The IMPACT

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).

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.

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.

An update on the legislative push to institute a new pay-by-mile road usage charge to fund transportation infrastructure. Guest: Reema Griffith, Washington State Transportation Commission

Discussing the implications of the state supreme court ruling that upheld the 2021 state capital gains tax. Interview guests: Andy Nicholas, Senior Fellow at the Washington State Budget and Policy Center and Mike Gallagher, President and CEO of the Washington Policy Center.

A look at the legislative debate over a bill to let DNR develop and sell carbon sequestration projects. Commissioner of Public Lands Hilary Franz weighs in on why her agency is seeking new options for state trust land management in the carbon markets.

Sunshine Week discussion focusing on different ways Washington's Public Records Act creates windows into the inner workings of state and local government. Guest: Paul Queary, editor and publisher of The Washington Observer (former AP editor/reporter and former political consultant).

A look at the outcome of Washington's first carbon credit auction in February. What it raised, how it works, and what it means to you. Q & A with Washington State Dept. of Ecology Director Laura Watson.

With a final recommendation due in June 2023, a new bill would hit reset on the controversial effort to choose a site for a new major airport. Guests: Rep. Tom Dent, R-Moses Lake and Sen. Karen Keiser, D-Des Moines.

A look at legislation to set aside $4000 for each child born into poverty in the state to assist with big investments later in life. Q & A with Washington State Treasurer Mike Pellicciotti about the Washington Future Fund proposal