, Braun voted against SB 6113, a bill which 
“[created] a central insulin purchasing program.” 
[Washington State Legislature, SB 6113, 2/18/20] 

A Centralized Insulin-Purchasing Program 
Would Allow Washington State To Purchase 
Insulin At Bulk Discount Rates 

A Centralized Insulin-Purchasing Program 
Would Allow Washington State To Purchase 

13 

 
 
 
 
 
 
Insulin At Bulk Discount Rates. “Senate Bill 
6113: Modeled after the state’s decades-old 
Childhood Vaccine Program, a centralized 
purchasing program that takes advantage of ‘bulk 
discount rates,’ this bill would create a centralized 
insulin-purchasing program. Advocates hope the 
program could leverage the buying power of the 
state to drive down costs, but have urged 
lawmakers to include type I diabetics to the list of 
stakeholders involved in devising the purchasing 
strategy.” [Seattle Times, 2/19/20] 

Advocates Of SB 6113 Noted The Program 
Could Leverage The Buying Power Of The 
State To Drive Down Prescription Drug Costs 

Advocates Of SB 6113 Noted The Program 
Could Leverage The Buying Power Of The 
State To Drive Down Prescription Drug Costs. 
“Senate Bill 6113: Modeled after the state’s 
decades-old Childhood Vaccine Program, a 
centralized purchasing program that takes 
advantage of ‘bulk discount rates,’ this bill would 
create a centralized insulin-purchasing program. 
Advocates hope the program could leverage the 
buying power of the state to drive down costs, but 
have urged lawmakers to include type I diabetics 
to the list of stakeholders involved in devising the 
purchasing strategy.” [Seattle Times, 2/19/20] 

Braun Voted Against Requiring Health 
Insurance Companies To Cover 
Pre-Existing Conditions  

March 2019: Braun Voted Against SHB 1870, 
Which Required Health Insurance Policies 
Sold In Washington To Cover Pre-Existing 
Conditions  

March 2019: Braun Voted Against SHB 1870. 
In March 2019, Baun voted against SHB 1870, 
which “[made] state law consistent with selected 
federal consumer protections in the patient 
protection and affordable care act.” The bill 
passed by a vote of 28-17-4. [Washington State 
Legislature, SHB 1870, 3/27/19] 

●  SHB 1870 Made Washington State Law 
Consistent With Federal Consumer 

14 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Protections In The ACA, Including 
Requiring Insurance Plans Sold In 
Washington To Cover Pre-Existing 
Conditions, Limit Out-Of-Pocket Expenses, 
And Eliminate Lifetime Limits On Health 
Care Benefits Paid By Insurers. “Makes 
state law consistent with selected federal 
consumer protections in the Patient Protection 
and Affordable Care Act. Passed the Senate 
on March 27 by a vote of 28-17, four 
members excused. Bailey and Wagner voted 
no. This measure would make a number of 
provisions mandated by the federal ACA part 
of state law. Under HB 1870, Washington 
insurance plans would have to offer policies 
that cover pre-existing conditions, provide a 
wide range of benefits, limit out-of-pocket 
expenses a covered person must pay, and 
eliminate lifetime limits on health care 
benefits paid by insurers, and other mandates 
under the ACA, often referred to as 
Obamacare.” [Stanwood Camano News, 
4/1/19] 

 He Even Voted Against Protecting 
Coverage For People With Pre-Existing 
Conditions And Against Efforts That 
Could Lower Health Insurance 
Premiums 

Braun Voted Against Requiring Health 
Insurance Companies To Cover 
Pre-Existing Conditions  

March 2019: Braun Voted Against SHB 1870, 
Which Required Health Insurance Policies 
Sold In Washington To Cover Pre-Existing 
Conditions  

March 2019: Braun Voted Against SHB 1870. 
In March 2019, Baun voted against SHB 1870, 
which “[made] state law consistent with selected 
federal consumer protections in the patient 
protection and affordable care act.” The bill 
passed by a vote of 28-17-4. [Washington State 
Legislature, SHB 1870, 3/27/19] 

15 

 
 
 
 
 
 
●  SHB 1870 Made Washington State Law 
Consistent With Federal Consumer 
Protections In The ACA, Including 
Requiring Insurance Plans Sold In 
Washington To Cover Pre-Existing 
Conditions, Limit Out-Of-Pocket Expenses, 
And Eliminate Lifetime Limits On Health 
Care Benefits Paid By Insurers. “Makes 
state law consistent with selected federal 
consumer protections in the Patient Protection 
and Affordable Care Act. Passed the Senate 
on March 27 by a vote of 28-17, four 
members excused. Bailey and Wagner voted 
no. This measure would make a number of 
provisions mandated by the federal ACA part 
of state law. Under HB 1870, Washington 
insurance plans would have to offer policies 
that cover pre-existing conditions, provide a 
wide range of benefits, limit out-of-pocket 
expenses a covered person must pay, and 
eliminate lifetime limits on health care 
benefits paid by insurers, and other mandates 
under the ACA, often referred to as 
Obamacare.” [Stanwood Camano News, 
4/1/19] 

2022: Braun Voted Against SB 5532, Which 
Created A Prescription Drug Affordability 
Board 

2022: Braun Voted Against SB 5532, Which 
Created A Prescription Drug Affordability 
Board. In March 2022, Braun voted against SB 
5532, a bill “establishing a prescription drug 
affordability board.” The bill passed the Senate by 
a vote of 28-20 and was signed into law. 
[Washington State Legislature, SB 5532, 3/7/22] 

●  The Prescription Drug Affordability Board 

Identified The Need For Upper Limits On 
Drug Prices And Imposed Penalties On 
Increased Revenue For Some Prescriptions. 
“Senate Bill 5532 would establish the 
Prescription Affordability Board, said Sen. 
Karen Keiser, D-Des Moines. She advanced 
similar legislation to the governor’s desk in 
2020, but it was vetoed when the pandemic 
ramped up and the legislature scrambled to 
respond. The board would identify 

16 

 
 
 
 
prescription drug prices above a certain 
threshold and determine whether upper 
payment limits are needed. The bill requires 
the Department of Revenue to impose 
penalties on increased revenue for some 
prescriptions.” [Columbia Basin Herald, 
1/20/22] 

AARP: Washington’s Prescription Drug 
Affordability Board “Could Lead To Lower 
Insurance Premiums”  

AARP: SB 5532 “Would Create A Prescription 
Drug Affordability Board To Evaluate Prices 
And Set Limits On What Individuals, State 
Agencies, And Insurers Must Pay.” “AARP 
applauds Senator Karen Keiser (D–Des Moines) 
for introducing a bill to help protect Washington 
consumers from exorbitant price increases for 
prescription drugs.  Senate Bill 5532 would create 
a Prescription Drug Affordability Board to 
evaluate prices and set limits on what individuals, 
state agencies, and insurers must pay.  This 
legislation could lead to lower insurance 
premiums, reduce taxpayer spending on 
healthcare, and would help ensure people can 
afford the medication they need.” [AARP, 
accessed 12/9/25] 

In Olympia, John Braun was the architect of the 
largest property tax increase in Washington 
state history — $1.6 billion — while in the very 
same budget deal he voted to cut his own 
company's taxes by 40 percent. Braun has 
sponsored legislation to lower the property tax 
bill on land he personally owns, and his 
company has taken more than $2.5 million in 
taxpayer subsidies. After 14 years, John Braun 
raised your taxes and cut his own — and he'll 
fit right in with the politicians in Washington, 
D.C. 

In Olympia, John Braun Was The 
Architect Of The Largest Property Tax 
Increase In Washington State History— 
$1.6 Billion, 

2017: Braun Negotiated The Washington 
State Budget  

2017: As Chair Of The Senate Ways And 
Means Committee, Braun Was Republicans’ 
Chief Budget Writer For The Washington State 
Budget  

2017: Braun Was Chairman Of The Senate 
Ways And Means Committee And Senate 
Republicans’ Chief Budget Writer. “The Senate 

17 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Majority Coalition Caucus released its two-year 
operating budget proposal on Tuesday, placing an 
emphasis on education and services for the state’s 
most vulnerable. The proposal formally launches 
the debate that will take place during the 
remaining four weeks of Washington’s 2017 
regular legislative session. The Senate makes the 
first legislative proposal this year, followed by a 
formal proposal by the House. Sen. John Braun, 
R-Centralia, Senate Ways and Means chairman 
and the Senate GOP’s chief budget writer, said the 
proposal is a K-12 education budget.” [Centralia 
Chronicle, 3/23/17]  

2017: As Chair Of The Senate Ways And 
Means Committee, Braun Served As Prime 
Sponsor Of The Budget That Provided Full 
Funding For Washington’s K-12 Public 
Schools. “Braun, R-Centralia, served as chair of 
the Senate Ways and Means Committee in 2017 
and was the prime sponsor of the budget that 
provided full funding for Washington’s K-12 
public schools.” [John Braun, Press Release, 
6/7/18] 

The 2017 Republican Budget Plan Was 
“Crafted In Large Part By Sen. John Braun” 

Centralia Chronicle Editorial: The 2017 
Republican Budget Plan Was “Crafted In 
Large Part By Sen. John Braun.” “The 
Republicans’ plans for resolving what is known as 
the McCleary decision are innovative and precise 
in both identifying the current shortcomings of the 
system and shoring them up responsibly. Crafted 
in large part by Sen. John Braun, R-Centralia, the 
proposal calls for the state to ‘collect new, local 
property-tax levies for schools, which would be 
set at a uniform rate statewide and not be subject 
to voter approval. The state also would add $1.4 
billion per two-year budget cycle to supplement 
education funding.’” [Centralia Chronicle, 
1/31/17] 

Braun Defended The Tax Increases, Saying 
“We Expect That 73 Percent Of The State’s 
Taxpayers Will See A Net Property Tax 
Reduction” 

18 

 
 
 
 
 
 
Braun Defended The Property Tax Increase, 
Saying “We Expect That 73 Percent Of The 
State’s Taxpayers Will See A Net Property Tax 
Reduction.” “Details are emerging about the 
budget Washington state lawmakers plan to pass 
before midnight Friday. Over the next four years, 
schools in Washington will get more than $7 
billion in additional state funds. Much of that 
money will come from a hike in the state property 
tax… Republican John Braun chairs the Senate 
budget committee and first proposed the property 
tax swap months ago. ‘We expect that 73 percent 
of the state’s taxpayers will see a net property tax 
reduction.’” [Northwest Public Broadcasting, 
6/29/17] 

Washington’s 2017 Budget Included “The 
Largest State Property Tax Increase In 
Washington History”   

Herald Net: Washington’s 2017 Budget 
Included “The Largest State Property Tax 
Increase In Washington History.”  “The largest 
state property tax increase in Washington history 
is the centerpiece of a plan released Thursday to 
boost funding for public schools as demanded by 
the state Supreme Court. Under the agreement, the 
state will pour an additional $1.8 billion into 
public schools in the next two years and another 
$5.5 billion between 2019 and 2021. Those dollars 
will go to address the education funding mandate 
of the court’s McCleary decision.” [Herald Net, 
6/30/17] 

Washington’s 2017 Budget Property Tax 
Increase Raised $1.6 Billion In New 
Revenue 

2017: Washington’s Budget Property Tax 
Increase Raised $1.6 Billion In New Revenue. 
"To pay for the increased spending, the budget 
counts on $1.6 billion from hiking the state 
property tax to $2.70 per $1,000 of assessed 
valuation, an 81-cent increase from the current 
level." [Herald Net, 10/27/17] 

19 

 
 
 
 
 
 
In Olympia, John Braun Was The 
Architect Of The Largest Property Tax 
Increase In Washington State History— 
$1.6 Billion, 

2017: Braun Negotiated The Washington 
State Budget  

2017: As Chair Of The Senate Ways And 
Means Committee, Braun Was Republicans’ 
Chief Budget Writer For The Washington State 
Budget  

2017: Braun Was Chairman Of The Senate 
Ways And Means Committee And Senate 
Republicans’ Chief Budget Writer. “The Senate 
Majority Coalition Caucus released its two-year 
operating budget proposal on Tuesday, placing an 
emphasis on education and services for the state’s 
most vulnerable. The proposal formally launches 
the debate that will take place during the 
remaining four weeks of Washington’s 2017 
regular legislative session. The Senate makes the 
first legislative proposal this year, followed by a 
formal proposal by the House. Sen. John Braun, 
R-Centralia, Senate Ways and Means chairman 
and the Senate GOP’s chief budget writer, said the 
proposal is a K-12 education budget.” [Centralia 
Chronicle, 3/23/17]  

