On this episode of Inside Olympia:  Host Austin Jenkins sits down with Dow Constantine, CEO of Sound Transit.

This week on Inside Olympia...Austin Jenkins sits down and talks budget and spending with Senate Ways and Means Chair June Robinson and the Ranking Republican on that committee Senator Chris Gildon.

Two panels of early-term Washington state lawmakers describe why they ran, what surprised them in Olympia, and where they think they can make an impact. Democratic Reps. Brianna Thomas and Osman Salahuddin cite affordability, housing, child care, and immigrant and refugee support. Republican Reps. Deb Manjarrez and Hunter Abell emphasize taxes, budget growth, housing costs, and bipartisan pathways on veterans and oversight.

On this episode of Inside Olympia:  Host Austin Jenkins sits down with Washington State Supreme Court Chief Justice Debra Stephens.

Microsoft President Brad Smith has been in Olympia this week to talk with lawmakers about the company’s policy priorities – affordability, tax reform and infrastructure, including housing supply targets, “pay our own way” data center energy commitments, and a shared responsibility agreement under which the company gets to build and invest, and the town gets lasting value in return.. He also discusses water replenishment and “closed-loop liquid cooling” for data centers, AI’s job impacts, bubble risks, and the state’s role in balanced AI regulation.

This week on Inside Olympia:  Host Austin Jenkins sits down and goes one-on-one with Robert J. Jones, President of the University of Washington.

On this episode of Inside Olympia hodt Austin Jenkins sits down with State Treasurer Mike Pellicciotti and Anneliese Vance-Sherman, Chief Labor Economist for the State of Washington.

On this episode of Inside Olympia: Austin Jenkins sits down with Washington State University’s 12th president and the first woman to hold the role. We meet President Dr. Elizabeth "Betsy" Cantwell. What are her priorities for the state’s land grant university? How does she plan to address enrollment declines and budget cuts?

Host Austin Jenkins sits down with Dennis Worsham, Washington State Department of Health Secretary.

Host Austin Jenkins sits down with the new Secretary of the Department of Social & Health Services Angela Ramirez.

Host Austin Jenkins sits down with pollster Stuart Elway on Washingtonian's perceptions over the past 5 decades.

Host Austin Jenkins sits down with State Chief Privacy Officer Katy Ruckle and Chief Technology Officer Gretchen Peri to discuss digital privacy and AI.

Host Austin Jenkins sits down with State Insurance Commissioner Patty Kuderer and Ingrid Ulrey of the State Health Benefit Exchange to talk about the spike in 2026 health insurance rates.

Host Austin Jenkins sits down for an interview with retiring State Supreme Court Justice Mary Yu.

This week on Inside Olympia: host Austin Jenkins sits down with Office of Independent Investigations Director Roger Rogoff.

Inside Olympia, with host Austin Jenkins, sits down this week with State Patrol Chief John Batiste.

This wekk on Inside Olympia: host Austin Jenkins, sits down with Washington Commissioner of Public Lands Dave Upthegrove.

Inside Olympia, with host Austin Jenkins, sits down with Department of Ecology Director Casey Sixkiller.

On this episode of Inside Olympia:  Austin Jenkins sits down with the Washington State's chief economist, Dave Reich and goes over the latest revenue and budget numbers.  Plus we talk with Capitol Press Corps members and get their take on the budget challenges ahead.

On this week's Inside Olympia: We continue our focus on education -- Austin sits down with the new Executive Director of the Washington State Board of Community and Technical Colleges, Nate Humphrey.

Washington Superintendent Chris Reykdal is asking lawmakers for $10 million in 2026 to fund statewide AI tutoring pilots and teacher training, arguing scale is key to equity. The request comes as state test scores inch upward but reveal persistent gaps, with higher-poverty students improving more slowly. Reykdal cautioned against overreliance on high-stakes tests and urged lawmakers not to cut education in a tight budget year. He said AI is “in the middle of everything” and must be integrated responsibly. Teachers Cassondra Smith and Adam Aguilera described AI as a powerful tool to boost access, streamline planning and support multilingual students, but warned of inequities, privacy risks and the need for training.

On the season premiere of Inside Olympia, Austin Jenkins interviews Ed Lazowska, the Bill and Melinda Gates Chair Emeritus in Computer Science and Engineering at the University of Washington Paul G. Allen School, about his five-decade career and the rapid rise of artificial intelligence. Lazowska reflects on Washington’s ascent as a global software hub, driven by Microsoft, Amazon, and close ties between UW and industry. He contrasts the internet’s arrival in the 1990s with AI’s surprising breakthroughs, noting the unprecedented pace of change. Emphasizing optimism, he urges using AI to augment human capabilities. For education, Lazowska stresses three tiers of preparation: innovators, advanced users, and broad AI fluency for all students, coupled with informed skepticism to navigate an AI-driven world.

This week on Inside Olympia.....Austin Jenkins sits down with the career newspaperman and State Chief Historian John C. Hughes.

We talk traffic safety with Shelly Baldwin, acting director of the Washington Traffic Safety Commission.

What's driving higher health care costs? We talk with WA Health Benefit Exchange CEO Ingrid Ulrey. Plus, Director Ben Veghte on WA's long-term care insurance program.

On this episode of Inside Olympia:  Austin Jenkins takes a look at the reasons behind the decline in news sources in Washington State with Dr. Jennifer Henrichsen, Assistant Professor with the Edward R. Murrow College of Communication at WSU.

This week on Inside Olympia....we sit down with legislative leaders.  On the program, House Majority Leader Rep. Joe Fitzgibbon and Senate Republican Leader John Braun.

