Washington's Office of Insurance Commissioner is open for the first time in nearly a quarter of a century, as current Commissioner Mike Kreidler will not run for reelection. Vying to replace him are two state senators: Democrat Patty Kuderer and Republican Phil Fortunato. Learn about their priorities for this important but often overlooked statewide office, this week on Inside Olympia.
On this week's show....He came from one state that pioneered the legal use of recreational cannabis -- Colorado -- to another pioneering state, Washington. Meet Will Lukela, the director of the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board.
This week Austin Jenkins sits down with retiring legislators Karen Keiser and Mike Padden.
This week on Inside Olympia...Roger Rogoff, director of the state's Office of Independent Investigations, which is set to begin examining police deadly force cases.
On this week's Inside Olympia ... What will it take to create a robust and comprehensive behavioral health system in Washington? Why is it taking so long to get there? And what are the barriers to success? On the program for the full hour this week, Amber Leaders, Co-Chair of the Joint Legislative Executive Committee on Behavioral Health.
Host Austin Jenkins sits down for an interview with Washington's 2024 Elementary School Principal of the Year, Dr. Cathy Sork of Dorothy Fox Elementary in Camas.
Host Austin Jenkins sits down with 2024 Washington Teacher of the Year Blaire Penry. Penry, from the Auburn School District, has been interviewed by Bill Gates, and has a lot to say about online learning, artificial intelligence in the classroom, equity and diversity in education, and more.
Host Austin Jenkins does an in-depth interview with Dan Wilson of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers and Claire Davis of WA Wildlife First.
On this week's episode of Inside Olympia …. We continue our in-depth look into how Washington manages its fish and wildlife populations. On the program for the full hour is the agency head of the Department of Fish and Wildlife Department Kelly Susewind.
This week, the first interview in a three-part series on the management of fish and wildlife in Washington state. Host Austin Jenkins sits down for the full hour with Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission Chair Barbara Baker, and Commissioner Jim Anderson.
On this episode of Inside Olympia...From Hanford cleanup to salmon-harming toxins to the state’s carbon pollution credit program … The Department of Ecology is the regulatory agency in charge. How is ecology managing the state’s most pressing environmental hazards? On the program this week is the Director of Ecology Laura Watson.
On this episode of Inside Olympia....Host Austin Jenkins discusses veterans' services and housing with the Director of the WA State Department of Veterans Affairs David Puente.
On this week's episode of Inside Olympia … How is Washington State's government working to combat the fentanyl crisis? We talk with Secretary of Health Dr. Umair Shah, and Sue Birch of the State Health Care Authority. Also, what lessons were learned from covid? And how concerned should we be about bird flu? Dr. Shah discusses those and other priority issues for the State Department of Health.
Host Austin Jenkins sits down for an in-depth interview with retiring former House Republican Leader and State Representative J.T. Wilcox, of Yelm.
Host Austin Jenkins sits down for an in-depth interview with retiring legislator Andy Billig, Senate Majority Leader from Spokane.
A statewide drought emergency has been declared. How low is the snowpack? And what are the implications for fish, farms and people? We ask representatives of the Department of Ecology and Agriculture.
Host Austin Jenkins sits down for an in-depth interview with State Department of Commerce Director Mike Fong.
An interview with Washington Department of Social and Health Services Secretary Jilma Meneses.
Interviews with State Representatives Jamila Taylor and Kevin Waters.
An exit interview with retiring State Senator Sam Hunt, plus a discussion on K-12 public schools with State Superintendent of Public Instruction Chris Reykdal.