County Connection

Latest Episodes:

The County Connection | The 'Ol Policy Switcheroo Mar 10, 2026

Show notes

In this breaking‑news episode, Paul Jewell and Brad Banks dig into the chaotic final days of the 2026 legislative session as the controversial “millionaire’s tax” bill, SB 6346, changes, yet again. This time, stripping all local government funding with just days left. They unpack how public defense hopes rose and collapsed, how surprise tax exemptions will blow massive holes in county budgets, and why 79 amendments now threaten to grind the Legislature to a halt. With behind‑the‑scenes insight, sharp analysis, and a fair bit of frustration, they capture a moment in Olympia that has counties on edge. The episode is equal parts policy autopsy and real‑time political thriller.

Recorded: March 9, 2026

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County Connection is the official podcast of the Washington State Association of Counties—where we dive into the legislative issues shaping the future of our communities. From budgets to public safety, infrastructure to elections, we’ll break down what’s happening in Olympia and how it impacts counties across the Evergreen State. Stay informed, stay engaged, and join us as we amplify the voice of Washington’s 39 counties.

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Learn more at wsac.org

The County Connection | Budget Gymnastics & Billion‑Dollar Backfills: Inside the 2026 Supplemental Showdown Feb 27, 2026

Show notes

Paul Jewell and budget‑whisperer Brian Enslow return for a deep, candid, and entertaining breakdown of the House and Senate supplemental operating budgets. From billion‑dollar transfers to the great Public Works Account squeeze, they unravel the creative fiscal maneuvers shaping Washington’s $80 billion spending plan. They also dive into the high‑stakes LEOFF 1 pension fix, Climate Commitment Act, and cuts hitting childcare, behavioral health, and higher education. If you want to understand what’s really happening behind the numbers in Olympia, this episode is your master class.

Recorded: February 25, 2026

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Learn more at wsac.org

The County Connection | Cutoff Chaos & Big Politics Feb 26, 2026

Show notes

This week, Paul Jewell and Brad Banks take listeners inside the high‑drama finish to HB 2389, a sweeping juvenile justice overhaul that collapsed spectacularly at cutoff. They break down why the bill faltered, lack of stakeholder work, last‑minute vote scrambling, and more than 60 amendments dropped in the final hours. The episode also dives into WSAC’s push for jail medical liability reform and the growing need for coordinated state‑county solutions. A sharp, candid look at how policy is really made (or unmade) in Olympia.

Recorded: February 21, 2026

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Learn more at wsac.org

The County Connection | Building Broadband from the Wheat Fields – Episode 216 Feb 25, 2026

Show notes

In this episode, Paul Jewell sits down with Lincoln County Commissioner Scott Hutsell for a deep dive into one of Washington’s most ambitious rural broadband buildouts. Commissioner Hutzel shares how a decade of groundwork, smart partnerships, and six successful grants turned a sparsely populated county into a model for fiber‑to‑the‑home connectivity. From the early planning days to securing nearly $30 million in funding, he walks through the strategy, grit, and local relationships that made it possible. A must‑listen for any county leader looking to bring high‑speed internet to rural communities.

Recorded: February 20, 2026

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Learn more at wsac.org

The County Connection | Cutoff Carnage: The Curse of the Zombie Bills – Episode 215 Feb 25, 2026

Show notes

In this episode, Paul Jewell and Kelsey Hulse break down the wild aftermath of the House of Origin cutoff - and the surprise resurrection of “zombie bills” that come back to life when least expected. They dive into the sudden revival of SB 5360, exploring its complex implications for counties and why it matters when old bills lurch back to life. From mobile‑dwelling legislation to creative end‑of‑session maneuvers, they reveal how unpredictable the short session can be. A sharp, funny, insider look at Olympia’s most chaotic time of year.

Recorded: February 20, 2026

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Learn more at wsac.org

The County Connection | The Clean Energy Tax Fix and the Fight for Fairness – Episode 214 Feb 17, 2026

Show notes

In this special episode, the tables are turned, and the mics are flipped as Policy Coordinator Travis Dutton interviews Government Relations Director Paul Jewell about one of the most complex and consequential bills of the session: House Bill 1960. They unpack how clean‑energy projects like wind and solar farms unintentionally trigger massive property‑tax shifts in rural communities—and the multi‑year, multi‑state effort to craft a fair, stable fix. From nameplate‑capacity taxes to hard‑won compromises, they chart the four‑year road that led to HB 1960’s moment in the Legislature. A deep dive into policy, politics, and the future of Washington’s clean‑energy landscape.

Recorded: February 13, 2026

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Learn more at wsac.org

The County Connection | Mayhem and the Mid-Session Sprint – Episode 213 Feb 13, 2026

Show notes

In this episode, Paul Jewell and Jamie Bodden break down the frenzy of mid‑session as fiscal cutoffs hit, floor action heats up, and dozens of bills race against the clock. They dive into key county‑impacting legislation, including the sprawling local government fiscal relief bill, public health tools, and early wins on certification and preventive‑services bills. The duo also shares a behind‑the‑scenes look at the chaos of simultaneous hearings—and the literal running it takes to cover both chambers. A fast, funny, inside‑Olympia episode perfect for anyone tracking session.

Recorded: February 12, 2026

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Learn more at wsac.org

The County Connection | Breaking Down the Millionaire’s Tax and What it Means for Counties – Episode 212 Feb 12, 2026

Show notes

In this breaking‑news episode, Paul Jewell and Brian Enslow unpack the surprise introduction of the 67‑page “Millionaire’s Tax” bill (House Bill 2724) and what its timing means amid policy cutoff chaos. They explore how the proposed income tax on earnings above $1 million would fund everything from hygiene‑product tax relief to the Working Families Tax Credit and, most notably, a major new investment in public defense. With political tension, conflicting signals from the governor, and likely court and ballot challenges ahead, the episode breaks down both the policy and the politics driving one of the session’s most unexpected proposals. A fast, sharp look at the bill everyone in Olympia is talking about.

Recorded: February 5, 2026

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Learn more at wsac.org

The County Connection | Growing the Future: Untangling Agritourism in Washington – Episode 211 Feb 03, 2026

Show notes

This week, Paul Jewell and Kelsey Hulse dig into the fast‑growing, and often confusing world of agritourism, from pumpkin patches and petting zoos to tasting rooms, weddings, and goat yoga. They unpack why lawmakers are split between expanding agritourism opportunities and tightening guardrails to protect rural communities, roads, and public safety. With multiple bills on the move and no statewide definition in place, the conversation is ripe for reform. Join them as they explore what it will take to cultivate a clear, workable framework for farmers and counties alike.

Recorded: January 30, 2026

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Learn more at wsac.org

The County Connection | Racing the Clock: Housing Bills, ADUs, and the Session Crunch – Episode 210 Feb 02, 2026

Show notes

In this episode, Paul Jewell and policy consultant Brian Enslow break down the legislative whirlwind of week three as hundreds of bills race toward cutoff. They dive deep into WASAC’s flagship housing priorities, including the long‑fought push to authorize detached ADUs statewide and new momentum behind short‑term rental taxation. The two also explore innovative ideas like pre‑approved middle‑housing plans and the growing urgency driving action this session. A lively, pun‑filled look at the policy waves shaping Washington’s housing future.

Recorded: January 29, 2026

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Learn more at wsac.org

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