On this episode of Inside Olympia:  Austin Jenkkins sits down with WA State Schools Superintendent Chris Reykdal.

On this episode of Inside Olympia:  Austin Jenkins sits down with the head of the WA State Department of Corrections, Tim Lang.

On this episode of Inside Olympia:  Austin Jenkins finds out the latest happenings at the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) with the head of the agency, Julie Meredith.

On this episode of Inside Olympia: Austin Jenkins sits down with members of the Capital Press Corps and recaps the 2025 legislative session.  Plus, Austin interviews two Murrow News Fellows based here in Olympia for this session.

Water is an increasingly precious commodity. How is Washington State managing water resources in areas like the Columbia River Basin where demand outstrips supply? And as drought becomes more common, how is the state preparing for current and future dry spells? On the program, Tom Tebb, the recently retired Director of the Office of Columbia River at the Department of Ecology and Caroline Mellor, the statewide drought lead at Ecology.

Austin Jenkins sits downs and discusses tariffs, agriculture and energy with Washington State's Director of Commerce Joe Nguyen.

Inside Olympia, with host Austin Jenkins, sits down with State Supreme Court Chief Justice Debra Stephens.

This week on Inside Olympia....Austin Jenkins sits down with first-term State Representatives Natasha Hill of Spokane and Brian Burnett of Wenatchee.

We discuss the state budget with House Democratic Majority Leader Rep. Joe Fitzgibbon, and Rep. Travis Couture, the ranking Republican on the House Appropriations Committee. Plus, Capital Press journalist Don Jenkins on covering agriculture- and farming-related news.

This week on Inside Olympia....we sit down with top legislative leaders.  On the program, Speaker of the House Rep. Laurie Jinkins and Senate Republican Leader John Braun.

On this episode of Inside Olympia ... The debate over how to balance Washington's budget? Should lawmakers cut spending? Raise taxes? Or do some of both? We hear two perspectives. Treasure Mackley with Invest in Washington Now and Paul Graves with Enterprise Washington.

On this week's episode Austin Jenkins sits down with Matt Powers to discuss his newly released report titled, "Statehouse Journalism in Transition."

House Republican Leader Drew Stokesbary. Plus, Rep. Kristine Reeves on her proposal to ban flavored vapes.

This week Austin Jenkins sits down with newly elected Washington State Attorney General Nick Brown.

This week we interview the new leader of WA's Dept of Children, Youth and Families, Tana Senn. Plus, Rep. Shelley Kloba on her data privacy bill, and Rep. Stephanie Barnard on her bills to advance nuclear power.

Washington's Public Works Board is celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2025. While the board is not well known to most Washingtonians, chances are it has helped pay for an infrastructure project in your community -- from roads and bridges to drinking water, stormwater and sewer systems, recycling and solid waste, and more recently, broadband.Established by the Legislature in 1985, the board's low-interest loans have funded more than 2,000 critical infrastructure projects in towns and cities across the state. In 40 years there's never been a default on a loan.This week we dig into the history, mission, and future of the Public Works Board with its Executive Director, Maria Jawad, Board Chair Kathryn Gardow, and board members Kelly Snyder, Public Works Director for Snohomish County, and Gary Rowe, who retired after a career in public works in Jefferson and Skagit Counties, plus working for the Washington State Association of Counties.

This week on Inside Olympia....Austin Jenkins sits down with the newly sworn-in Insurance Commissioner Patty Kuderer.  Plus, we sit down with Rep. Clyde Shavers and talk Artificial Intelligence Legislation.

Host Austin Jenkins talks taxes with House Finance Chair April Berg and Ranking Republican Ed Orcutt. Plus, the state's fiscal health with State Treasurer Mike Pelicciotti.

We go in-depth with Senate budget leaders June Robinson and Chris Gildon. Plus, Capitol reporters look at the 2025 Legislature.

Host Austin Jenkins sits down for an interview with the outgoing Washington State Governor Jay Inslee who is leaving office after three consecutive terms.

An interview with newly re-elected Washington Secretary of State Steve Hobbs, and an exit interview with outgoing Department of Social and Health Services Secretary Jilma Meneses.

This week on Inside Olympia....Austin Jenkins discusses the 5-year-old Career Connect Program with individuals from Partnership for Learning and the Chehalis School District.

Legislative budget writers watch his quarterly state revenue forecasts closely, to see how much revenue will be available to fund the state budget. Host Austin Jenkins sits down with state economic forecaster Dave Reich, who leads the Washington's Economic and Revenue Forecast Council.

Host Austin Jenkins interviews outgoing Washington State Department of Corrections Secretary Cheryl Strange.

This week on Inside Olympia...we breakdown the election results with Democratic State Representative Joe Fitzgibbon and Republican Senator John Braun.

This week on Inside Olympia ... Is there any room left in politics for moderates? And what is the future of the Republican Party in Washington State? I sit down with former Secretary of State Sam Reed and Chief Historian John Hughes to discuss the new book: "Mr. Mainstream: Sam Reed's Half Century of Public Service and Ccivility.

On this episode of Inside Olympia....Austin Jenkins sits down with Health Benefit Exchange CEO Ingrid Ulrey and State Medicaid Director Charissa Fotinos.

An in-depth interview with Adutant General Gent Welsh, who leads the Washington National Guard, Military Department and Emergency Management Division.

Washington's Office of Insurance Commissioner is open for the first time in nearly a quarter of a century, as current Commissioner Mike Kreidler will not run for reelection. Vying to replace him are two state senators: Democrat Patty Kuderer and Republican Phil Fortunato. Learn about their priorities for this important but often overlooked statewide office, this week on Inside Olympia.

