The IMPACT

A review of the 2024 Legislative Session with a focus on revenue and tax legislation. Featuring a panel interview with Traci Underwood, interim co-Executive Director of the Economic Opportunity Institute and Paul Guppy, Vice President for Research at the Washington Policy Center.

Presidential primary takeaways, races to watch, and the political dynamics that will impact the big election this fall. Analysis from professional political consultants for democratic and republican campaigns. Guests: Sandeep Kaushik of Sound View Strategies and Justin Matheson of Axiom Strategies.

State Auditor Pat McCarthy reflects on the first year of her agency's new role auditing police use of deadly force investigations.

Bills that passed, bills that died, and bills still in the mix. A late session recap with analysis from a panel of state government reporters. Guests: Laurel Demkovich of the Washington State Standard and Ellen Dennis of The Spokesman-Review.

A look at legislation that would create a bottle deposit system in Washington with perspectives from both sides of the debate.

House transportation leaders weigh in on 2024 budget priorities, speed cameras, and more. Guests: House Transportation Committee Chair, Rep. Jake Fey (D-Tacoma) and Ranking Member, Rep. Andrew Barkis (R-Olympia).

From purchase terms and conditions to workplace safety and professional licensing, we take a look at the work of the House Consumer Protection and Business Committee. Guests: Committee Chair Amy Walen (D-Kirkland) and Ranking Republican Member Eric Robertson (R-Sumner).

The debate over legislation that would leave Washington on Pacific Standard Time year-round. Guests: Sen. Manka Dhingra (D-Redmond) and Sen. Mike Padden (R-Spokane Valley)

From police tactics to sentencing guidelines, an overview of justice system related bills up for debate in the 2024 Legislative Session followed by a panel discussion featuring Enoka Herat with the ACLU of Washington and Steve Strachan with the Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs.

From unemployment benefits for striking workers to repealing the Long-Term Care Act, labor and business groups have conflicting agendas for the 2024 Legislative Session. We've got an overview of the workplace bills to watch this year. Guests include Association of Washington Business President Kris Johnson and Washington State Labor Council President April Sims.

An overview of issues likely to surface during the 2024 Legislative Session. Featuring analysis with Paul Queary, founder of the independent political newsletter, The Washington Observer.

State authorities have reportedly cleared the long-running backlog of untested sexual assault evidence kits. A look at the implications for survivors and suspects. Guest: Chris Loftis, Washington State Patrol.

From convenience and speed, to security and privacy, we explore the potential pros and cons of a requested rule change to allow biometric forms of ID that rely on fingerprints or other physical characteristics for alcohol and cannabis purchases. Guest: Justin Nordhorn, Director of Policy and External Affairs for the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board.

Can beekeepers breathe easy or are humongous hornets here to stay? An update on the multi-year effort to eradicate the invasive Northern Giant Hornet in Washington. Then a look at how Washington's experience may help other states with a different invasive hornet. Guest: Sven Spichiger, Washington State Department of Agriculture.

A look at how the legalization of sports betting has impacted the entertainment sector and sports coverage. From player intimidation to inside information, we explore emerging issues for regulators, then highlight resources for problem gambling. Guest: Tina Griffin, Director of the Washington State Gambling Commission

An update on the effort to remove the dam that created Capitol Lake and restore the Deschutes estuary in downtown Olympia. Featuring input from different stakeholders and a one-on-one interview with the new project lead for the Department of Enterprise Services, Ann Larson.

An update on the state effort to address hundreds of seismically vulnerable school buildings before the next big earthquake.

From potholes to public records, cap-and-trade to capital gains: a press corps panel looks back on the big state government stories of 2023 and issues to watch in 2024. Featuring Jerry Cornfield of the Washington State Standard and Shauna Sowersby of McClatchy Newspapers (Tacoma News-Tribune, The Olympian, Bellingham Herald, Tri-City Herald).

Research sheds light on a new high-risk earthquake scenario for the Seattle metropolitan area. State emergency management agency highlights annual earthquake preparedness drill.

Part two of our series on Washington's sweeping new carbon pricing policies. This episode covers plans to target air pollution in specific communities and outlines some of the unresolved questions facing regulators, utilities, and taxpayers.

Senate Environment, Energy, and Technology Committee leaders weigh in on Washington's new program to limit carbon emissions and auction greenhouse gas emissions permits. Guests include Sen. Joe Nguyen, D-White Center (Chair) and Sen. Drew MacEwen, R-Shelton (Ranking Member).

How colleges are responding to declining enrollment and the implications for the workforce of the future. Starting college before finishing high school, a deep dive into dual credit programs. Featuring Heather Hudson, Director of Policy & Planning for the Washington Student Achievement Council; Jamie Traugott, Director of Dual Credit & Strategic Enrollment Initiatives for the Washington St...

A look at Washington's role in the historical development of nuclear weapons and an update on the massive cleanup project at the Hanford Nuclear Reservation

A look at the implications of a school construction funding lawsuit, an update on trends in K-12 schools, and new options for students pursuing college credit in high school. Guest: Superintendent of Public Instruction Chris Reykdal.

As trial delays stack up, will a shortage of public defenders lead to cases being dismissed? Q & A with Larry Jefferson, Director of the Office of Public Defense and Russel Brown, Exec. Director of the Washington Association of Prosecuting Attorneys.