Inside Olympia

On this episode of Inside Olympia: The new state librarian Melody Skye Weaver discusses budget cuts, restricted access to historic collections and a proposal to return the State Library and Archives to the Capitol campus in a new public building. Also on this episode, Washington Democrats expand their legislative majorities after the midterm elections. Journalists Paul Queary of The Washington Observer and Jerry Cornfield of the Washington State Standard assess the results.

On this episdoe of Inside Olympia: Should Washington opt into President Trump's school choice tax credit? The deadline to decide is coming up and a chorus of voices on the left and right say yes, but opponents insist it's a bad deal for Washington. We debate this issue. On the program Laura Ruderman, CEO of the Technology Alliance and Mike Preiner, Founder of the Math Agency. Plus, State Superintendent of Schools Chris Reykdal. 

Representatives of Washington's business community examine rising energy costs, reliability concerns and the state's clean energy transition. Peter Godlewski of the Association of Washington Business and Patrick Connor of the National Federation of Independent Business discuss permitting reform, fuel prices, natural gas, electricity infrastructure and priorities for the 2027 Legislature. The program also revisits and updates a clean energy documentary produced by TVW’s Washington to Washington.

Washington Secretary of State Steve Hobbs discusses approximately 60 federal subpoenas for individual voter records ahead of the Nov. 3 election, federal enforcement actions in California and Washington's preparations for possible disruptions. The interview examines rising ballot rejections tied to Postal Service changes, reduced federal cybersecurity support and threats extending from Election Day through certification.

On this episode of Inside Olympia:  Austin Jenkins discusses energy affordability and climate policy future with former State Senator Reuven Carlyle and Todd Myers of the Washington Policy Center.

Facing a tight 2027 budget, DSHS Secretary Angela Ramirez says the agency is pursuing a two-track strategy: scaling back spending while modernizing how it delivers services. Ramirez discusses potential program reductions, workforce constraints, an AI decision package and other efficiencies as federal policy changes add new costs and administrative demands.

Washington voters will elect five of nine state Supreme Court justices this fall, putting competing views of the judiciary before voters. It is the first time in modern state history that a majority of the high court is up for a vote in a single election cycle. Tim Kovis of Full Court Press and Andrew Villeneuve of the Northwest Progressive Institute and Northwest Progressive Foundation discuss judicial restraint, accusations of judicial activism, precedent and how voters can assess candidates who cannot say how they would rule in future cases.

On this episode of Inside Olympia: Austin Jenkins sits down with Washington State Attorney General Nick Brown.

Attorneys Paul Lawrence and Jackson Maynard debate the constitutional challenge to Washington’s new 9.9% tax on income above $1 million. Lawrence argues the state Supreme Court should overturn nearly century-old precedent treating income as property. Maynard argues the tax plainly violates that precedent and the state constitution. The discussion also explores the November repeal measure and what could happen next in court.

On this week's episode of Inside Olympia:  The Spokane complex fire was just one of several large and destructive fires this summer. Our focus this week is on the changing wildland fire enviroment. The lessons learned from what happened this year. And what can be done to miitigate and prepare for future fire seasons. Plus, what are the implications of this year's fire season for the property-casualty insurance market? We ask that question and more of State Insurance Commissioner Patty Kuderer.