On this week's show....He came from one state that pioneered the legal use of recreational cannabis -- Colorado -- to another pioneering state, Washington. Meet Will Lukela, the director of the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board.

This week Austin Jenkins sits down with retiring legislators Karen Keiser and Mike Padden.

This week on Inside Olympia...Roger Rogoff, director of the state's Office of Independent Investigations, which is set to begin examining police deadly force cases.

On this week's Inside Olympia ... What will it take to create a robust and comprehensive behavioral health system in Washington? Why is it taking so long to get there? And what are the barriers to success? On the program for the full hour this week, Amber Leaders, Co-Chair of the Joint Legislative Executive Committee on Behavioral Health.

Host Austin Jenkins sits down for an interview with Washington's 2024 Elementary School Principal of the Year, Dr. Cathy Sork of Dorothy Fox Elementary in Camas.

Host Austin Jenkins sits down with 2024 Washington Teacher of the Year Blaire Penry. Penry, from the Auburn School District, has been interviewed by Bill Gates, and has a lot to say about online learning, artificial intelligence in the classroom, equity and diversity in education, and more.

Host Austin Jenkins does an in-depth interview with Dan Wilson of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers and Claire Davis of WA Wildlife First.

On this week's episode of Inside Olympia …. We continue our in-depth look into how Washington manages its fish and wildlife populations.  On the program for the full hour is the agency head of the Department of Fish and Wildlife Department Kelly Susewind.

This week, the first interview in a three-part series on the management of fish and wildlife in Washington state. Host Austin Jenkins sits down for the full hour with Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission Chair Barbara Baker, and Commissioner Jim Anderson.

On this episode of Inside Olympia...From Hanford cleanup to salmon-harming toxins to the state’s carbon pollution credit program … The Department of Ecology is the regulatory agency in charge. How is ecology managing the state’s most pressing environmental hazards? On the program this week is the Director of Ecology Laura Watson.

On this episode of Inside Olympia....Host Austin Jenkins discusses veterans' services and housing with the Director of the WA State Department of Veterans Affairs David Puente.

On this week's episode of Inside Olympia … How is Washington State's government working to combat the fentanyl crisis? We talk with Secretary of Health Dr. Umair Shah, and Sue Birch of the State Health Care Authority.  Also, what lessons were learned from covid? And how concerned should we be about bird flu? Dr. Shah discusses those and other priority issues for the State Department of Health.

Host Austin Jenkins sits down for an in-depth interview with retiring former House Republican Leader and State Representative J.T. Wilcox, of Yelm.

Host Austin Jenkins sits down for an in-depth interview with retiring legislator Andy Billig, Senate Majority Leader from Spokane.

A statewide drought emergency has been declared. How low is the snowpack? And what are the implications for fish, farms and people? We ask representatives of the Department of Ecology and Agriculture.

Host Austin Jenkins sits down for an in-depth interview with State Department of Commerce Director Mike Fong.

An interview with Washington Department of Social and Health Services Secretary Jilma Meneses.

Interviews with State Representatives Jamila Taylor and Kevin Waters.

An exit interview with retiring State Senator Sam Hunt, plus a discussion on K-12 public schools with State Superintendent of Public Instruction Chris Reykdal.

Host Austin Jenkins interviews Washington Health Care Authority Director Sue Birch about the work of the HCA's Health Care Cost Transparency Board.

On this episode of Inside Olympia...We recap the legislative session with Lt. Governor Denny Heck. Plus we meet Megan Matthews, Director of Washington's Office of Equity.

On this week's episode of Inside Olympia....It’s been more than half a century since Washington voters approved the Public Records Act. Now a new report from the Washington Coalition for Open Government warns the spirit and letter of that law are being undermined. We talk with the Mike Fancher, the nonprofit’s president about recommendations for strengthening it.

Host Austins Jenkins interviews WA's Long-Term Care Ombuds Patricia Hunter and Family and Children's Ombuds Director Patrick Dowd.

On this week's episode of Inside Olympia: Austin Jenkins sits down with DCYF Secretary Ross Hunter.

Artificial Intelligence is the topic of discussion on Inside Olympia this week. Austin Jenkins sits down with state legislators and the Chief Technology and Chief Privacy Officers for Washington State.

On Inside Olympia...we take a lookback at the Boldt decision and how that helped secure the fishing rights for tribes in Washington State.

Host Austin Jenkins talks with local leaders working to promote civility in politics and public discourse: Snohomish Council Council members Jared Mead and Nate Nehring, and Sean O'Brien of the Tri-Cities Civility Caucus.

This week Austin Jenkins sits down with members of the House Housing Committee and discusses what can be down about Washington State's housing crisis.

This week on Inside Olympia....Host Austin Jenkins sits down with House Leadership and discusses some of the hot topics in the State Legislature this year like housing, taxes, and the Climate Commitment Act.

Austin Jenkins sits down with Senate Transporttion Committee members Marko Liias (D-Edmonds) and Curtis King (R-Yakima) to discuss some of the hot button transportation issues in the state of Washington. Also State Traffic Enginner Dongho Chang talks with us about making roads and streets safer.

Host Austin Jenkins sits down with the chair and ranking Republican of the Senate Environment, Energy and Technology Committee: Democratic Senator Joe Nguyen and Republican Senator Drew MacEwen.

