The IMPACT

Q&A with the WA Dept. of Agriculture about the discovery of more giant invasive hornet nests in Whatcom County.

This week on The Impact, OSPI Chris Reykdal and Rep. Alex Ybarra (R-Quincy) debate vaccine mandates, COVID safety measures, and the new school year.

A March 2020 - June 2021 "year in review" with legislative leaders from the early days of the pandemic restrictions through the 2021 legislative session and June 30th reopening. Guests include House Democratic Deputy Majority Leader Larry Springer (D-Kirkland) and Senate Republican Caucus Leader John Braun (R-Centralia).

The discovery of an Asian giant hornet in Marysville kicks off a discussion of 2021 trapping and detection plans in WA and B.C. Guests include Karla Salp, Washington State Department of Agriculture and Paul van Westendorp, Provincial Apiarist, British Columbia, Canada.

Court ruling on simultaneous broadband bill signing, impact of 2020 election controversies. Guests include Washington Secretary of State Kim Wyman.

How state level action on policing, broadband, and housing will impact cities; small business perspective on capital gains tax and pandemic rules. Guests include Candice Bock, Government Relations Director, Association of Washington Cities, and Patrick Connor, Washington State Director, National Federation of Independent Business.

New momentum in Olympia for taxing drivers by the mile. The road usage charge debate. Guests include Reema Griffith, Executive Director, Washington State Transportation Center, and Mariya Frost, Director, Coles Center for Transportation, Washington Policy Center.

Democratic Senate Majority Leader Andy Billig & House Republican Leader J.T. Wilcox discuss controversial vetoes, the next steps for a transportation funding package, the confusing broadband bill situation and a possible special session.

Critical vote ahead for legal sports betting at tribal casinos. From masks to vaccines, what to expect from the fall school year and in-person learning. Guests include Washington State Gambling Commission Interim Director Tina Griffin and Superintendent of Public Instruction Chris Reykdal.

An overview of the "bare-bones" transportation budget that passed, the carbon bills linked to a bigger package, and the potential for a special session. Guests include House Transportation Committee Chair Jake Fey (D-Tacoma) & Ranking Republican Andrew Barkis (R-Olympia), and Senate Transportation Committee Chair Steve Hobbs (D-Lake Stevens) & Ranking Republican Curtis King (R-Yakima).