2017: As Chair Of The Senate Ways And 
Means Committee, Braun Served As Prime 
Sponsor Of The Budget That Provided Full 
Funding For Washington’s K-12 Public 
Schools. “Braun, R-Centralia, served as chair of 
the Senate Ways and Means Committee in 2017 
and was the prime sponsor of the budget that 
provided full funding for Washington’s K-12 
public schools.” [John Braun, Press Release, 
6/7/18] 

The 2017 Republican Budget Plan Was 
“Crafted In Large Part By Sen. John Braun” 

Centralia Chronicle Editorial: The 2017 
Republican Budget Plan Was “Crafted In 
Large Part By Sen. John Braun.” “The 
Republicans’ plans for resolving what is known as 

20 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
the McCleary decision are innovative and precise 
in both identifying the current shortcomings of the 
system and shoring them up responsibly. Crafted 
in large part by Sen. John Braun, R-Centralia, the 
proposal calls for the state to ‘collect new, local 
property-tax levies for schools, which would be 
set at a uniform rate statewide and not be subject 
to voter approval. The state also would add $1.4 
billion per two-year budget cycle to supplement 
education funding.’” [Centralia Chronicle, 
1/31/17] 

Braun Defended The Tax Increases, Saying 
“We Expect That 73 Percent Of The State’s 
Taxpayers Will See A Net Property Tax 
Reduction” 

Braun Defended The Property Tax Increase, 
Saying “We Expect That 73 Percent Of The 
State’s Taxpayers Will See A Net Property Tax 
Reduction.” “Details are emerging about the 
budget Washington state lawmakers plan to pass 
before midnight Friday. Over the next four years, 
schools in Washington will get more than $7 
billion in additional state funds. Much of that 
money will come from a hike in the state property 
tax… Republican John Braun chairs the Senate 
budget committee and first proposed the property 
tax swap months ago. ‘We expect that 73 percent 
of the state’s taxpayers will see a net property tax 
reduction.’” [Northwest Public Broadcasting, 
6/29/17] 

Washington’s 2017 Budget Included “The 
Largest State Property Tax Increase In 
Washington History”   

Herald Net: Washington’s 2017 Budget 
Included “The Largest State Property Tax 
Increase In Washington History.”  “The largest 
state property tax increase in Washington history 
is the centerpiece of a plan released Thursday to 
boost funding for public schools as demanded by 
the state Supreme Court. Under the agreement, the 
state will pour an additional $1.8 billion into 
public schools in the next two years and another 
$5.5 billion between 2019 and 2021. Those dollars 
will go to address the education funding mandate 

21 

 
 
 
 
 
of the court’s McCleary decision.” [Herald Net, 
6/30/17] 

Washington’s 2017 Budget Property Tax 
Increase Raised $1.6 Billion In New 
Revenue 

2017: Washington’s Budget Property Tax 
Increase Raised $1.6 Billion In New Revenue. 
"To pay for the increased spending, the budget 
counts on $1.6 billion from hiking the state 
property tax to $2.70 per $1,000 of assessed 
valuation, an 81-cent increase from the current 
level." [Herald Net, 10/27/17] 

While In The Very Same Budget Deal 
He Voted To Cut His Own Company's 
Taxes By 40 Percent.  

2017: Braun Negotiated The Washington 
State Budget  

2017: As Chair Of The Senate Ways And 
Means Committee, Braun Was Republicans’ 
Chief Budget Writer For The Washington State 
Budget  

2017: Braun Was Chairman Of The Senate 
Ways And Means Committee And Senate 
Republicans’ Chief Budget Writer. “The Senate 
Majority Coalition Caucus released its two-year 
operating budget proposal on Tuesday, placing an 
emphasis on education and services for the state’s 
most vulnerable. The proposal formally launches 
the debate that will take place during the 
remaining four weeks of Washington’s 2017 
regular legislative session. The Senate makes the 
first legislative proposal this year, followed by a 
formal proposal by the House. Sen. John Braun, 
R-Centralia, Senate Ways and Means chairman 
and the Senate GOP’s chief budget writer, said the 
proposal is a K-12 education budget.” [Centralia 
Chronicle, 3/23/17]  

22 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
In 2017, Braun Voted For SB 5977, Which 
Reduced Business-And-Occupation Tax 
Rates For Manufacturers By 40% 

Washington’s 2017 Budget Reduced 
Business-And-Occupation Tax Rates For 
Manufacturers By 40% Over Four Years, 
Starting In 2019.  “With little notice, a major tax 
cut for manufacturing businesses in Washington 
state was inserted into the state budget deal in the 
waning hours of all-night negotiations last week. 
Under the measure approved by the Legislature on 
Friday, business-and-occupation tax rates for 
manufacturers will be reduced 40 percent over 
four years, starting in 2019. By 2022, 
manufacturers will be taxed at the lower rate that 
lawmakers gave to Boeing and other aerospace 
companies in 2003 and later extended as part of a 
record-setting $8.7 billion tax-break package. The 
move came even as lawmakers raised state 
property taxes as part of a plan to boost state 
public-school funding by $7.3 billion over the 
next four years.” [News Tribune, 7/5/17] 

●  News Tribune: “The Move Came Even As 

Lawmakers Raised State Property Taxes As 
Part Of A Plan To Boost State 
Public-School Funding By $7.3 Billion Over 
The Next Four Years.” “With little notice, a 
major tax cut for manufacturing businesses in 
Washington state was inserted into the state 
budget deal in the waning hours of all-night 
negotiations last week. Under the measure 
approved by the Legislature on Friday, 
business-and-occupation tax rates for 
manufacturers will be reduced 40 percent over 
four years, starting in 2019. By 2022, 
manufacturers will be taxed at the lower rate 
that lawmakers gave to Boeing and other 
aerospace companies in 2003 and later 
extended as part of a record-setting $8.7 
billion tax-break package. The move came 
even as lawmakers raised state property taxes 
as part of a plan to boost state public-school 
funding by $7.3 billion over the next four 
years.” [News Tribune, 7/5/17] 

23 

 
 
 
 
Braun Voted In Favor Of Washington’s 2017 
Budget. [Washington State Legislature, SB 5977, 
6/30/17] 

Braun’s Company, Braun Northwest, 
Benefited From The Tax Cut 

Braun’s Company, Braun Northwest, Benefited 
From The Tax Cut. “Braun said the tax cut had 
been a priority for Senate Republicans, but they 
had not been sure how to pay for it in the budget. 
He said in exchange for giving Democrats 
spending they wanted, the GOP sought the tax cut 
during final negotiations…Braun is president of 
Braun Northwest, a company that builds 
emergency vehicles and would benefit from the 
tax cut. Before Friday’s vote on the bill, Braun 
sought an ethics ruling from Lt. Gov. Cyrus Habib 
on whether he should recuse himself. Habib ruled 
that Braun, as part of a large class of beneficiaries, 
was cleared to vote.” [News Tribune, 7/5/17 

Braun Has Sponsored Legislation To 
Lower The Property Tax Bill On Land 
He Personally Owns,  

2014-2015: Braun Sponsored Legislation 
To Decrease The Minimum Acreage 
Requirement For Designated Forest Land 
And Maintain Tax Exemptions For Forest 
Land  

2014: Braun Sponsored And Voted For S.B 
6180, A Bill Decreasing The Minimum Acreage 
Requirement For Designated Forest Land 

January 2014: Braun Sponsored S.B. 6180, A 
Bill “Consolidating Designated Forest Lands 
And Open Space Timber Lands For Ease Of 
Administration.” In January 2014, Braun voted 
for S.B. 6180, a bill “consolidating designated 
forest lands and open space timber lands for ease 
of administration.” The bill passed the Senate by a 
vote of 35-13 and was signed into law. 
[Washington State Legislature, S.B. 6180, 
Sponsored 1/16/14] 

24 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
February 2014: Braun Voted For S.B. 6180, A 
Bill “Consolidating Designated Forest Lands 
And Open Space Timber Lands For Ease Of 
Administration.” In February 2014, Braun voted 
for S.B. 6180, a bill “consolidating designated 
forest lands and open space timber lands for ease 
of administration.” The bill passed the Senate by a 
vote of 35-13 and was signed into law. 
[Washington State Legislature, S.B. 6180, 
2/17/14] 

●  S.B. 6180 Decreased The Minimum 

Acreage For Designated Forest Land From 
20 Acres To Five Acres. “Today the governor 
signed Senate Bill 6180 into law which 
changes how counties administer forest land 
and open space timber programs. This 
legislation authorizes counties to merge 
programs for more efficient and cost effective 
administration. […] The bill also reduces the 
minimum size for land to be designated forest 
land from 20 acres to five.” [John Braun, 
Press Release, 4/3/14] 

2015: Braun Sponsored S.B. 5628, A Bill 
Exempting Designated Forest Land From 
Property Tax Increases To Fund Local 
Government Projects 

January 2015: Braun Sponsored S.B. 5628, A 
Bill “Providing For Storm Water, Flood 
Control, And Water Supply Infrastructure In 
The State.” In January 2015, Braun sponsored: 
“AN ACT Relating to providing for storm water, 
flood control, and water supply infrastructure in 
the state.” [Washington State Legislature, S.B. 
5628, Sponsored 1/26/15] 

●  S.B. 5628 Exempted Designated Forest 
Land From Property Tax Increases To 
Fund Local Government Projects. “His bill, 
SB 5628, calls for a property tax assessment 
ranging from $35 to $500 a year, depending 
on parcel use and size. The revenue would be 
distributed to local governments that 
demonstrate they have the most important 
projects. The funds could be tapped to pay for 
such projects as the new reservoirs called for 
by the Yakima Basin Integrated Plan or 
controlling stormwater runoff polluting Puget 

25 

 
 
 
 
 
Sound. […] Other sponsors of the bill include 
Sens. Judy Warnick, R-Moses Lake; John 
Braun, R-Centralia; Steve Hobbs, D-Lake 
Stevens; and Maralyn Chase, D-Shoreline. 
The proposed property tax would range from 
$35 to as much as $500 a year, depending on 
the size of the parcel. Residential lots under an 
acre would pay $35. The rate would be $60 
for lots from 1 to 5 acres, and $90 for lots 
over 5 acres. Nonresidential parcels would be 
between $125 to $500, depending on the size. 
Designated forest land and nonirrigated farm 
land would be exempt.” [Yakima Herald, 
2/4/15] 

Braun Owned Forest Land  

2024: More Than Half Of Braun’s Reported 
Properties Were Designated As Forest Land 

2024: According To The Lewis And Thurston 
County Assessors Records, 17 Of Braun’s 28 
Properties Were Designated As Forest Land. 
[Washington State Public Disclosure Commission, 
John Braun 2024 Personal Financial Affairs 
Disclosure, filed 4/14/25; Lewis County Assessor, 
accessed 3/10/26; Thurston County Assessor, 
accessed 3/10/26] 

See Appendix For Full List  

And His Company Has Taken More 
Than $2.5 Million In Taxpayer 
Subsidies 

Braun Northwest Has Received Over $2.5 
Million In Tax Credits From The State Of 
Washington 

2004-2024: Braun Northwest Received 
$2,599,178.60 In Tax Credits From Washington 
State 

2004-2024: Braun Northwest Received 
$2,599,178.60 In Tax Credits From Washington 
State. [Good Jobs First, Subsidy Tracker, 
accessed 9/15/25; Washington Department of 

26 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Revenue, Tax Incentive Public Disclosure Survey 
Data, accessed 9/16/25] 

See Appendix For Full Breakdown 

After 14 Years, John Braun Raised 
Your Taxes And Cut His Own — And 
He'll Fit Right In With The Politicians 
In Washington, D.C. 

2026: Braun 14 Years In The Washington 
State Senate  

2025: Braun Served In His Fourth Term In The 
Washington State Senate. “John Braun, the top 
Republican in the Washington state Senate, 
launched his campaign Tuesday to unseat 
Democratic U.S. Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez 
next year. […] Braun, now in his fourth term as a 
state senator, brings legislative experience, 
electoral know-how and a brand of Republicanism 
he hopes will appeal to independent and GOP 
voters who shunned Kent.” [Washington State 
Standard, 8/12/25] 

In The State Senate, John Braun Took 
More Than $100,000 In Campaign 
Contributions From Health Insurance 
And Pharmaceutical Interests, And He 
Did Their Bidding In Olympia.  