A full-hour, in-depth interview with Governor Jay Inslee. On the fentanyl crisis. Behavioral health. Housing and homelessness. Climate change, the Climate Commitment Act, and gas prices. Citizen initiatives regarding police pursuits, the capital gains tax and more. Recent escapes and other incidents at Echo Glen and Green Hill Schools. The I-5 Columbia River Bridge. The impact of inflation on transportation projects, from ferries to culverts. Republican criticisms of the governor. President Biden. The Israel-Hamas War.

This week on Inside Olympia ... It's been two years since lawmakers created an Office of Independent Investigations to investigate police deadly force incidents. How many investigators have been hired and trained and when will investigations begin? We get an update from Director Roger Rogoff.

This week: In-depth with Senator June Robinson, the new chair of the budget-writing Senate Ways & Means Committee. Plus, veteran State Senator Karen Keiser on her newly published "how to" book for beginning state legislators: "Getting Elected is the Easy Part."

On this episode of Inside Olympia Austin Jenkins sits down with retiring state economist Steve Lerch and Senate Republican Budget Lead Lynda Wilson (R-Vancouver).

We discuss the bi-state effort to build a new I-5 Columbia River Bridge with Project Administrator Greg Johnson, Washington State Rep. Paul Harris, and Oregon State Rep. Susan McLain.

This week Austin Jenkins sits down with Ingrid Ulrey CEO of the Washington State Health Benefits Exchange and Michael Furze with the State's Energy Office.

What role will hydrogen and nuclear have in the push to decarbonize Washington? How will federal infrastructure spending help with the transition away from fossil fuels? And what are the particular challenges to transitioning heavy industry to clean energy? On the program is Chris Green of the Washington State Department of Commerce.

A full-hour, in-depth interview with the director of Washington's Department of Labor and Industries, Joel Sacks.

We talk with the co-chairs of Washington's recently disbanded Tax Structure Work Group: Senators Noel Frame and Keith Wagoner.

On this episode of Inside Olympia ... We live in politically tumultuous and polarized times. What does that mean for the near and long term futures of the state's two largest political parties? And how are their new leaders charting choppy waters? On this week state Democratic Party Chair Shasti Conrad and Republican Chair Jim Walsh.

Washington is among the states with the highest credit ratings -- which is a sign of good fiscal health, and allows the state to get good interest rates on the bonds it sells. But the state also has a significant debt load. What does that right balance look like? Plus, why do so few Washingtonians have retirement savings, and what can be done about that? And what are the chances Congress will pass a cannabis banking law? On the program for the full hour this week, Washington State Treasurer Mike Pellicciotti.

Recent studies show Washingtonians are dying in traffic fatalities at an alarming rate -- plus throwing out 38 million pounds of trash each year onto Washington's roads and public spaces. Host Austin Jenkins interviews Shelly Baldwin, director of the Washington Traffic Safety Commission, and Amber Smith-Jones, State Litter Prevention Coordinator with the Washington Department of Ecology.

An exit interview with now-Kitsap County Commissioner Christine Rolfes, who recently stepped down from the State Senate, where she led the state-budget-writing Ways and Means Committee. And, the new Ranking Republican on the budget-writing House Appropriations Committee, Representative Chris Corry.

The Washington Department of Corrections recently announced plans to close Larch Corrections Center near Vancouver. In addition, the department is pursing major changes in the use of solitary confinement, and wants to remodel Washington prisons based on prisons in Norway. A full-hour, in-depth interview with Washington Department of Corrections Secretary Cheryl Strange.

In-depth interviews with Mark Vasconi, director of the Washington Statewide Broadband Office, and Melodi Pazolt and Scott Tankersley on the state's new Apple Health "Housing as Health Care" program.

A full-hour in-depth interview with Washington's Adjutant General, Bret Daugherty, who commands the Washington National Guard.

State Representative Drew Stokesbary of Auburn recently was chosen by his colleagues to serve as leader of minority Republicans in the State House of Representatives. We discuss his plans as leader, and how he plans to work with majority Democrats. Stokesbary steps into the role filled until recently by State Representative JT Wilcox of Yelm. In our exit interview with Wilcox, we explore his decision to step down, and look back at his more than five years as House Republican leader.

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Beginning in July, an estimated three million Washington workers will have an average of $24 per month deducted from their paychecks to help provide them care in their old age. The "WA Cares Fund" is a first-in-the-nation state operated long-term care insurance program. Host Austin Jenkins sits down with WA Cares Director Benjamin Veghte. Plus, State Actuary Matthew Smith on whether long-term the WA Cares Fund is expected to stay in the black.

What is it like being a new state legislator? How do you learn to navigate the statehouse? How do you get a bill passed? What are the challenges and opportunities that come with being new? And after one session, what are the lessons learned? Host Austin Jenkins interviews first-term State Representatives April Connors of the Tri-Cities, Travis Couture of Allyn, Sharlett Mena of Tacoma, and Julio Cortes of Everett.

In the 15 years from 2005 to 2020, one quarter of the newspapers in the U.S. shut their doors. The closures left 1,800 communities without a newspaper -- so called news deserts. Here in Washington, three daily newspapers and more than two dozen weeklies have shuttered since 2004. And there have been consolidations and buyouts. Today, six of Washington's newspapers are owned by hedge funds. These are among the findings of a lengthy report from the League of Women Voters of Washington on the decline of local news and its impact on democracy. The report examines the crisis, the impacts, the response and looks to the future. Host Austin Jenkins sits down with Lunell Haught, who teaches at Gonzaga University and is the immediate past president of the League of Women Voters of Washington. And Dee Anne Finken, a former reporter for McClatchy newspapers who teaches journalism at Clark College and who co-chaired the local news study.

