The IMPACT

Hosted by Mike McClanahan, The Impact is TVW’s weekly news show, covering decisions at the State Capitol and how they impact you.

Electric Vehicles from September 24, 2025

Electric vehicle subsidies end this month. Will the policy shift in Washington D.C. derail WA state's electrification plans? One of the architects of Washington's clean transportation strategy joins us for an extended 1-on-1 discussion.  Guest: Steven Hershkowitz, Managing Director of the Clean Transportation Unit at the Washington State Department of Commerce.

09-24
25:15

Special Education Funding from September 17, 2025

The second half of an education discussion with Marguerite Roza (Georgetown Univ. Edunomics Lab) and Larry Delaney (Washington Education Association) covers special education funding changes and the new federal tax-credit scholarship program which could boost private school enrollment.

09-17
25:12

Education Update from September 10, 2025

We explore school funding shifts could mean for classroom resource gaps and what to make of falling test scores, disciplinary shifts, and grappling with AI written homework. Guests: Marguerite Roza, Director of the Georgetown University Edunomics Lab and Larry Delaney, President of the Washington Education Association, and a high school math teacher in Snohomish County.

09-10
25:14

Child Welfare from September 3, 2025

A spike in child fatalities and near-fatal injuries from early 2025 has reignited debate over a shift in policies that dictate when children are removed from a home. The head of Washington's independent child welfare system oversight body weighs in on the trend. The agency in charge of the system responds. Guests: Patrick Dowd, Director of the Office of Families and Children's Ombuds, & Allison Krutsinger, Chief Public Affairs Officer for the Department of Children Youth and Families.

09-03
25:14

Housing Shortage from June 25, 2025

An in-depth look at new housing laws that cap annual rent increases and allow homeowners more freedom to build a second smaller dwelling on the same lot. Featuring Sen. Jessica Bateman (D-Olympia) and Rep. Andrew Barkis (R-Olympia).

06-25
25:14

State Park Getaways from June 18, 2025

Sunsets, s’mores, and swimming. An overview of in-state summer getaways and what to know before you go. Features Q&A with Sarah Fronk of Washington State Parks.

06-18
24:46

Hospitals Fear Public Healthcare Spending Cuts from June 11, 2025

As lawmakers in D.C. and Olympia grapple with ways to reduce public healthcare spending, Washington hospitals warn of higher fees, longer wait times, and potential closures.

06-11
24:41

Magma Discovery from June 4, 2025

State earthquake/volcano program manager weighs in on survey of vulnerable buildings and what to make of the new magma chamber discovery. Q&A with Brian Terbush, Emergency Management Division

06-04
24:43

Holding Back the Sea from May 28, 2025

Faced with eroding beaches, coastal communities are teaming up in an effort to hold back the sea. Guest: John Shaw, chair of the Grays Harbor Marine Resources Committee.

05-28
24:42

Higher Education from May 21, 2025

A discussion with Michael Meotti, Executive Director of the Washington Student Achievement Council, on the state of higher education in Washington.

05-21
24:43

2025 Wildfire Season Outlook from May 14, 2025

A look at the 2025 fire season outlook with Lead Wildfire Meteorologist Matt Dehr of the Washington Department of Natural Resources.

05-14
24:45

NextCycle Washington Program fom May 7, 2025

An inside look at the NextCycle Washington program, a pitch contest to promote circular economy startups.

05-07
24:45

Analysis from 2025 Session from April 30, 2025

Political strategists dissect the 2025 Legislative Session, tracing the power dynamics behind big policy shakeups and the ripple effects for state voters. Guests: Sandeep Kaushik of Sound View Strategies and Justin Matheson of Axiom Strategies.

04-30
24:41

Food Inspections 101 from April 23, 2025

From farm to factory, an overview of food inspections in Washington. Q&A with Luisa Castro, Assistant Director of the Food Safety and Consumer Services Division at WSDA.

04-23
24:57

Property Tax Debate from April 16, 2025

A look at the debate over legislation to lift the 1 percent property tax cap and allow annual adjustments for population and inflation. Guests include Todd Myers, Vice President for Research at the Washington Policy Center and Paul Jewell, Government Relations Director for the Washington State Association of Counties.

04-16
25:00

Debating 2025 Tax Increases from April 9, 2025

Panelists weigh in on the implications of the state's budget deficit and proposed tax increases for individuals and businesses in Washington. The panelists include Rachel Smith, President & CEO, Seattle Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce, and Molly Gallagher, Policy Lead, Statewide Poverty Action Network.

04-09
24:59

Breaking Down the Budget from April 2, 2025

A detailed budget breakdown highlighting various 2025 spending plans and the proposed tax increases within them.

04-02
24:56

State Treasurer Mike Pellicciotti from March 26, 2025

State Treasurer Mike Pellicciotti weighs in on state reserves and federal policies that impact Washington finances.

03-26
24:56

Washington State Auditor Pat McCarthy from March 19, 2025

Highlights from state probes into the huge number of uninspected eggs for sale, overlapping agency employment, and multi-state Medicaid enrollment. Guest. State Auditor Pat McCarthy

03-19
24:56

Secretary of State Steve Hobbs from March 12, 2025

A look at signature verification challenges and election related legislation in 2025. Features Q&A with Secretary of State Steve Hobbs.

03-13
25:00

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