The Pharmaceutical And Health Insurance 
Industries Contributed A Combined 
$110,950 To Braun From 2012 To 2025 

2012-2025: The Pharmaceutical Industry 
Contributed $73,550 To Braun’s Washington 
State Senate Campaigns 

2012-2025: The Pharmaceutical Interests 
Contributed $73,550 To Braun’s State Senate 
Campaigns. [Washington Public Disclosure 
Commission, accessed 2/24/26] 

27 

In the state Senate, John Braun took more than 
$100,000 in campaign contributions from 
health insurance and pharmaceutical interests, 
and he did their bidding in Olympia. Braun 
voted against protecting coverage for people 
with preexisting conditions, voted against 
lowering health insurance premiums, and voted 
to protect Big Pharma's ability to hike 
prescription drug costs. If Braun got his way, 
Southwest Washington families pay higher 
premiums and higher drug prices while the 
corporations funding Braun's campaigns get 
exactly what they paid for. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTE: See Appendix For Contribution 
Breakdown 

2012-2025: The Health Care Insurance 
Industry Contributed $37,400 To Braun’s 
Washington State Senate Campaigns 

2012-2025: The Health Care Insurance 
Industry Contributed $37,400 To Braun’s State 
Senate Campaigns. [Washington Public 
Disclosure Commission, accessed 2/24/26] 

NOTE: See Appendix For Contribution 
Breakdown 

2022: Braun Voted Against SB 5532, Which 
Created A Prescription Drug Affordability 
Board 

2022: Braun Voted Against SB 5532, Which 
Created A Prescription Drug Affordability 
Board. In March 2022, Braun voted against SB 
5532, a bill “establishing a prescription drug 
affordability board.” The bill passed the Senate by 
a vote of 28-20 and was signed into law. 
[Washington State Legislature, SB 5532, 3/7/22] 

●  The Prescription Drug Affordability Board 

Identified The Need For Upper Limits On 
Drug Prices And Imposed Penalties On 
Increased Revenue For Some Prescriptions. 
“Senate Bill 5532 would establish the 
Prescription Affordability Board, said Sen. 
Karen Keiser, D-Des Moines. She advanced 
similar legislation to the governor’s desk in 
2020, but it was vetoed when the pandemic 
ramped up and the legislature scrambled to 
respond. The board would identify 
prescription drug prices above a certain 
threshold and determine whether upper 
payment limits are needed. The bill requires 
the Department of Revenue to impose 
penalties on increased revenue for some 
prescriptions.” [Columbia Basin Herald, 
1/20/22] 

28 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Washington’s Prescription Drug Affordability 
Board Aimed To Set Limits On What 
Individuals, State Agencies, And Insurers Must 
Pay For Prescription Drugs  

AARP: SB 5532 “Would Create A Prescription 
Drug Affordability Board To Evaluate Prices 
And Set Limits On What Individuals, State 
Agencies, And Insurers Must Pay.” “AARP 
applauds Senator Karen Keiser (D–Des Moines) 
for introducing a bill to help protect Washington 
consumers from exorbitant price increases for 
prescription drugs.  Senate Bill 5532 would create 
a Prescription Drug Affordability Board to 
evaluate prices and set limits on what individuals, 
state agencies, and insurers must pay.  This 
legislation could lead to lower insurance 
premiums, reduce taxpayer spending on 
healthcare, and would help ensure people can 
afford the medication they need.” [AARP, 
accessed 12/9/25] 

Prescription Drug Affordability Boards Were 
Considered “Necessary To Lower The Total 
Cost Of The Drugs For Payers” And Were 
Opposed By The Pharmaceutical Industry  

National Academy For State Health Policy: 
Prescription Drug Affordability Boards Were 
“Necessary To Lower The Total Cost Of The 
Drugs For Payers.” “On March 24, 2022, 
Washington state joined five other leading states 
in establishing a Prescription Drug Affordability 
Board (PDAB) when Governor Inslee signed SB 
5532, sponsored by Senator Karen Keiser, into 
law. Washington’s PDAB, like those already 
established in Maryland and Colorado, has the 
authority to limit what payers in the state will pay 
for certain high-cost drugs following an 
affordability review…More than a dozen states 
have enacted legislation to cap out-of-pocket costs 
for insulin and on March 30, 2022, the House 
passed a federal out-of-pocket cap for insulin at 
$35 a month (HR 6833). While out-of-pocket caps 
bring necessary and immediate relief to 
consumers, additional measures like a state PDAB 
or federal drug price negotiations, are also 
necessary to lower the total cost of the drugs for 

29 

 
 
 
 
payers.” [National Academy for State Health 
Policy, 4/7/22] 

PhRMA Described Prescription Drug 
Affordability Boards As “Government Price 
Setting Schemes” That “[Wedged] 
Government-Appointed Bureaucrats Between 
Doctors And Their Patients” 

PhRMA Said Prescription Drug Affordability 
Boards Were “Government Price Setting 
Schemes That Let Politicians Set Medicine 
Prices With Little Accountability To, Or Input 
From, Patients And Their Doctors.” “Risk 
patients’ access to medicines. Prescription drug 
boards are government price setting schemes that 
let politicians set medicine prices with little 
accountability to, or input from, patients and their 
doctors. Under this scheme, an unelected board of 
bureaucrats evaluates the price of medicines and 
determines whether certain medicines and 
treatments are worth paying for, with the state 
coming between patients and the treatments their 
doctors prescribe.” [PhRMA, 10/10/23]  

PhRMA Opposed Prescription Drug 
Affordability Boards And Claimed The Boards 
“[Wedged] Government-Appointed 
Bureaucrats Between Doctors And Their 
Patients.”  “Groups motivated by special interests 
(see NASHP) and backed by insurance companies 
(see AARP) are pushing states to adopt flawed 
price-setting schemes, often in the form of 
prescription drug affordability boards (PDABs). 
Establishing these boards wedges 
government-appointed bureaucrats between 
doctors and their patients while shortsightedly 
focusing on only one component of health care — 
all too curiously avoiding any review of or actions 
on abusive health insurance practices. This is not 
good news for patients.” [PhRMA, 10/10/23] 

Braun Voted Against SB5203, Which 
Sought To Increase Washingtonians’ 
Access To More Affordable, Generic 
Prescription Drug Options, Including 
Insulin  

30 

 
 
 
 
 
 
2021: Braun Voted Against SB 5203, Which 
Allowed Washington State To Enter Into 
Partnership Agreements With To Produce, 
Distribute, Or Purchase Generic Prescription 
Drugs And Distribute And Purchase Insulin. In 
April 2021, Braun voted against SB 5203, a bill 
“An Act relating to the production, distribution, 
and purchase of generic prescription drugs and 
distribution or purchase of insulin; amending 
RCW 70.14.060; and adding a new section to 
chapter 70.14 RCW. [Washington State 
Legislature, SB 5202, 3/4/21, 4/21/21] 

SB 5203 Allowed Washington State To 
Distribute And Manufacture Generic 
Prescriptions By Forming Partnerships With 
Other States, Local Governments, Nonprofit 
Organizations, For-Profit Insurers And 
Medical-Care Providers 

SB 5203 Allowed Washington State To 
Distribute And Manufacture Generic 
Prescription Drugs By Forming Partnerships 
With Other States, Local Governments, 
Nonprofit Organizations, For-Profit Insurers 
And Medical-Care Providers. “Legislation that 
passed the state Senate on Thursday would enable 
Washington to not just buy generics, but also 
distribute and even manufacture the cheaper 
drugs. To do this, the state could form partnerships 
with a range of organizations: other states, local 
governments, nonprofit organizations, for-profit 
insurers and medical-care providers… This 
legislative session’s prescription drug bill, Senate 
Bill 5203, is the latest entry in the playbook as 
Olympia tries to bend the curve on drug costs.” 
[Cascade PBS, 3/4/21] 

Cascade PBS: SB 5203 Allowed “Washington 
State To Partner With Other States, 
Organizations And Companies To Procure 
Nonpatented Drugs, Often Generics.” “Having 
passed the Senate on a vote of 28-21, SB 5203 
would enable Washington to enter the generic 
drug market more vigorously. The bill is driven 
partly by California’s push to begin manufacturing 
insulin and other drugs that are inexpensive to 
produce but have crept — or leapt — up in price. 
If enacted, the bill would allow Washington state 
to partner with other states, organizations and 

31 

 
 
 
 
companies to procure nonpatented drugs, often 
generics. The group could contract with 
manufacturers, buy in bulk at reduced cost or 
make the drugs themselves.” [Cascade PBS, 
3/4/21] 

Braun Voted Against SB 6113, Which 
Created A Centralized Insulin-Purchasing 
Program To Allow Washington State To 
Purchase Insulin At Bulk Discount Rates 

2020: Braun Voted Against SB 6113, Which 
Created A Centralized Insulin-Purchasing 
Program In Washington State. In February 
2020, Braun voted against SB 6113, a bill which 
“[created] a central insulin purchasing program.” 
[Washington State Legislature, SB 6113, 2/18/20] 

A Centralized Insulin-Purchasing Program 
Would Allow Washington State To Purchase 
Insulin At Bulk Discount Rates 

A Centralized Insulin-Purchasing Program 
Would Allow Washington State To Purchase 
Insulin At Bulk Discount Rates. “Senate Bill 
6113: Modeled after the state’s decades-old 
Childhood Vaccine Program, a centralized 
purchasing program that takes advantage of ‘bulk 
discount rates,’ this bill would create a centralized 
insulin-purchasing program. Advocates hope the 
program could leverage the buying power of the 
state to drive down costs, but have urged 
lawmakers to include type I diabetics to the list of 
stakeholders involved in devising the purchasing 
strategy.” [Seattle Times, 2/19/20] 

Advocates Of SB 6113 Noted The Program 
Could Leverage The Buying Power Of The 
State To Drive Down Prescription Drug Costs 

Advocates Of SB 6113 Noted The Program 
Could Leverage The Buying Power Of The 
State To Drive Down Prescription Drug Costs. 
“Senate Bill 6113: Modeled after the state’s 
decades-old Childhood Vaccine Program, a 
centralized purchasing program that takes 
advantage of ‘bulk discount rates,’ this bill would 
create a centralized insulin-purchasing program. 
Advocates hope the program could leverage the 

32 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
buying power of the state to drive down costs, but 
have urged lawmakers to include type I diabetics 
to the list of stakeholders involved in devising the 
purchasing strategy.” [Seattle Times, 2/19/20] 

Braun Voted Against Requiring Health 
Insurance Companies To Cover 
Pre-Existing Conditions  

March 2019: Braun Voted Against SHB 1870, 
Which Required Health Insurance Policies 
Sold In Washington To Cover Pre-Existing 
Conditions  

March 2019: Braun Voted Against SHB 1870. 
In March 2019, Baun voted against SHB 1870, 
which “[made] state law consistent with selected 
federal consumer protections in the patient 
protection and affordable care act.” The bill 
passed by a vote of 28-17-4. [Washington State 
Legislature, SHB 1870, 3/27/19] 

●  SHB 1870 Made Washington State Law 
Consistent With Federal Consumer 
Protections In The ACA, Including 
Requiring Insurance Plans Sold In 
Washington To Cover Pre-Existing 
Conditions, Limit Out-Of-Pocket Expenses, 
And Eliminate Lifetime Limits On Health 
Care Benefits Paid By Insurers. “Makes 
state law consistent with selected federal 
consumer protections in the Patient Protection 
and Affordable Care Act. Passed the Senate 
on March 27 by a vote of 28-17, four 
members excused. Bailey and Wagner voted 
no. This measure would make a number of 
provisions mandated by the federal ACA part 
of state law. Under HB 1870, Washington 
insurance plans would have to offer policies 
that cover pre-existing conditions, provide a 
wide range of benefits, limit out-of-pocket 
expenses a covered person must pay, and 
eliminate lifetime limits on health care 
benefits paid by insurers, and other mandates 
under the ACA, often referred to as 
Obamacare.” [Stanwood Camano News, 
4/1/19] 

33 

 
 
 
 
 
Braun Voted Against Protecting 
Coverage For People With Preexisting 
Conditions, Voted Against Efforts That 
Could Lower Health Insurance 
Premiums,  

Braun Voted Against Requiring Health 
Insurance Companies To Cover 
Pre-Existing Conditions  

March 2019: Braun Voted Against SHB 1870, 
Which Required Health Insurance Policies 
Sold In Washington To Cover Pre-Existing 
Conditions  

