Inside Olympia

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Inside Olympia--WA State Democratic and Republican Party Chairs Oct 11, 2023

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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.

Inside Olympia -- State Treasurer Mike Pellicciotti Oct 04, 2023

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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.

Inside Olympia -- Traffic Safety, Litter Prevention Sep 28, 2023

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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.

Inside Olympia -- Former State Senator Christine Rolfes and House Republican Budget Lead Chris Corry Sep 20, 2023

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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.

Inside Olympia -- WA Corrections Secretary Cheryl Strange Sep 13, 2023

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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.

Inside Olympia -- Internet for All & Housing as Health Care Sep 07, 2023

Show notes

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.

An interview with Washington's Adjutant General, Bret Daugherty Jun 28, 2023

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

Conversations with Current and Former House Republican Leaders Jun 21, 2023

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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.

WA State Republican Party Departing Chair Caleb Heimlich and Press Panel on 2024 Elections Jun 15, 2023

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WA Cares Fund Jun 07, 2023

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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.

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