We continue our look at Washington's sexually violent predator program. How should the state manage cases involving individuals with developmental disabilities? Plus we ask two state lawmakers how the state should balance the requirement to release individuals back into the community with the concerns of communities?

We continue our look at how Washington manages people who have been civilly committed as sexually violent predators. What happens when it is time for their release from the special commitment center on mcneil island?

Austin Jenkins sits down with CEO and the Chief of Clinical Services from the Special Commitment Center where sexually violent predators are civilly commited.

What went well? What didn't? What might happen in the future with the Legislature? Austin Jenkins sits down with Washington State's Lieutenant Governor Denny Heck discusses these items and much much more.

There's a new Working Families Tax Credit available to many Washingtonians. How many who are eligible are taking advantage of it? We ask Kevin Dixon of the Washington Department of Revenue. Plus, with the end of COVID, tens of thousands in Washington may no longer be eligible for Medicaid. We discuss the issue with Dr. Charissa Fotinos of the state's Health Care Authority and Ingrid Ulrey, chief executive officers of the Washington Health Benefit Exchange.

Find out what Washington State is doing in the roll of behavioral health. Austin Jenkins sits down with state representatives and discusses this important issue.

They were elected last November to their first terms in the Washington State Legislature. What are their districts and personal backgrounds, why did they run for office, what issues are they focused on as legislators, and what are their impressions of the Legislature. Host Austin Jenkins sits down with Democratic State Representatives Emily Alvarado and Darya Farivar, and Republican State Representatives Stephanie McClintock and Suzanne Schmidt.

What's the latest in transportation? On this episode of Inside Olympia: Austin Jenkins sits down with legislators from the Senate Transportation Committee.

What's the latest with affordable housing in Washington State? Host Austin Jenkins sits down with House Housing Committee members on this episode of Inside Olympia.

Created by citizen initiative in 1972, Washington's Public Disclosure Commission for 50 years has enabled the public to track money in politics, from election campaigns to lobbying. Host Austin Jenkins sits down with the current chair of the PDC, Fred Jarrett.

In-depth with Monica Alexander, executive director of the Washington Criminal Justice Training Commission, and author of a new book, Justice, Peace, and the Future of the Police.

This week Austin Jenkins talks public schools with WA State Superintendent Chris Reykdal.

An exit interview with Washington Department of Commerce Director Lisa Brown, who is stepping down after leading Commerce for four years, including through the COVID pandemic.

What is the Legislature doing about the state's workforce shortage? On this episode of Inside Olympia Austin Jenkins sits down with members of the Washington State Senate and House of Representatives and discusses possible solutions to alleviate the issue.

Interviews with Representatives Shelley Kloba and Kelly Chambers, the Chair and Ranking Republican on the House Regulated Substances and Gaming Committee; plus, Senator Jesse Salomon on his bill to legalize supervised use of psilocybin.

What's the latest with the State Senate's leadership. Austin Jenkins sits down with Senate Majority Leader Andy Billig (D-Spokane) and Senate Republican Leader John Braun (R-Centralia).

On this week's Inside Olympia we go in-depth with legislative leaders: House Democratic Majority Leader Joe Fitzgibbon, and House Republican Minority Leader JT Wilcox. Their perspectives on, and priorities for, the 2023 legislative session.

Host Austin Jenkins interviews the new chair of the Senate Environment, Energy & Technology Committee, Senator Joe Nguyen, and the ranking Republican on the committee, Senator Drew MacEwen. Plus, State Capitol journalists Jerry Cornfield and Laurel Demkovich discuss the top issues of the 2023 legislative session.

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An in-depth interview with Washington State Governor Jay Inslee -- looking back at 2022 and ahead to 2023, including his priorities for the annual legislative session which kicks off on January 9.

Host Austin Jenkins interviews Dr. Karen Johnson, the director of the Washington State Office of Equity, who is leading state government's efforts to work equity into all its programs and operations.

Inside Olympia's host Austin Jenkins sits down with Health Benefit Exchange Interim CEO Jim Crawford and the State's Chief Economist Steve Lerch.

One year has passed since the federal government approved infrastructure funding for the states. What has this money meant for Washington State and what will it deliver in the coming years. Austin Jenkins sits down with individuals from WSDOT, Association of Cities and WA state Association of Counties.

Long-time Associated Press Capitol Correspondent Rachel La Corte is stepping down from the AP after nearly 18 years covering the Washington Legislature and state government. Her recollections about the headline stories, the changing nature of the media, and much more.

This week host Austin Jenkins sits down and discusses the state of transportation in Washington State with the head of WSDOT Roger Millar.

In our second episode dealing with airport capacity and the possibility of a new commercial airport in Washington, host Austin Jenkins sits down with Sen. Karen Keiser and Rep. Tom Dent. Both serve on the state's Commercial Aviation Coordinating Commission. Sen. Keiser has long represented the district that incudes SeaTac Airport, and Rep. Dent of Moses Lake, who is a pilot and owned an aviation company.

With SeaTac Airport reaching capacity, the state is looking to potentially site a new international airport in Western Washington. Plus, what does the future of aviation look like in general in the state that gave birth to Boeing? Host Austin Jenkins interviews David Fleckenstein, director of the WA State Department of Transportation's Aviation Division, and two members of the Commercial Aviation Coordinating Commission, charged with identifying airport expansion options, including a possible new airport: Warren Hendrickson and Steve Edmiston.

We debrief on this year's wildfire season, forest health, salmon restoration, balancing the demands of timber communities and environmental groups on state forests, and much more with Washington Commissioner of Public Lands Hilary Franz.