March 2019: Braun Voted Against SHB 1870. 
In March 2019, Baun voted against SHB 1870, 
which “[made] state law consistent with selected 
federal consumer protections in the patient 
protection and affordable care act.” The bill 
passed by a vote of 28-17-4. [Washington State 
Legislature, SHB 1870, 3/27/19] 

●  SHB 1870 Made Washington State Law 
Consistent With Federal Consumer 
Protections In The ACA, Including 
Requiring Insurance Plans Sold In 
Washington To Cover Pre-Existing 
Conditions, Limit Out-Of-Pocket Expenses, 
And Eliminate Lifetime Limits On Health 
Care Benefits Paid By Insurers. “Makes 
state law consistent with selected federal 
consumer protections in the Patient Protection 
and Affordable Care Act. Passed the Senate 
on March 27 by a vote of 28-17, four 
members excused. Bailey and Wagner voted 
no. This measure would make a number of 
provisions mandated by the federal ACA part 
of state law. Under HB 1870, Washington 
insurance plans would have to offer policies 
that cover pre-existing conditions, provide a 
wide range of benefits, limit out-of-pocket 
expenses a covered person must pay, and 
eliminate lifetime limits on health care 
benefits paid by insurers, and other mandates 
under the ACA, often referred to as 
Obamacare.” [Stanwood Camano News, 
4/1/19] 

34 

 
 
 
 
 
2022: Braun Voted Against SB 5532, Which 
Created A Prescription Drug Affordability 
Board 

2022: Braun Voted Against SB 5532, Which 
Created A Prescription Drug Affordability 
Board. In March 2022, Braun voted against SB 
5532, a bill “establishing a prescription drug 
affordability board.” The bill passed the Senate by 
a vote of 28-20 and was signed into law. 
[Washington State Legislature, SB 5532, 3/7/22] 

●  The Prescription Drug Affordability Board 

Identified The Need For Upper Limits On 
Drug Prices And Imposed Penalties On 
Increased Revenue For Some Prescriptions. 
“Senate Bill 5532 would establish the 
Prescription Affordability Board, said Sen. 
Karen Keiser, D-Des Moines. She advanced 
similar legislation to the governor’s desk in 
2020, but it was vetoed when the pandemic 
ramped up and the legislature scrambled to 
respond. The board would identify 
prescription drug prices above a certain 
threshold and determine whether upper 
payment limits are needed. The bill requires 
the Department of Revenue to impose 
penalties on increased revenue for some 
prescriptions.” [Columbia Basin Herald, 
1/20/22] 

AARP: Washington’s Prescription Drug 
Affordability Board “Could Lead To Lower 
Insurance Premiums”  

AARP: SB 5532 “Would Create A Prescription 
Drug Affordability Board To Evaluate Prices 
And Set Limits On What Individuals, State 
Agencies, And Insurers Must Pay.” “AARP 
applauds Senator Karen Keiser (D–Des Moines) 
for introducing a bill to help protect Washington 
consumers from exorbitant price increases for 
prescription drugs.  Senate Bill 5532 would create 
a Prescription Drug Affordability Board to 
evaluate prices and set limits on what individuals, 
state agencies, and insurers must pay.  This 
legislation could lead to lower insurance 
premiums, reduce taxpayer spending on 

35 

 
 
 
 
 
 
healthcare, and would help ensure people can 
afford the medication they need.” [AARP, 
accessed 12/9/25] 

And Voted To Protect Big Pharma's 
Ability To Hike Prescription Drug 
Costs.  

2022: Braun Voted Against SB 5532, Which 
Created A Prescription Drug Affordability 
Board 

2022: Braun Voted Against SB 5532, Which 
Created A Prescription Drug Affordability 
Board. In March 2022, Braun voted against SB 
5532, a bill “establishing a prescription drug 
affordability board.” The bill passed the Senate by 
a vote of 28-20 and was signed into law. 
[Washington State Legislature, SB 5532, 3/7/22] 

●  The Prescription Drug Affordability Board 

Identified The Need For Upper Limits On 
Drug Prices And Imposed Penalties On 
Increased Revenue For Some Prescriptions. 
“Senate Bill 5532 would establish the 
Prescription Affordability Board, said Sen. 
Karen Keiser, D-Des Moines. She advanced 
similar legislation to the governor’s desk in 
2020, but it was vetoed when the pandemic 
ramped up and the legislature scrambled to 
respond. The board would identify 
prescription drug prices above a certain 
threshold and determine whether upper 
payment limits are needed. The bill requires 
the Department of Revenue to impose 
penalties on increased revenue for some 
prescriptions.” [Columbia Basin Herald, 
1/20/22] 

Washington’s Prescription Drug Affordability 
Board Aimed To Set Limits On What 
Individuals, State Agencies, And Insurers Must 
Pay For Prescription Drugs  

AARP: SB 5532 “Would Create A Prescription 
Drug Affordability Board To Evaluate Prices 
And Set Limits On What Individuals, State 
Agencies, And Insurers Must Pay.” “AARP 

36 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
applauds Senator Karen Keiser (D–Des Moines) 
for introducing a bill to help protect Washington 
consumers from exorbitant price increases for 
prescription drugs.  Senate Bill 5532 would create 
a Prescription Drug Affordability Board to 
evaluate prices and set limits on what individuals, 
state agencies, and insurers must pay.  This 
legislation could lead to lower insurance 
premiums, reduce taxpayer spending on 
healthcare, and would help ensure people can 
afford the medication they need.” [AARP, 
accessed 12/9/25] 

Prescription Drug Affordability Boards Were 
Considered “Necessary To Lower The Total 
Cost Of The Drugs For Payers” And Were 
Opposed By The Pharmaceutical Industry  

National Academy For State Health Policy: 
Prescription Drug Affordability Boards Were 
“Necessary To Lower The Total Cost Of The 
Drugs For Payers.” “On March 24, 2022, 
Washington state joined five other leading states 
in establishing a Prescription Drug Affordability 
Board (PDAB) when Governor Inslee signed SB 
5532, sponsored by Senator Karen Keiser, into 
law. Washington’s PDAB, like those already 
established in Maryland and Colorado, has the 
authority to limit what payers in the state will pay 
for certain high-cost drugs following an 
affordability review…More than a dozen states 
have enacted legislation to cap out-of-pocket costs 
for insulin and on March 30, 2022, the House 
passed a federal out-of-pocket cap for insulin at 
$35 a month (HR 6833). While out-of-pocket caps 
bring necessary and immediate relief to 
consumers, additional measures like a state PDAB 
or federal drug price negotiations, are also 
necessary to lower the total cost of the drugs for 
payers.” [National Academy for State Health 
Policy, 4/7/22] 

PhRMA Described Prescription Drug 
Affordability Boards As “Government Price 
Setting Schemes” That “[Wedged] 
Government-Appointed Bureaucrats Between 
Doctors And Their Patients” 

PhRMA Said Prescription Drug Affordability 
Boards Were “Government Price Setting 

37 

 
 
 
 
 
Schemes That Let Politicians Set Medicine 
Prices With Little Accountability To, Or Input 
From, Patients And Their Doctors.” “Risk 
patients’ access to medicines. Prescription drug 
boards are government price setting schemes that 
let politicians set medicine prices with little 
accountability to, or input from, patients and their 
doctors. Under this scheme, an unelected board of 
bureaucrats evaluates the price of medicines and 
determines whether certain medicines and 
treatments are worth paying for, with the state 
coming between patients and the treatments their 
doctors prescribe.” [PhRMA, 10/10/23]  

PhRMA Opposed Prescription Drug 
Affordability Boards And Claimed The Boards 
“[Wedged] Government-Appointed 
Bureaucrats Between Doctors And Their 
Patients.”  “Groups motivated by special interests 
(see NASHP) and backed by insurance companies 
(see AARP) are pushing states to adopt flawed 
price-setting schemes, often in the form of 
prescription drug affordability boards (PDABs). 
Establishing these boards wedges 
government-appointed bureaucrats between 
doctors and their patients while shortsightedly 
focusing on only one component of health care — 
all too curiously avoiding any review of or actions 
on abusive health insurance practices. This is not 
good news for patients.” [PhRMA, 10/10/23] 

Braun Voted Against SB5203, Which 
Sought To Increase Washingtonians’ 
Access To More Affordable, Generic 
Prescription Drug Options, Including 
Insulin  

2021: Braun Voted Against SB 5203, Which 
Allowed Washington State To Enter Into 
Partnership Agreements With To Produce, 
Distribute, Or Purchase Generic Prescription 
Drugs And Distribute And Purchase Insulin. In 
April 2021, Braun voted against SB 5203, a bill 
“An Act relating to the production, distribution, 
and purchase of generic prescription drugs and 
distribution or purchase of insulin; amending 
RCW 70.14.060; and adding a new section to 
chapter 70.14 RCW. [Washington State 
Legislature, SB 5202, 3/4/21, 4/21/21] 

38 

 
 
 
 
SB 5203 Allowed Washington State To 
Distribute And Manufacture Generic 
Prescriptions By Forming Partnerships With 
Other States, Local Governments, Nonprofit 
Organizations, For-Profit Insurers And 
Medical-Care Providers 

SB 5203 Allowed Washington State To 
Distribute And Manufacture Generic 
Prescription Drugs By Forming Partnerships 
With Other States, Local Governments, 
Nonprofit Organizations, For-Profit Insurers 
And Medical-Care Providers. “Legislation that 
passed the state Senate on Thursday would enable 
Washington to not just buy generics, but also 
distribute and even manufacture the cheaper 
drugs. To do this, the state could form partnerships 
with a range of organizations: other states, local 
governments, nonprofit organizations, for-profit 
insurers and medical-care providers… This 
legislative session’s prescription drug bill, Senate 
Bill 5203, is the latest entry in the playbook as 
Olympia tries to bend the curve on drug costs.” 
[Cascade PBS, 3/4/21] 

Cascade PBS: SB 5203 Allowed “Washington 
State To Partner With Other States, 
Organizations And Companies To Procure 
Nonpatented Drugs, Often Generics.” “Having 
passed the Senate on a vote of 28-21, SB 5203 
would enable Washington to enter the generic 
drug market more vigorously. The bill is driven 
partly by California’s push to begin manufacturing 
insulin and other drugs that are inexpensive to 
produce but have crept — or leapt — up in price. 
If enacted, the bill would allow Washington state 
to partner with other states, organizations and 
companies to procure nonpatented drugs, often 
generics. The group could contract with 
manufacturers, buy in bulk at reduced cost or 
make the drugs themselves.” [Cascade PBS, 
3/4/21] 

Braun Voted Against SB 6113, Which 
Created A Centralized Insulin-Purchasing 
Program To Allow Washington State To 
Purchase Insulin At Bulk Discount Rates 

39 

 
 
 
 
 
 
2020: Braun Voted Against SB 6113, Which 
Created A Centralized Insulin-Purchasing 
Program In Washington State. In February 
2020, Braun voted against SB 6113, a bill which 
“[created] a central insulin purchasing program.” 
[Washington State Legislature, SB 6113, 2/18/20] 

A Centralized Insulin-Purchasing Program 
Would Allow Washington State To Purchase 
Insulin At Bulk Discount Rates 

A Centralized Insulin-Purchasing Program 
Would Allow Washington State To Purchase 
Insulin At Bulk Discount Rates. “Senate Bill 
6113: Modeled after the state’s decades-old 
Childhood Vaccine Program, a centralized 
purchasing program that takes advantage of ‘bulk 
discount rates,’ this bill would create a centralized 
insulin-purchasing program. Advocates hope the 
program could leverage the buying power of the 
state to drive down costs, but have urged 
lawmakers to include type I diabetics to the list of 
stakeholders involved in devising the purchasing 
strategy.” [Seattle Times, 2/19/20] 

Advocates Of SB 6113 Noted The Program 
Could Leverage The Buying Power Of The 
State To Drive Down Prescription Drug Costs 

Advocates Of SB 6113 Noted The Program 
Could Leverage The Buying Power Of The 
State To Drive Down Prescription Drug Costs. 
“Senate Bill 6113: Modeled after the state’s 
decades-old Childhood Vaccine Program, a 
centralized purchasing program that takes 
advantage of ‘bulk discount rates,’ this bill would 
create a centralized insulin-purchasing program. 
Advocates hope the program could leverage the 
buying power of the state to drive down costs, but 
have urged lawmakers to include type I diabetics 
to the list of stakeholders involved in devising the 
purchasing strategy.” [Seattle Times, 2/19/20] 

40 

 
 
 
 
 
 
If Braun Got His Way, Southwest 
Washington Families Pay Higher 
Premiums And Higher Drug Prices 
While The Corporations Funding 
Braun's Campaigns Get Exactly What 
They Paid For. 

