Inside Olympia

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.