Washington state is creating a first-in-the-nation independent state office which will investigate police use-of-force incidents. Host Austin Jenkins interviews Roger Rogoff, tapped by Gov. Jay Inslee to be the first director of the new Washington Office of Independent Investigations.

The NW Power and Conservation Council was created in 1980 to develop a regional power plan and fish and wildlife program to balance the NW's environment and energy needs. We talk with the council's executive director, Bill Edmonds.

He starred on the second season of the hit series "Survivor," he was Gov. Inslee's general counsel, and in October 2021 was appointed by President Biden as the U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Washington: an in-depth interview with Nick Brown.

Host Austin Jenkins interviews Senate Democratic Majority Leader Andy Billig of Spokane and House Republican Floor Leader Jacquelin Maycumber of Republic: their thoughts on the 2022 elections and issues likely to dominate the upcoming 2023 legislative session.

Farming interviews with State Veterinarian Dr. Amber Itle, whose mission is protecting animals against disease outbreaks, like the current threat posed by Avian Bird Flu; and Ignacio Marquez, the Yakima-based regional assistant to the director of the WA State Dept. of Agriculture.

We discuss the opioid/fentanyl crisis with Dr. Charissa Fotinos, State Medicaid Director/Health Care Authority Behavioral Health Medical Director. Plus, the state of the state economy, and the latest state revenue forecast, with WA Chief Economist Steve Lerch.

Host Austin Jenkins sits down for in-depth interviews with Shelly Baldwin, director of the Washington Traffic Safety Commission, and Alfie Alvarado-Ramos, director of the Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs.

The Utilities and Transportation Commission has been closely involved in helping ratepayers and utilities negotiate the COVID pandemic. Plus, the UTC is overseeing the state's planned transition to clean energy. This week host Austin Jenkins interviews the chair of the UTC, Dave Danner.

Jilma Meneses leads state government's largest agency, the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS), which provides services to one in every four Washingtonians -- the aged and disabled, low-income people, persons with behavioral health issues, and more. Host Austin Jenkins sits down for a full-hour, in-depth interview with Secretary Meneses.

One year into her tenure as secretary of the Washington State Department of Corrections, Cheryl Strange discusses the challenges of operating prisons during COVID, morale of corrections workers and inmates, her efforts to create a more therapeutic approach in state prisons, and more.

She's spent four decades in Washington's community and technical college system. Now, she's stepping down as leader of the State Board for Community and Technical Colleges. What are the challenges and opportunities facing this system of nearly three dozen colleges spread across Washington state? We talk with outgoing SBCTC Executive Director Jan Yoshiwara.

Over the past year, the Office of the State Auditor has released performance audits on long-term care worker training, voting ballot rejection rates, and K-12 student behavioral health issues. Coming soon: audits on customer service at the WA Employment Security Department, the backlog in sexual assault kit testing, and the state's road toll collection system. This week we sit down for the full hour with State Auditor Pat McCarthy.

We discuss the state of the state's K-12 public schools with State Superintendent of Public Instruction Chris Reykdal. Plus, the view from inside the classroom with Pamella Johnson, an academic and behavioral intervention specialist at Rochester High School.

This week: Homelessness among school-aged youth and young adults in Washington -- the scope of the problem, and what state government and one private organization are doing to address the problem. Host Austin Jenkins interviews Kim Justice, executive director of the state's Office of Homeless Youth Prevention and Protection, and Julie Patino, executive director of A Way Home Washington.

Pam MacEwan is retiring as CEO of Washington's Health Benefit Exchange, after a career spent focused on expanding access to health care. We'll hear her thoughts on health care in our state. Representative Pat Sullivan is stepping down from the State House after nearly two decades in office, much of it as Democratic Majority Leader. He's played a key role in budget negotiations, education funding with the McCleary decision, and more.

After a long downward trend, there's a recent uptick in COVID cases. Should we be concerned? We ask State Epidemiologist Scott Lindquist. Plus, he worked on the issue in Washington D.C., and now he's made housing affordability and availability one of his signature issues in this Washington. We talk housing, the 2022 legislative session and more with Washington State Lieutenant Governor Denny Heck.

Will Washington's new capital gain's tax survive the courts? We debate that question with two University of Washington law professors. And we check in with the chair of the Liquor and Cannabis Board on the State of Washington's cannabis industry.

In-depth interviews with State Treasurer Mike Pellicciotti, and retiring State Rep. Jesse Johnson. The State Treasurer is pressing Congress to pass new banking laws that would help prevent robberies at cannabis stores. And, he wants the state to provide "baby bonds" to children from low-income and marginalized communities. Rep. Jesse Johnson is stepping down for family reasons after three years in the state House of Representatives, years in which he played a key role in enacting changes to policing laws. He discusses his decision to step down, and possible future plans.

The Evergreen State College is 50 years old. But recently it has struggled with declining enrollment. So how is the school celebrating its past and planning for its future? Austin Jenkins sits down with the college's Interim President John Carmichael and Executive VP Dexter Gordon.

In honor of Sunshine Week, host Austin Jenkins sits down for the full-hour with recently retired, long-time KIRO 7 Senior Political Reporter Essex Porter. His thoughts on the importance of covering politics and government, the future of local news, and more.

From housing and homelessness help to small business assistance, the WA Department of Commerce has played a key role in the state's response to the COVID pandemic. Host Austin Jenkins talks with Commerce Director Lisa Brown.

Behavioral health is again a top issue in the Legislature -- we discuss with State Sens. David Frockt and Keith Wagoner. Plus, we interview State Sen. Reuven Carlyle, who is stepping down after a legislative career marked by involvement in issues like climate change, data privacy, abolishing the death penalty, and foster care.