See Above 

John Braun Pharmaceutical Contributions 2012-2025 
Date of Contribution 

Contributor Name 

Abbott Laboratories Employee PAC 
AbbVie PAC 
AbbVie PAC 
AmerisourceBergen Services Corporation 
AmerisourceBergen Services Corporation 
AmerisourceBergen Services Corporation 
AmerisourceBergen Services Corporation 
AmerisourceBergen Services Corporation 
AmerisourceBergen Services Corporation 
AmerisourceBergen Services Corporation 
Amgen Inc. 
Amgen Inc. 
Amgen Inc. 
Amgen Usa Inc 
Astellas Pharma Us, Inc. 
Astellas Pharma Us, Inc. 
AstraZeneca Services 
AstraZeneca Services 
AstraZeneca Services 
AstraZeneca Services 
Bayer US LLC 
Bristol-Myers Squibb Company 
Bristol-Myers Squibb Company 
Bristol-Myers Squibb Company 
Bristol-Myers Squibb Company 
Bristol-Myers Squibb Company 
Bristol-Myers Squibb Company 
Bristol-Myers Squibb Company 

12/11/2015 
7/18/2018 
8/24/2016 
10/2/2025 
10/9/2024 
10/23/2020 
11/22/2019 
9/18/2018 
9/27/2017 
8/17/2016 
8/26/2024 
9/22/2023 
7/6/2020 
12/2/2013 
11/3/2021 
12/6/2016 
7/19/2024 
7/19/2024 
12/17/2021 
8/8/2016 
7/27/2020 
11/6/2024 
11/30/2023 
11/30/2023 
9/27/2022 
11/15/2021 
8/3/2020 
11/22/2019 

Amount 

$300.00 
$500.00 
$1,000.00 
$1,000.00 
$500.00 
$500.00 
$500.00 
$500.00 
$500.00 
$500.00 
$600.00 
$600.00 
$500.00 
$500.00 
$500.00 
$1,000.00 
$1,000.00 
$200.00 
$1,000.00 
$1,000.00 
$1,000.00 
$500.00 
$550.00 
$200.00 
$500.00 
$500.00 
$500.00 
$500.00 

41 

 
 
 
 
 
Bristol-Myers Squibb Company 
Bristol-Myers Squibb Company 
Bristol-Myers Squibb Company 
Bristol-Myers Squibb Company 
Cardinal Health Inc. 
Cardinal Health Inc. 
Cardinal Health Inc.. 
Cardinal Health Inc. 
Cardinal Health Inc. PAC 
Cardinal Health Inc. PAC 
Cardinal Health Inc. PAC 
Cardinal Health Inc. PAC 
Cardinal Health Inc. PAC 
Caremark Rx, Inc 
Caremark Rx, Inc 
Caremark Rx, Inc 
Caremark Rx, Inc 
Eli Lilly And Company 
Eli Lilly And Company 
Eli Lilly And Company 
Eli Lilly And Company 
Eli Lilly And Company 
Eli Lilly And Company 
Fresenius Management Services, Inc 
Fresenius Medical Care 
Fresenius Medical Care 
Fresenius Medical Care North America 
Gilead Sciences, Inc 
Gilead Sciences, Inc 
Gilead Sciences, Inc 
Gilead Sciences, Inc 
Gilead Sciences, Inc 
Gilead Sciences, Inc 
Gilead Sciences, Inc 
Horizon Therapeutics USA, Inc 
Life Science Washington PAC 
Life Science Washington PAC 
McKesson Corporation 
McKesson Corporation 
McKesson Corporation 
McKesson Corporation 

11/1/2018 
11/14/2017 
10/17/2016 
12/11/2015 
7/24/2018 
11/14/2017 
8/25/2016 
11/18/2015 
11/30/2023 
11/30/2023 
11/16/2021 
10/7/2020 
11/22/2019 
11/24/2021 
10/16/2020 
11/26/2019 
11/2/2015 
10/4/2024 
12/18/2023 
12/18/2023 
12/10/2021 
7/27/2020 
6/20/2016 
7/27/2016 
10/14/2025 
9/9/2024 
10/9/2023 
11/03/2025 
12/7/2023 
12/7/2023 
8/17/2022 
10/4/2021 
8/19/2020 
11/14/2019 
12/9/2022 
6/27/2024 
6/27/2024 
10/9/2023 
10/9/2023 
9/22/2022 
12/21/2020 

$500.00 
$500.00 
$500.00 
$500.00 
$500.00 
$500.00 
$500.00 
$500.00 
$450.00 
$50.00 
$750.00 
$500.00 
$500.00 
$1,000.00 
$500.00 
$500.00 
$950.00 
$400.00 
$800.00 
$200.00 
$1,000.00 
$1,000.00 
$500.00 
$250.00 
$500.00 
$500.00 
$1,200.00 
$600.00 
$200.00 
$200.00 
$1,000.00 
$1,000.00 
$1,000.00 
$1,000.00 
$500.00 
$1,200.00 
$1,200.00 
$800.00 
$200.00 
$1,000.00 
$500.00 

42 

 
McKesson Corporation 
McKesson Corporation 
McKesson Corporation 
McKesson Corporation 
McKesson Corporation 
McKesson Corporation 
Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp 
Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp 
Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp 
Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp 
Novartis FSC 
Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corp 
Novartis Services Inc 
Novartis Services Inc 
Novo Nordisk Inc. 
Novo Nordisk Inc. 
Pfizer, Inc. 
Pfizer, Inc. 
Pfizer, Inc. 
Pfizer, Inc. 
Pfizer, Inc. 
Pfizer, Inc. 
Pfizer, Inc. 
PhRMA 
PhRMA 
PhRMA 
Takeda Pharmaceuticals USA, Inc 
The GlaxoSmithKline PAC 
Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated 
Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated 
Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated 
WA Biotechnology & Biomedical Assn PAC 
WA Biotechnology/Biomedical Assoc 
Walgreens Company 
Walgreens Company 
Walgreens Company 
Washington State Pharmacy PAC 
Total Contributions From Pharmaceutical Interests: 

11/22/2019 
11/22/2019 
9/18/2018 
8/17/2016 
11/18/2015 
3/31/2014 
11/6/2024 
8/5/2024 
10/16/2020 
6/20/2016 
7/10/2019 
10/7/2015 
10/18/2024 
10/9/2023 
8/5/2024 
11/30/2023 
11/03/2025 
10/9/2024 
11/9/2021 
5/26/2020 
5/26/2020 
11/18/2015 
11/18/2015 
7/26/2016 
7/26/2016 
12/1/2015 
7/29/2024 
8/9/2016 
11/29/2025 
10/24/2024 
12/6/2021 
12/14/2012 
10/16/2020 
5/12/2022 
8/9/2020 
9/6/2016 
10/25/2022 

$500.00 
$500.00 
$500.00 
$500.00 
$500.00 
$400.00 
$1,200.00 
$1,200.00 
$1,000.00 
$1,000.00 
$1,000.00 
$500.00 
$1,200.00 
$1,200.00 
$1,200.00 
$1,200.00 
$1,200.00 
$1,000.00 
$1,000.00 
$1,000.00 
$1,000.00 
$950.00 
$950.00 
$950.00 
$50.00 
$950.00 
$600.00 
$1,000.00 
$500.00 
$1,000.00 
$500.00 
$600.00 
$500.00 
$1,000.00 
$1,000.00 
$1,000.00 
$300.00 
$73,550 

John Braun Health Insurance Contributions 2012-2025 
Date of Contribution 

Contributor Name 

Amount 

43 

 
 
Amerigroup Corporation 
Amerigroup Corporation 
Amerigroup Corporation 
Cambia 
Cambia 
Cambia Health Solutions 
Cambia Health Solutions 
Centene Management Company LLC 
Centene Management Company LLC 
Centene Management Company LLC 
Centene Management Company LLC 
Centene Management Company LLC 
Centene Management Company LLC 
Cigna Holding Co 
Cigna Holding Co 
Cigna Holding Co 
Cigna Holding Co 
Cigna Holding Co 
Cigna Holding Co 
Delta Dental Of Washington 
Delta Dental Of Washington 
Delta Dental Of Washington 
Delta Dental Of Washington 
Delta Dental Of Washington 
Delta Dental Of Washington 
Deltaquest 
Dentaquest 
Pacific Source 
Pacific Source 
Premera Blue Cross 
Premera Blue Cross 
Premera Blue Cross 
Premera Blue Cross 
Premera Blue Cross 
Premera Blue Cross 
Premera Blue Cross 
Premera Blue Cross 
Premera Blue Cross 
Regence Blue Shield 
UnitedHealth Group Inc 
UnitedHealth Group Inc 

10/16/2020 
12/3/2019 
11/14/2016 
6/27/2016 
6/27/2016 
10/30/2023 
10/17/2019 
7/31/2024 
7/31/2024 
8/4/2020 
8/4/2020 
11/7/2016 
7/21/2016 
10/2/2025 
9/17/2024 
10/9/2023 
10/9/2023 
10/7/2022 
10/15/2019 
10/15/2024 
11/21/2023 
10/7/2020 
7/28/2016 
7/28/2016 
10/31/2015 
12/13/2019 
11/13/2017 
6/29/2022 
9/21/2020 
6/27/2024 
8/31/2023 
6/22/2020 
10/15/2019 
6/20/2016 
6/20/2016 
10/7/2015 
10/7/2015 
8/26/2013 
8/11/2020 
7/30/2025 
7/22/2024 

$1,000.00 
$1,000.00 
$750.00 
$500.00 
$500.00 
$1,200.00 
$1,000.00 
$1,200.00 
$1,200.00 
$1,000.00 
$1,000.00 
$1,000.00 
$1,000.00 
$600.00 
$200.00 
$1,000.00 
$200.00 
$1,000.00 
$1,000.00 
$1,200.00 
$1,200.00 
$1,000.00 
$1,000.00 
$50.00 
$950.00 
$1,000.00 
$1,000.00 
$250.00 
$500.00 
$1,200.00 
$1,200.00 
$1,000.00 
$1,000.00 
$500.00 
$50.00 
$500.00 
$450.00 
$500.00 
$1,000.00 
$600.00 
$900.00 

44 

 
UnitedHealth Group Inc 
UnitedHealth Group Inc 
UnitedHealth Group Inc 
UnitedHealth Group Inc 
UnitedHealth Group Inc 
UnitedHealth Group Inc 
UnitedHealth Group Inc 
UnitedHealth Group Inc 
UnitedHealth Group Inc 

10/9/2023 
10/9/2023 
6/29/2022 
10/4/2021 
7/24/2020 
12/3/2019 
10/16/2018 
11/9/2017 
$500.00 
11/14/2016 
Total Contributions From Health Insurance Interests:  $37,400 

$300.00 
$200.00 
$500.00 
$500.00 
$500.00 
$500.00 
$500.00 
$500.00 

John Braun: 2024 Washington Financial Affairs Disclosure Property Disclosures  

Parcel Number 

Address 

County 

Use Code 

21407005000 

1955 Salzer Valley Rd 

Lewis 

Residential 

21408002000 

113 Centralia Alpha Rd 

Lewis 

Ag 

21419000000 

1807 Salzer Valley Rd 

Lewis 

Forest Land 

21424017000 

1848 Salzer Valley Rd 

Lewis 

21697004007 

0 Salzer Valley Rd 

Lewis 

21697004006 

0 Salzer Valley Rd 

Lewis 

Ag 

Ag 

Ag 

21414000000 

0 Centralia Alpha Rd 

Lewis 

Forest Land 

21409006000 

1955 Salzer Valley Rd 

Lewis 

Residential 

21372000000 

0 Ramsaur Rd 

Lewis 

Forest Land 

21754001000 

364 Proffitt Rd 

Lewis 

Forest Land 

21404001000 

0 Salzer Valley Rd 

Lewis 

Forest Land 

21322004004 

0 Seminary Hill Rd 

Lewis 

Residential 

21697004009 

0 Salzer Valley Rd 

Lewis 

21697004008 

0 Salzer Valley Rd 

Lewis 

Ag 

Ag 

45 

 
 
