
The IMPACT
Hosted by Mike McClanahan, The Impact is TVW’s weekly news show, covering decisions at the State Capitol and how they impact you.
Latest episodes

Jun 14, 2023 • 25min
Speed Cameras in Work Zones from June 14, 2023
Analysis of new highway safety legislation, including a bill that will authorize automated speed cameras in highway work zones. Guest: Mike Gribner, Assistant Secretary and Principal Engineer for the Washington State Department of Transportation and Charles Prestrud, Transportation Center Director for the Washington Policy Center.

Jun 7, 2023 • 25min
Revamped Drug Law from June 7, 2023
The ACLU attorney who wrote Initiative 502 and a former law enforcement officer and legislator debate the impact of the "Blake fix" replacement drug possession statute and the tumultuous recent history of drug law in Washington.Guests: Alison Holcomb, Political Director for ACLU of Washington and Steve Strachan, Executive Director of the Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs.

May 31, 2023 • 25min
Dental Legislation from May 31, 2023
A review of new legislation intended to bolster the dental workforce and increase access to care. Guests: Bracken Killpack, Executive Director of the Washington State Dental Association and Marcy Bowers, Executive Director of the Statewide Poverty Action Network.

May 24, 2023 • 25min
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline from May 24, 2023
An update on legislative efforts to overhaul the state's crisis response framework and implement the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. Guests: Rep. Tina Orwall (D-Des Moines) and Rep. Michelle Caldier (R-Gig Harbor)

May 17, 2023 • 26min
Addressing the Chehalis River Basin Flooding from May 17, 2023
A look at two different approaches to address flooding in the Chehalis River Basin: one involving the construction of a dam near the headwaters of the river, and one focused on a series of local projects. Guests: Andrea McNamara Doyle, Director of the Office of Chehalis Basin, Glen Connelly, Natural Resources Director for the Chehalis Tribe, and Erik Martin, Administrator for the Chehalis River Basin Flood Control Zone District.

May 10, 2023 • 26min
The Future of Power in Washington from May 10, 2023
Part two in a series focused on Washington's future electricity demands, the complexity of integrating more wind and solar energy, and the infrastructure needed to modernize the electric grid. Guests: KC Golden, Vice Chair of the Northwest Power and Conservation Council and George Caan, Executive Director of the Washington Public Utility District Association

May 3, 2023 • 26min
Clean Energy & the Power Grid from May 3, 2023
Is the power grid ready for the demands of increased electrification? A look at legislation to amp up long-term planning for the electrical transmission system. Guests: Sen. Joe Nguyen, D-White Center and Sen. Matt Boehnke, R-Kennewick.

Apr 26, 2023 • 26min
2023 Legislative Session Wrap-up from April 26, 2023
A panel of state government reporters review the 2023 Washington State Legislative Session. Guests: Claire Withycombe of The Seattle Times and Shauna Sowersby of McClatchy Newspapers (The Olympian, Tacoma News Tribune, and Tri-City Herald).

Apr 19, 2023 • 25min
Nurse Staffing Levels from April 19, 2023
An inside look at the legislative compromise on staffing levels and background on the challenges facing nurses and hospitals in Washington. Guests: Katharine Weiss, Director of Government Affairs for the Washington State Nurses Association and Chelene Whiteaker, Senior Vice-President of Government Affairs for the Washington State Hospital Association.

Apr 12, 2023 • 25min
Legislative Priorities for WA Cities and Counties from April 12, 2023
From residential zoning to police pursuit policies and behavioral health capacity - a look at legislative priorities for local governments around Washington. Guests: Candice Bock, Director of Government Relations at the Association of Washington Cities and Eric Johnson, Executive Director of the Washington State Association of Counties.