This week majority Democrats in House and Senate released their proposed supplemental operating budgets -- we discuss with Senate Ways & Means Chair Christine Rolfes, and the committee's ranking Republican, Sen. Lynda Wilson. Plus, the state's chief economist, Steve Lerch, talks about the state of the state's economy and the billions in new revenue in the latest state revenue forecast.

They're seemingly two of the most intractable problems in society: homelessness and substance abuse. What can state legislators do to address these crises? We talk with State Reps. Strom Peterson, Andrew Barkis, Lauren Davis and Dan Griffey.

Sen. Patty Kuderer and Jim Walsh debate firearms bills being considered in Olympia this year, including a measure that would prohibit the sale of high-capacity magazines. Plus, what climate-related proposals are moving through the Legislature? We talk with Reps. Joe Fitzgibbon and Mary Dye.

Our 4-week series of interviews with legislative leaders wraps up, as we talk with House Republican Minority Leader J.T. Wilcox. Plus, we discuss K-12 education bills and priorities with Reps. Sharon Santos and Alex Ybarra.

We continue our series with legislative leaders -- this week, Democratic House Speaker Laurie Jinkins (D-Tacoma). Plus, we discuss housing and homelessness legislation with Senators Patty Kuderer (D-Bellevue) and Phil Fortunato (R-Auburn).

Senate Republican Minority Leader John Braun discusses his caucus' priorities for the 2022 legislative session. Plus, Reps. Jesse Johnson and Gina Mosbrucker discuss "follow up" police reform bills, many of them making tweaks to bills passed in 2021.

Host Austin Jenkins interviews Senate Majority Leader Andy Billig of Spokane about the goals and priorities of the Senate Democratic Caucus for the 2022 legislative session. Plus, State Epidemiologist Dr. Scott Lindquist on the Omicron COVID variant and its impact on Washington state.

Host Austin Jenkins sits down with Washington State Governor Jay Inslee.

We go in-depth with State Attorney General Bob Ferguson -- on his lawsuit against opioid manufacturers, police accountability, the Arlene's Flowers case, and much more.

In-depth interviews with Sue Birch, who manages state Medicaid and many other health care programs as director of the WA Health Care Authority. Plus, State Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler on his ongoing effort to ban credit scores from being used to set personal insurance rates.

Host Austin Jenkins interviews out-going Secretary of State Kim Wyman. She resigned to accept an appointment to serve as the Senior Election Security Lead for the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), the nation's lead for cyber, infrastructure, and election security.

The WA Redistricting Commission agreed on new state legislative and congressional district boundaries -- but a day after the statutory deadline. Now the redistricting plan is in the hands of the WA Supreme Court. What happened, and what's next? We sit down with Sarah Augustine, non-voting chair of the State Redistricting Commission. Plus, what grade do state lawmakers of both parties give policing legislation approved by the 2021 Legislature? And what's potentially on tap for 2022? We discuss policing policy with Reps. Roger Goodman and Gina Mosbrucker.

They're two small state offices with big roles in the state's courts. We sit down with Jim Bamberger, director of the WA Office of Civil Legal Aid, and Larry Jefferson Jr., director of the WA Office of Public Defense.

This week Austin Jenkins hosts an in-depth interview with Washington State Supreme Court Chief Justice Steven Gonzalez.

What health insurance plans will be available next year on the private market? We talk with Pam MacEwan, CEO of the WA Health Benefit Exchange. Plus, WA Employment Security Commissioner Cami Feek on unemployment and long-term care insurance.

AUSTIN JENKINS DISCUSSES STAFF REDUCTIONS WITH STATE CORRECTIONS SECRETARY CHERYL STRANGE AND TEAMSTERS LOCAL 117 UNION PRESIDENT MICHELLE WOODROW.

Host Austin Jenkins interviews Jeannie Darneille, who is stepping down from the State Senate to become the state's first Assistant Secretary -- Women's Prison Division. Plus, Christopher Poulos of Washington's Statewide Reentry Council.

Washington's Recreation and Conservation Office (RCO) is a small state agency with a huge role in funding outdoor recreation and conservation projects throughout the state, from soccer fields to salmon habitat. Host Austin Jenkins interviews Megan Duffy, director of the RCO, and Tara Galuska, who works within the RCO as the state's orca recovery coordinator.

A new long-term care insurance requirement will soon go into effect, affecting millions of Washingtonians. Host Austin Jenkins sits down with Ben Veghte, director of the WA Cares Fund, and Sens. Karen Keiser and Curtis King, who serve on the advisory commission which can recommend changes to the plan.

We continue our fall interviews with state legislative leaders. This week: the House of Representatives. Host Austin Jenkins sits down with Democratic House Speaker Laurie Jinkins and House Republican Leader J.T. Wilcox.

Host Austin Jenkins talks COVID, policing policy and more with Senate Democratic Majority Leader Andy Billig of Spokane and Senate Republican Minority Leader John Braun of Centralia.

The COVID delta variant is surging in Washington, stretching hospitals and the health care system to their limits. Host Austin Jenkins discusses the latest COVID developments with the WA Dept. of Health's Acting Chief Science Officer, Dr. Scott Lindquist, and Washington State Medical Association President Dr. Nathan Schlicher.

Austin Jenkins sits down and discusses Washington's transportation infrastructure with the Secretary of the Washington State Department of Transportation Roger Millar.

Host Austin Jenkins sits down with the first director of the state's office of equity Dr. Karen Johnson, and the Labor & Industries director Joel Sacks.