 
21395002000 

0 Seminary Hill Rd 

Lewis 

Forest Land 

21382000000 

0 Seminary Hill Rd 

Lewis 

Forest Land 

21371000000 

0 Salzer Valley Rd 

Lewis 

Forest Land 

21394005000 

0 Salzer Valley Rd 

Lewis 

Forest Land 

21369000000 

0 Salzer Valley Rd 

Lewis 

Forest Land 

21405000000 

0 Salzer Valley Rd 

Lewis 

Forest Land 

21406000000 

0 Salzer Valley Rd 

Lewis 

Forest Land 

21406002000 

0 Salzer Valley Rd 

Lewis 

Forest Land 

21424015002 

1848 Salzer Valley Rd 

Lewis 

Ag 

21680000000 

0 Centralia Alpha Rd 

Lewis 

Forest Land 

21718000000 

0 Reinke Rd 

21710000000 

0 Proffitt Rd 

21758000000 

0 Proffitt Rd 

Lewis 

Lewis 

Lewis 

Forest Land 

Forest Land 

Forest Land 

99708052400 

201 Simmons St NW #522  Thurston 

Boathouse 

Washington State Subsidies Received By Braun Northwest 

Company Name 

Braun Northwest Inc 

Braun Northwest Inc 

Braun Northwest Inc 

Braun Northwest Inc 

Subsidy 
Source 
WA Dept. of 
Revenue 

WA Dept. of 
Revenue 

WA Dept. of 
Revenue 

WA Dept. of 
Revenue 

Program Name 

Year 

Type 

Value 

High Unemployment 
County Sales & Use Tax 
Deferral 
High Unemployment 
County Sales & Use Tax 
Deferral 
High Unemployment 
County Sales & Use Tax 
Deferral 
High Unemployment 
County Sales & Use Tax 
Deferral 

2024 

2023 

2022 

2021 

Tax Credit/Rebate 

$118,179.10 

Tax Credit/Rebate 

$118,179.10 

Tax Credit/Rebate 

$118,179.10 

Tax Credit/Rebate 

$118,179.10 

46 

 
 
 
Braun Northwest Inc 

Braun Northwest Inc 

Braun Northwest Inc 

Braun Northwest Inc 

Braun Northwest Inc 

Braun Northwest Inc 

Braun Northwest Inc 

Braun Northwest Inc 

Braun Northwest Inc 

Braun Northwest Inc 

Braun Northwest Inc 

Braun Northwest Inc 

Braun Northwest Inc 

Braun Northwest Inc 

Braun Northwest Inc 

Braun Northwest Inc 

TOTAL 

WA Dept. of 
Revenue 

WA Dept. of 
Revenue 

WA Dept. of 
Revenue 

WA Dept. of 
Revenue 

WA Dept. of 
Revenue 

WA Dept. of 
Revenue 

WA Dept. of 
Revenue 

WA Dept. of 
Revenue 

WA Dept. of 
Revenue 

WA Dept. of 
Revenue 

WA Dept. of 
Revenue 

WA Dept. of 
Revenue 

WA Dept. of 
Revenue 

WA Dept. of 
Revenue 

WA Dept. of 
Revenue 

WA Dept. of 
Revenue 

High Unemployment 
County Sales & Use Tax 
Deferral 
High Unemployment 
County Sales & Use Tax 
Deferral 
Rural County Sales & 
Use Tax Deferral 

Rural County Sales & 
Use Tax Deferral 

Rural County Sales & 
Use Tax Deferral 

Rural County Sales & 
Use Tax Deferral 

Rural County Sales & 
Use Tax Deferral 

Rural County Sales & 
Use Tax Deferral 

Rural County Sales & 
Use Tax Deferral 

Rural County Sales & 
Use Tax Deferral 

Rural County Sales & 
Use Tax Deferral 

Rural County Sales & 
Use Tax Deferral 

Rural County Sales & 
Use Tax Deferral 

Rural County Sales & 
Use Tax Deferral 

Rural County Sales & 
Use Tax Deferral 

Rural County Sales & 
Use Tax Deferral 

2020 

2019 

2017 

2016 

2015 

2014 

2013 

2012 

2011 

2010 

2009 

2008 

2007 

2006 

2005 

2004 

Tax Credit/Rebate 

$118,179.10 

Tax Credit/Rebate 

$118,179.10 

Tax Credit/Rebate 

Tax Credit/Rebate 

Tax Credit/Rebate 

Tax Credit/Rebate 

Tax Credit/Rebate 

Tax Credit/Rebate 

Tax Credit/Rebate 

Tax Credit/Rebate 

Tax Credit/Rebate 

Tax Credit/Rebate 

Tax Credit/Rebate 

Tax Credit/Rebate 

Tax Credit/Rebate 

Tax Credit/Rebate 

$14,068.00 

$14,068.00 

$32,962.00 

$32,962.00 

$32,962.00 

$32,962.00 

$236,263.00 

$236,263.00 

$222,195.00 

$222,195.00 

$203,301.00 

$203,301.00 

$203,301.00 

$203,301.00 

$2,599,178.60 

[Good Jobs First, Subsidy Tracker, accessed 9/15/25; Washington Department of Revenue, Tax 
Incentive Public Disclosure Survey Data, accessed 9/16/25] 

47

TO: Interested Parties 
FROM: Marie for Congress 
DATE: 6/15/2026 
SUBJECT: Campaign Memo Primary 2026 

Summary 
Voters need to know during this primary election season that, after running an auto repair 
shop, Marie Gluesenkamp Perez ran for Congress to fix things here in Southwest 
Washington. Marie is leveling the playing field for workers and small businesses with 
common-sense, bipartisan solutions.  

In Washington State, everyone votes by mail and there are open primaries. Primary ballots 
are mailed to voters by Friday July 17, 2026, and the deadline to return them is Tuesday 
August 4, 2026.  Most voters mail in their ballots in the final week of the primary. 

The top priority is for voters in the Portland media market to see ads on broadcast, cable, 
streaming, and digital as well as read mail about the fact that: 

•  As an auto repair shop owner, Marie is not a typical politician and does not accept 
corporate PAC contributions so voters can trust that she is taking on government 
officials who are enriching themselves at our expense.  Marie prevented Congress 
from giving itself a pay raise and she is fighting to ban members from trading 
stocks – because SW Washington must have a representative who is working for us 
– not benefiting themselves.   

The second priority is for voters in the Portland media market to see ads on broadcast, 
cable, streaming, and digital as well as read mail about the fact that: 

•  The cost of living is crushing SW Washington voters. Prices of rent, groceries, and 
goods are spiking because of chaotic tariffs and a reckless war. Marie voted to end 
the chaotic tariffs that are a tax on working people and voted to end the War in Iran 
that’s driving up prices and she’s taking on the price gouging by Big Pharma, 
fighting to lower insurance premiums, and cutting red tape to bring down home 
prices. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
Framing guidance  

•  These communications should land as pocketbook and accountability arguments, 

not overly partisan or national political attacks.  

•  Attribute negative costs to "politicians in D.C.," "special interests," "corporate PACs," 
and "Big Pharma". Tariffs, the Iran war, drug pricing, and unnecessary regulation can 
be litigated on their own terms without nationalizing the race.  

•  Avoid: generic opposition to the President as a person; left-right or ideological 

framing; references to national party conflict. 

•  This district has a distinctive look, as do the area’s residents who work in natural 

resource industries such as timber and fisheries. Visual references should reflect the 
community’s unique look and feel. 

Additional Resources 

• 

It is helpful but not essential for voters to receive communications in the Seattle 
media market. 

Backup 

Claim 

Documentation 

Voters need to 
know during this 
primary election 
season that, after 
running an auto 
repair shop, 
Marie 
Gluesenkamp 
Perez ran for 
Congress to fix 
things here in 
Southwest 
Washington.  

Los Angeles Times: “Gluesenkamp Perez’s Main Sales Pitch is Her 
Blue-Collar Self… Who Scrounged to Build Her Home and Start a 
Business, Struggled to Meet a Payroll…” 

In 2024, the Los Angeles Times reported, “As she bids for reelection, 
Gluesenkamp Perez’s main sales pitch is her blue-collar self. 
Someone who appreciates hard labor and thrills to the sight of heavy 
machinery. Who scrounged to build her home and start a small 
business, struggled to meet a payroll and was forced to deal with 
clueless bureaucrats. In short, someone who shares her constituents’ 
skepticism toward big government and antipathy for far-off 
Washington, D.C.” [Los Angeles Times, 10/27/24] 

Dean’s Car Care Opened in 2008 

In February 2023, Automotive News reported, “She and her 
husband, Dean Gluesenkamp, ended up going into business 
together, opening Dean's Car Care in northeast Portland in 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2008. Their six-bay, 4,000-square-foot repair shop has eight 
employees.” [Automotive News, 2/20/23] 

Gluesenkamp Perez Said Running Shop Taught Her Skills That 
Will be Valuable in Congress 

In February 2023, Automotive News reported, “Running the 
shop also taught her skills she thinks will be valuable in her 
congressional role, including building rapport with customers, 
which she likens to coalition building. 

"There's so much that is relevant in running a shop to being 
effective in Congress," she said. "I think small business owners 
and people who are in the trades are exactly who we need in 
Congress." [Automotive News, 2/20/23] 

Chinook Observer Columnist on Gluesenkamp Perez: “Fixing Things 
Is Literally Her Bailiwick.” 

In October 2022, Chinook Observer columnist Cate Gable said of 
Gluesenkamp Perez, “Fixing things is literally her bailiwick.” [Chinook 
Observer, 10/12/22] 

Gluesenkamp Perez Named Most Bipartisan Member of Congress 
from Washington, One of the Most Bipartisan in the Nation 

In 2024, the Lugar Center and the McCourt School of Public Policy at 
Georgetown University released their Bipartisan Index. [Lugar Center 
and the McCourt School of Public Policy Bipartisan Index] 

Gluesenkamp Perez (WA-03) ranked 12th among 436 Members of 
Congress who served throughout that period, placing in the top three 
percent – and 5th among members of her party. Gluesenkamp Perez 
ranked 1st among Representatives serving Washington state. Her 
score is the most bipartisan ever recorded for Washington’s Third 
District since the index was launched in 2014. [Gluesenkamp Perez 
Press Release, 5/14/24] 

Sponsored Bipartisan Bill to Improve Awareness of Career and 
Technical Education Pathways 

Marie is leveling 
the playing field 
for workers and 
small businesses 
with common-
sense, bipartisan 
solutions.  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
In February 2025, a press release from Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez’s 
office reported “Yesterday, Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (WA-03) 
and Rep. Roger Williams (TX-25) introduced the bipartisan Student 
Debt Alternative and CTE Awareness Act. The legislation encourages 
more Americans to pursue career and technical education (CTE) 
paths and to consider the financial obligations that come with a 4-
year degree. 

“The bill will require the Department of Education to publish 
information on the Office of Federal Student Aid website regarding 
general CTE information, CTE programs in all 50 states, and Perkins 
funding. Additionally, the FAFSA application must include a one-
page summary about CTE programs and how they are a viable 
alternative to a four-year degree and require applicants to sign an 
acknowledgment box before starting their FAFSA application.” 
[Gluesenkamp Perez, 2/27/25] 

The bill is HR 1641. [HR 1641, 119th Congress] 

Sponsored Bipartisan Bill to Strengthen Forestry Career Pathways 

In July 2025, a press release from Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez’s office 
reported “Today, Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (WA-03) and Reps. 
David Rouzer (NC-07) introduced the bipartisan Jobs in the Woods 
Act, which will connect young people with rewarding careers and 
training in forestry. The bill would create a grant program for 
nonprofit organizations, state governments, and colleges to utilize 
for workforce training in forestry-related fields – helping prepare 
students for jobs in the U.S. Forest Service and in the timber 
industry. 

“Inspired by the Forest Youth Success program in Skamania County, 
the Jobs in the Woods Act will provide workforce training 
opportunities to inspire the next generation of forestry workers. With 
most of the forest manufacturing industry located in rural areas, this 
bill will give individuals the opportunity to learn skills that can serve 
them and their communities. The Jobs in the Woods Act will: 

ü  “Create education programs for states, nonprofits, and 
colleges through grants of $500,000 to $2,000,000; 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
ü  “Create the programs in rural and low-income areas to spur 
economic development, bringing thousands of dollars of 
investments into rural communities; 

ü  “Create a pool of talented, trained, and qualified applicants to 

fill job openings in forestry-related industries; 

ü  “Partner with programs that have proven to help students find 
forestry industry jobs and programs that engage with their 
local communities” [Gluesenkamp Perez press release, 
7/21/25] 

Gluesenkamp Perez Voted for Bipartisan Bill to Require The Small 
Business Administration’s Office Of Advocacy To Establish A “Red 
Tape Hotline” That Allows Small Businesses To Report Federal 
Regulations, Guidance, And Other Actions That Unduly Impact Their 
Business 

In December 2025, Gluesenkamp Perez voted for: “Passage of the bill 
that would statutorily require the Small Business Administration's 
Office of Advocacy to establish a ‘Red Tape Hotline’ that allows 
small businesses to report federal regulations, guidance and other 
actions that unduly impact their business. It would require the office 
to establish a website providing an email address, phone number, 
submission form or other method in a manner that is easily 
accessible.” The bill passed by a vote of 269-146. [H.R. 4305, Vote 
#311, 12/3/25; CQ, 12/3/25] 

Gluesenkamp Perez Voted for Bipartisan Bill to Amend Current Law 
To Eliminate The Additional 5 Percent Equity Requirement For A 
Small Business Concern Receiving Funding From The Small Business 
Administration 504 Loan Program 

In January 2026, Gluesenkamp Perez voted for: “Williams, R-Texas, 
motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill that would amend 
current law to eliminate the additional 5 percent equity requirement 
for a small business concern receiving funding from the Small 
Business Administration 504 loan program for plant acquisition, 
construction or conversion if the small business has operated for two 
years or less or the project involves construction of a single-purpose 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
building.” The motion was agreed to by a vote of 383-8. [H.R. 5763, 
Vote #32, 1/20/26; CQ, 1/20/26] 

Gluesenkamp Perez Voted for Bipartisan Bill Requiring The Small 
Business Administration To Track The Number Of New Small 
Business Entrants Who Receive Government Contracts For Each 
Agency 

In February 2025, Gluesenkamp Perez voted for: “Williams, R-Texas, 
motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill that would require the 
Small Business Administration to track, on its annual public 
scorecard grading federal agencies on meeting small business 
contracting goals, the number of new small business entrants who 
receive government contracts. Specifically, it would require the SBA 
to include, on every agency’s scorecard, the number of new small 
businesses that were awarded prime contacts in each industry 
category during the fiscal year with a comparison to the number 
awarded the prior year. The scorecard must also break down the new 
entrant small businesses into relevant subcategories, including those 
owned by service-disabled veterans and HUBZone businesses.” The 
motion was agreed to by a vote of 384-25. [H.R. 818, Vote #45, 
2/24/25; CQ, 2/24/25] 

NA 

In Washington 
State, everyone 
votes by mail 
and there are 
open primaries. 
Primary ballots 
are mailed to 
voters by Friday 
July 17, 2026, 
and the deadline 
to return them is 
Tuesday August 
4, 2026. Most 
voters mail in 
their ballots in 
the final week of 
the primary. 

 
 
 
 
 
As an auto repair 
shop owner, 
Marie is not a 
politician and 
does not accept 
corporate PAC 
contributions so 
voters can trust 
that she is taking 
on government 
officials who are 
enriching 
themselves at 
our expense.  
Marie prevented 
Congress from 
giving itself a 
pay raise and she 
is fighting to ban 
members from 
trading stocks – 
because SW 
Washington must 
have a 
representative 
who is working 
for us – not 
benefiting 
themselves.   

Los Angeles Times: “Gluesenkamp Perez’s Main Sales Pitch is Her 
Blue-Collar Self… Who Scrounged to Build Her Home and Start a 
Business, Struggled to Meet a Payroll…” 

In 2024, the Los Angeles Times reported, “As she bids for reelection, 
Gluesenkamp Perez’s main sales pitch is her blue-collar self. 
Someone who appreciates hard labor and thrills to the sight of heavy 
machinery. Who scrounged to build her home and start a small 
business, struggled to meet a payroll and was forced to deal with 
clueless bureaucrats. In short, someone who shares her constituents’ 
skepticism toward big government and antipathy for far-off 
Washington, D.C.” [Los Angeles Times, 10/27/24] 

Dean’s Car Care Opened in 2008 

In February 2023, Automotive News reported, “She and her 
husband, Dean Gluesenkamp, ended up going into business 
together, opening Dean's Car Care in northeast Portland in 
2008. Their six-bay, 4,000-square-foot repair shop has eight 
employees.” [Automotive News, 2/20/23] 

Gluesenkamp Perez Said Running Shop Taught Her Skills That 
Will be Valuable in Congress 

In February 2023, Automotive News reported, “Running the 
shop also taught her skills she thinks will be valuable in her 
congressional role, including building rapport with customers, 
which she likens to coalition building. 

"There's so much that is relevant in running a shop to being 
effective in Congress," she said. "I think small business owners 
and people who are in the trades are exactly who we need in 
Congress." [Automotive News, 2/20/23] 

Chinook Observer Columnist on Gluesenkamp Perez: “Fixing Things 
Is Literally Her Bailiwick.” 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
In October 2022, Chinook Observer columnist Cate Gable said of 
Gluesenkamp Perez, “Fixing things is literally her bailiwick.” [Chinook 
Observer, 10/12/22] 

Gluesenkamp Perez Does Not Accept Corporate PAC Money 

According to her campaign web site, “Marie is in Congress to fight for 
working people — not special interests. Her campaign doesn’t take 
money from special interests (like drug companies). She also 
believes that we need to ban our Representatives from other 
behaviors that erode public trust, like trading individual stocks.” 
[https://marieforcongress.com/issues/] 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
According to the Chronicle, “Freshman U.S. Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp 
Perez, D-Skamania, is following a commitment to refuse financial 
support from corporate political action committees (PACs), End 
Citizens United told The Chronicle” [The Chronicle, 9/6/24] 

Gluesenkamp Perez Voted For Bill That Blocked Pay Raise 

In November 2025, Gluesenkamp Perez voted for: “Cole, R-Okla., 
motion to concur in the Senate amendment to the the bill that 
would provide fiscal 2026 funding for Military Construction-VA, 
Agriculture and Legislative Branch agencies and programs and 
extend current funding levels, through Jan. 30, 2026, for the 
remaining federal agencies and programs. It would provide $153.3 
billion in discretionary funds for the Military Construction-VA title, 
including $133.2 billion in discretionary funding for the Department 
of Veterans Affairs and $19.7 billion for the Pentagon’s military 
construction and family housing programs. It would provide $26.7 
billion in discretionary funding for the Agriculture Department, Food 
and Drug Administration and related agencies. It would extend farm 
bill programs through fiscal 2026 and fully fund both the 
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and child nutrition 
program, including replenishing the contingency funds for the 
programs that were tapped during the government shutdown. It 
would also provide $7.3 billion for the legislative branch. It would 
reverse mass layoffs announced by the Trump administration during 
the shutdown, as well as provide funds for backpay for furloughed 
employees and for compensation of state governments that provided 
for continued federal services during the shutdown.” The motion was 
agreed to by a vote of 222 to 209. [H.R. 5371, Vote #285, 11/12/25; 
CQ, 11/12/25] 

HR 5371 Included Language to Block Pay Raise, Was Signed 
into Law as P.L. 119-37 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
According to Congress.gov, “Members of Congress last 
received a pay adjustment in January 2009. At that time, 
their salary was increased 2.8%, to $174,000. Subsequent 
adjustments were denied by P.L. 111-8 (enacted March 11, 
2009), P.L. 111-165 (May 14, 2010), P.L. 111-322 (December 
22, 2010), P.L. 112-175 (September 28, 2012), P.L. 112-240 
(January 2, 2013), P.L. 113-46 (October 17, 2013), P.L. 113-
235 (December 16, 2014), P.L. 114-113 (December 18, 2015), 
P.L. 114-254 (December 10, 2016), P.L. 115-141 (March 23, 
2018), P.L. 115-244 (September 21, 2018), P.L. 116-94 
(December 20, 2019), P.L. 116-260 (December 27, 2020), P.L. 
117-103 (March 15, 2022), P.L. 117-328 (December 29, 
2022), P.L. 118-47 (March 23, 2024), P.L. 119-4 (March 15, 
2025), and P.L. 119-37 (November 12, 2025).” [Congress.gov, 
“Salaries of Members of Congress: Recent Actions and 
Historical Tables,” 05/06/2026] 

[HR 5371 of 2025] 

Gluesenkamp Perez Co-Sponsored Legislation to Ban Members of 
Congress from Trading Stocks, End Automatic Annual Pay Raises 

In 2025, Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (WA-03) and Rep. Zach Nunn 
(IA-03), introduced the bipartisan No Corruption in Government Act 
to prevent Members of Congress from using public service to enrich 
themselves. The legislation will prevent stock trading, end automatic 
annual pay raises, and triple the lobbying ban for Members of 
Congress. [Gluesenkamp Perez Press Release, 1/16/25] 

Trump Made 3,600 Stock Trades in Three Months in 2026 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
In 2026, CBS News reported, “President Trump's investment 
accounts traded between $212 million and $695 million in 
stocks and other securities over the first three months of the 
year — an unprecedented sum for a sitting president. CBS 
News is presenting the data from the president's most recent 
financial disclosure in a new interactive dashboard here. It 
shows that the president's investment accounts made 2,346 
purchases and 1,296 sales between Jan. 6 and March 30, 
2026. The figures for individual transactions were presented 
in a range, which is reflected in the wide disparity between 
the minimum and maximum values of the trades overall. The 
sheer volume of the trades, and the timing of certain 
transactions, has prompted ethics experts and Democrats in 
Congress to criticize the president for maintaining an active 
portfolio… [CBS News, 6/15/26] 

CBS: “Some of the Trades… Preceded Policy Moves 
by the Administration or Public Statements by the 
President…” 

According to CBS News, “Some of the trades in the 
latest disclosure preceded policy moves by the 
administration or public statements about the 
companies by the president himself, prompting a 
flurry of headlines about the timing of certain trades 
shortly after the disclosure form was released in 
May. For instance, the president's financial managers 
bought between $500,001 and $1,000,000 of Nvidia 
stock on Jan. 6, 2026, the first of a total of 15 
transactions — nine purchases and six sales — over 
the three months covered in the disclosure. The next 
week, the administration relaxed export controls on 
Nvidia's highly prized AI chips, clearing the way for 
the company to sell them to China…” [CBS News, 
6/15/26] 

Business Insider Headline: “78 Members Of Congress Have 
Violated A Law Designed To Prevent Insider Trading And 
Stop Conflicts-Of-Interest” 

In 2023, Business Insider published an article entitled, “78 

 
 
 
 
members of Congress have violated a law designed to 
prevent insider trading and stop conflicts-of-interest.”  

According to Business Insider, “Insider and several other 
news organizations have identified 78 members of Congress 
who've recently failed to properly report their financial 
trades as mandated by the Stop Trading on Congressional 
Knowledge Act of 2012, also known as the STOCK Act.” 
[Business Insider, 1/3/23] 

The Motley Fool: “More Than 100 Members of 
Congress Have Made Around 10,000 Trades Each 
Year Since at Least 2021 – And They Tend to Beat 
the Market” 

In 2026, The Motley Fool wrote, “More than 100 
members of Congress have made around 10,000 stock 
trades each year since at least 2021 -- and they tend 
to beat the market. Enough attention has been drawn 
to timely trades by lawmakers – and the market-
beating returns of some – for legislation to ban 
members from trading stocks to advance out of a 
Senate committee, although it still has a long road to 
being signed into law.” [The Motley Fool, 1/22/26] 

The cost of living 
is crushing SW 
Washington 
voters. Prices of 
gas, groceries, 
and goods are 
spiking because 
of chaotic tariffs 
and a reckless 
war. 