Host Austin Jenkins interviews WA Department of Children, Youth & Families Secretary Ross Hunter, and Lisa McLean, executive director of the 2021 WA State Redistricting Commission.

State Epidemiologist Scott Lindquist with the latest on the state's battle against COVID, and WA Lottery's Kristi Weeks on Washington's "Shot of a Lifetime" vaccination lottery.

Austin Jenkins goes in-depth with Dept. of Commerce Director Lisa Brown on the eviction moratorium, broadband expansion, aerospace and more.

In-depth interviews with two of Washington's statewide elected officials: Lieutenant Governor Denny Heck, and Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler.

In the second of a two-part series, we get perspectives from law enforcement organizations on policing bills passed by the 2021 Legislature. Guests: Criminal Justice Training Commission Interim Executive Director Monica Alexander, and WA Fraternal Order of Police Vice President James Schrimpsher.

Police reform legislation was one of the most high-profile and contentious issues of the 2021 legislative session. We discuss with Democratic State Rep. Jesse Johnson of Federal Way and Republican State Sen. Mike Padden of Spokane.

We dig into the Supreme Court's "Blake" decision decriminalizing drug possession, and the Legislature's response. Guests: Sens. Manka Dhingra and Ron Muzzall, Reps. Lauren Davis and Gina Mosbrucker.

Majority Democrats and minority Republicans offer starkly different reviews of the 2021 legislative session. We sit down with Democratic House Speaker Laurie Jinkins, Senate Democrat Majority Leader Andy Billig, Senate Republican Leader John Braun, and House Republican Leader JT Wilcox.

Rep. Melanie Morgan, chair of the Members of Color Caucus, on Democrats' focus on equity in the 2021 Legislature. Plus, first-term state Reps. David Hackney and April Berg.

We go in-depth with Steve Sinclair, who is retiring as secretary of the Washington Department of Corrections. Plus, Joanna Carns, the director of the state's recently created Office of Corrections Ombuds.

This week on Inside Olympia we talk with two first-term Republican representatives, Peter Abbarno of Centralia and Mark Klicker of Walla Walla.

It's budget time at the State Legislature, as lawmakers look to approve three state budgets: operating, capital, and transportation. This week we cover two of the three: we go into the details of the state operating budget with Senate budget leads Christine Rolfes and Lynda Wilson, and talk about the capital or construction budget with State Reps. Steve Tharinger and Mike Steele.

We discuss adult and juvenile criminal justice with Senators Jeannie Darneille and Chris Gildon. Plus, an interview with first-term State Representative Tarra Simmons, who went from incarcerated felon to law student to attorney to the State Legislature.

We talk with UW Associate Professor Kate Starbird about her research on the spread of misinformation and disinformation on social media. Plus, Senators Lisa Wellman and Brad Hawkins discuss school challenges during COVID, including learning loss, and what the 2021 Legislature is doing to help public schools.

We go in depth with Sens. June Robinson and Ann Rivers on foundational public health; plus, Capitol journalists Joe O'Sullivan of The Seattle Times and Sara Gentzler of McClatchy newspapers recap the 2021 Legislature at its halfway point.

He moved from Texas and took the reins of the state's Department of Health amidst the COVID-19 pandemic: meet Washington's new Health Secretary, Dr. Umair Shah. Plus, we continue our interviews with first-term lawmakers -- this week, two Republicans new to the Legislature: Sen. Jeff Wilson of Longview and Rep. Cyndy Jacobsen of Puyallup.

Host Austin Jenkins discusses the past and future of policing with Sue Rahr who is the outgoing executive director of the Criminal Justice Training Commission. Also Austin sits down with freshman legislator state representative Jamila Taylor of Federal Way.

Washington's new Lieutenant Governor Denny Heck served 8 years in Congress, and before that founded TVW the state's version of C-SPAN, was chief of staff to Governor Booth Gardner, and was speaker of the State House. We discuss his goals and priorities as lieutenant governor, plus look back at his years in Congress and the political discourse in Washington, D.C. New Washington State Treasurer Mike Pellicciotti served 2 terms in the State House, and before that was an assistant state attorney general prosecuting health care fraud and elder abuse, as well as a deputy prosecutor for King County. We talk about the role of the state treasurer, and the particular stamp he intends to put on the office.

Majority Democrats in Olympia are proposing a capital gains tax to fund an expansion of child care. We debate those proposals with Reps. Tana Senn and Tom Dent. Plus, in the social media era, is it time for students to be taught media literacy and digital citizenship? We talk with two senators who have a bill to do just that: Sens. Marko Liias and Shelly Short.

We talk policing reform and accountability with House Public Safety Chair Roger Goodman and the ranking Republican on the committee, Rep. Gina Mosbrucker. Plus, an interview with pollster Stuart Elway, whose latest statewide poll reveals deep political differences among Washingtonians.

We talk with Senate Republicans' new lead on the state budget, Sen. Lynda Wilson of Vancouver. Plus, State Superintendent of Public Instruction Chris Reykdal on reopening schools during COVID, and education policy in the 2021 Legislature.

Jan. 21, 2021 – The Senate's Special Committee on Economic Recovery, which met throughout the summer and fall, just released its COVID recovery plan -- we discuss the plan with Senators David Frockt and Shelly Short. Plus, we sit down with Senate Ways & Means Chair Christine Rolfes about the state budget, spending and proposals for new taxes.

Jan. 14, 2021 – With the kickoff of the 2021 Washington State Legislature, host Austin Jenkins sits down with two legislative caucus leaders: House Republican Minority Leader J.T. Wilcox, and Senate Democratic Majority Leader Andy Billig.