Washington State is the Fifth Most Expensive to Live in the United 
States 

According to KOMO, “Washington ranks fifth most-expensive in the 
United States, trailing only California, Washington, D.C., New Jersey 
and Hawaii, according to data from the U.S. Bureau of Economic 
Analysis's 2023 Regional Price Parities. What was even more 
concerning is that Washington's cost of living has increased faster 
than any other state over the past decade — relative prices have 
risen more than twice as fast as in California, which is the most 
expensive state in the U.S., the report stated.” [KOMO, 4/6/26] 

Washington State Pharmacy Association, Washington Health 
Alliance: Pharmacy Benefit Managers “Charge Employers Vastly 
Different Amounts For The Same Prescription Medications, Inflate 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Drug Prices At PBM-Affiliated Mail-Order Pharmacies, And Have 
Driven An Increase In Employer Health Care Costs…” 

In 2024, The Washington State Pharmacy Association (WSPA) and 
Washington Health Alliance (WHA), in partnership with 3 Axis 
Advisors, released the results of a first-of-its-kind study “that 
exposes the erratic pricing practices of pharmacy benefit managers 
(PBMs) in Washington State. The study reveals that PBMs charge 
employers vastly different amounts for the same prescription 
medications, inflate drug prices at PBM-affiliated mail-order 
pharmacies, and have driven an increase in employer health care 
costs over the past four years. Meanwhile, pharmacies are receiving 
lower reimbursements for the same prescriptions that employers are 
paying higher prices for, leading to closures of pharmacies while 
PBMs pocket the difference for profit…” [Washington Health Alliance, 
“Groundbreaking PBM Study: WSPA and WHA Release Results”] 

Red Tape is Making Housing More Expensive 

In 2026, the National Association of Homebuilders released a new 
study that “finds that regulations at the federal, state and local levels 
add $131,734 to the cost of a new single-family home—26.4% of the 
average sales price of $499,500 as of January 2026. Breaking down 
the total regulatory costs further, the study revealed that $84,939 of 
the final house price is the result of costs incurred by the builder due 
to regulation during the construction phase of the home while 
$46,795 is attributable to regulation during land development.” 
[National Association of Homebuilders, 6/9/26] 

PBS Headline: “Key Inflation Gauge Jumps To Highest Level In 3 
Years As Iran War Spikes Gas Prices” 

In April 2026, PBS published an article entitled, “Key inflation gauge 
jumps to highest level in 3 years as Iran war spikes gas prices.” 

In it, PBS reported, “A key inflation measure jumped in March as gas 
prices soared, the latest sign that the Iran war is pushing up the cost 
of living and delaying any interest rate cuts by the Federal Reserve. 
An inflation gauge monitored by the Fed rose 0.7% in March from 
February, up sharply from the previous month, the Commerce 
Department said Thursday. Compared with a year ago, prices rose 

 
 
 
 
 
 
3.5%, the biggest increase in almost three years. Excluding the 
volatile food and energy categories, core inflation rose 0.3% in 
March from February, and it was 3.2% higher than a year earlier. The 
annual figure is above February's reading of 3%.” [PBS, 4/30/26] 

U.S. Chamber of Commerce: “Tariffs Are Having a Real and 
Devastating Impact on Thousands of Small Businesses” 

In February 2026, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce wrote, “Tariffs are 
having a real and devastating impact on thousands of small 
businesses across the nation — and on all Americans — as 
uncertainty, rising costs and cancellations are hitting home.” [U.S. 
Chamber of Commerce, 2/1/26] 

King5: “Concerns Are Growing About The Impact Of President Donald 
Trump’s Tariffs On Washington’s Economy.” 

According to King5.com, “Concerns are growing about the impact of 
President Donald Trump’s tariffs on Washington’s economy. State 
analysts say that even at reduced levels, the tariffs could cost the 
state billions of dollars and thousands of jobs in the coming years.” 
[King5.com, 3/5/26]  

State Department of Commerce: Tariffs Could Cost Between $1.5 
Billion and $2.5 in Washington, Thousands of Jobs Lost, and 
Hundreds of Millions in Wage Reductions 

According to King5.com, “Still, the Washington State Department of 
Commerce estimates that if average tariff rates remain between 10% 
and 15% over the next four years, businesses in the state could lose 
between $1.5 billion and $2.5 billion. That could translate into 4,000 
to 11,000 lost jobs and wage reductions totaling $200 million to 
$700 million.” [King5.com, 3/5/26] 

Association of Washington Business: Half of Companies in 
Washington Being Hurt by Tariffs 

According to King5.com, “The Association of Washington Business 
says about half of the companies in the state report being hurt by 
the tariffs. For some businesses, the biggest challenge is not only the 
added cost but the uncertainty surrounding trade policy.” 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Marie voted to 
end the chaotic 
tariffs that are a 
tax on working 
people and voted 
to end the War in 
Iran that’s driving 
up fuel prices. 

[King5.com, 3/5/26] 

Gluesenkamp Perez Voted For Terminating The National Emergency 
That Imposed Tariffs On Goods From Canada 

In February 2026, Gluesenkamp Perez voted for: “Passage of the joint 
resolution that would terminate the Feb. 1, 2025, national 
emergency that imposed tariffs on goods from Canada.” The bill 
passed by a vote of 219-211. [H. J. Res. 72, Vote #65, 2/11/26; CQ, 
2/11/26] 

•  The House Voted To Rescind Trump’s Imposed Tariffs On Canada. 
“The House voted on Wednesday to rescind tariffs that President 
Trump imposed on Canada last year, delivering a largely symbolic 
but politically consequential rebuke that Republicans had fought 
for a year to prevent. In a 219-to-211 vote, six Republicans joined 
nearly all Democrats in backing the resolution sponsored by 
Representative Gregory W. Meeks of New York, the top Democrat 
on the Foreign Affairs Committee. While the Senate has moved to 
cancel the president’s tariffs in recent months, the vote was the 
House’s first opportunity to formally register a position on Mr. 
Trump’s trade policy since he returned to the White House and 
began deploying tariffs as an economic strategy.” [New York 
Times, 2/11/26] 

Gluesenkamp Perez Voted to Allow Consideration of Joint 
Resolutions Terminating Trump’s Tariff Actions And Considering The 
Senate Amendment To The FY 2025 Budget Resolution 

In April 2025, Gluesenkamp Perez voted against: “Adoption of the 
rule (H Res 313) that would provide for floor consideration of the 
Senate amendment to the fiscal 2025 budget resolution (H Con Res 
14). The rule would provide up to one hour of debate on a motion to 
concur in the Senate amendment to the measure. It also would block 
the expedited consideration of joint resolutions terminating 
President Donald Trump’s tariff actions under the April 2 executive 
order by providing that each day during the period from April 9, 2025 
through Sept. 30, 2025, will not constitute a calendar day under the 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
federal law pertaining to terminating national emergencies.” The 
rule was adopted by a vote of 216-215. [H. Res. 313, Vote #94, 
4/9/25; CQ, 4/9/25] 

•  House Republicans Pushed A Procedural Rule That Would Curb 
Congress’s Power To Override Trump’s Tariffs. “Republicans are 
quietly pushing a procedural rule that would curb the power of 
the US Congress to override Donald Trump’s chaotic tariff policy. 
The House of Representatives’ rules committee on Wednesday 
approved a measure that would forbid the House from voting on 
legislation to overturn the president’s recently imposed taxes on 
foreign imports.” [The Guardian, 4/9/25] 

Gluesenkamp Perez Voted For The Iran War Powers Resolution 

In April 2026, Gluesenkamp Perez voted for: “Passage of the 
concurrent resolution that would direct the president to terminate 
the use of U.S. armed forces from hostilities against Iran unless 
explicitly authorized by a declaration of war or specific authorization 
for use of military force against Iran. The measure would exempt the 
use of U.S. armed forces that may be necessary to defend the U.S. or 
a U.S. ally or partner from imminent attack.” The bill was rejected by 
a vote of 213-214. [H Con Res 40, Vote #114, 4/16/26; CQ, 4/16/26] 

PBS Headline: “Key Inflation Gauge Jumps To Highest Level In 
3 Years As Iran War Spikes Gas Prices” 

In April 2026, PBS published an article entitled, “Key inflation 
gauge jumps to highest level in 3 years as Iran war spikes gas 
prices.” 

In it, PBS reported, “A key inflation measure jumped in March as 
gas prices soared, the latest sign that the Iran war is pushing 
up the cost of living and delaying any interest rate cuts by the 
Federal Reserve. An inflation gauge monitored by the Fed rose 
0.7% in March from February, up sharply from the previous 
month, the Commerce Department said Thursday. Compared 
with a year ago, prices rose 3.5%, the biggest increase in almost 
three years. Excluding the volatile food and energy categories, 
core inflation rose 0.3% in March from February, and it was 
3.2% higher than a year earlier. The annual figure is above 

 
 
 
 
 
 
February's reading of 3%.” [PBS, 4/30/26] 

and she’s taking 
on the price 
gouging by Big 
Pharma, fighting 
to lower 
insurance 
premiums, and 
cutting red tape 
to bring down 
home prices. 

Sponsored Bipartisan Bill to Prevent ACA Premium Hikes, Take on 
Pharmacy Benefit Managers 

In December 2025, a press release from Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez’s 
office reported “Today, Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (WA-03) joined 
Representatives Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01), Tom Suozzi (NY-02), Don 
Bacon (NE-02), Jared Golden (ME-02), Rob Bresnahan (PA-08), Donald 
G. Davis (NC-01), and Nicole Malliotakis (NY-11) to introduce the 
Bipartisan Health Insurance Affordability Act. ... Specifically, the 
legislation would do the following: 

ü  “Extend enhanced premium tax credits through 2027, to 
protect families from abrupt monthly cost increases; 

ü  “Stop unauthorized plan and subsidy changes by requiring 
consent and prompt notification before any modifications 
take effect; 

ü  “End hidden spread pricing, sever PBM profits from drug 

prices, and require full rebate pass-through to ensure savings 
reach patients; 

ü  “Expand access to Health Savings Accounts and simplify 
premium payments to reduce disruptions in coverage; 

ü  “Modernize eligibility and introduce a reasonable minimum 

contribution to protect long-term affordability and 
responsible stewardship of federal dollars.” [Gluesenkamp 
Perez press release, 12/9/25] 

The bill number is HR 6501.  

Sponsored Bill Supporting Access to Lower-Priced Generic Drugs 

In November 2023, a press release from Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez’s 
office reported “Yesterday, Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (WA-03), 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
along with Reps. Sean Casten (IL-06) and Gerry Connolly (VA-11), 
introduced the Protecting Consumer Access to Generic Drugs Act of 
2023, a bill to support access to lower-priced generic prescription 
drugs. 

“To limit competition and reap above-market profits longer, name-
brand drug manufacturers use ‘Pay-for-Delay’ patent settlements 
that pay generic manufacturers to stay out of the market. These 
tactics can hurt consumers, businesses, and insurers - and Americans 
pay between $6.2 billion and $37 billion in excess costs yearly as a 
result. 

“The Protecting Consumer Access to Generic Drugs Act will end 
harmful Pay-for-Delay practices and provide the FTC with 
enforcement authority. This will ensure people can access lower-
priced generic drugs, protect consumer choice, and promote 
competition, innovation, and transparency across the market.” 
[Gluesenkamp Perez press release, 11/8/23] 

Gluesenkamp Perez Voted For Bipartisan Bill to Modify Federal 
Housing Programs, Regulatory Requirements, And Housing Finance 
Options 

In February 2026, Gluesenkamp Perez voted for: “Hill, R-Ark., motion 
to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended, that would 
modify federal housing programs, regulatory requirements and 
housing finance options. It would require the Housing and Urban 
Development Department to develop guidelines for state and local 
zoning frameworks that promote consistency while reducing 
regulatory steps for building housing, streamlining the permitting 
process and making more capital available for community banks.” 
The motion was agreed to by a vote of 390-9. [H.R. 6644, Vote #57, 
2/9/26; CQ, 2/9/26] 

Co-Sponsored Bipartisan Legislation to Expand Access to Low-Cost 
Financing for Housing-Related Infrastructure, Cut Red Tape  

In 2026, Gluesenkamp Perez was an original co-sponsor of bipartisan 
legislation introduced by Representatives Sam Liccardo (D-Calif.) and 
Lisa McClain (R-Mich.) to expand access to low-cost financing for 
critical community projects across the country. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
According to the office of Rep. Liccardo, “The Municipal Investment 
and Neighborhood Transformation (MINT) Act restores and makes 
permanent authority for Federal Home Loan Banks to support tax-
exempt municipal bonds used to finance essential housing-related 
infrastructure projects such as water systems, sewer upgrades, 
hospitals, and schools. This authority previously existed from 2008 
to 2010 and helped finance nearly $4 billion in local projects before 
expiring.” 

“As Mayor of San José, I saw firsthand how bonds help cities put 
more shovels in the ground on critical infrastructure,” Rep. Liccardo 
said. “The MINT Act cuts red tape and gives local communities a 
green light on projects that expand hospitals, rebuild crumbling 
bridges, and improve our children’s schools. I look forward to 
working with colleagues in both houses and both parties to pass this 
bill, and help deliver the resources our cities need to thrive.” 
[Liccardo Press Release, 2/26/26] 

The bill is HR 7769. [HR 7769, 119th Congress]