Capitol Ideas: The Washington State House Democratic Caucus Podcast

By Washington State House Democratic Caucus

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Episodes: 111

Description

Welcome to Capitol Ideas. This is where members of the majority Democratic caucus in the Washington State House of Representatives sit down at the Capitol and talk about ideas. Ideas like strong schools, enduring values, equity, affordable and accessible healthcare, tax fairness, thriving small businesses, inclusion, a clean environment. You know: good ideas.

Episode Date
Rep. Chris Stearns makes his first appearance on Capitol Ideas today, and you need to know him. He started out fast in his first two terms: vice chair of two key committees, sponsor of several successful bills, and an outspoken advocate of bipartisanship and civic health.
Apr 12, 2024
Rep. Debra Entenman just wrapped up her sixth session in the House, working for her friends and neighbors in the 47th legislative district. That's a south King County district that contains parts of Kent and Auburn, all of Covington, Shadow Lake, and a handful of other fine communities, not to mention Emerald Downs. This is her first visit to the Capitol Ideas microphone, and it's a good one.
Apr 11, 2024
Speaker of the House Laurie Jinkins returns to Capitol Ideas today for her now-annual post-sine die visit. It's both a look-back and a glimpse into the future, with insights from the leader of the largest House majority in a generation.
Mar 25, 2024
Rep. Sharon Wylie works for the good people of the 49th legislative district, and for the other 8 million or so Washingtonians as well. She co-chairs one committee, serves on two others, and gets things done. Here she is.
Mar 06, 2024
Deputy House Majority Leader My-Linh Thai is a thinker, and what she thinks most deeply about are people. Their lives, their problems, what they want, what they need. That's a good trait for a leader. In today's Capitol Ideas we'll hear what's on her mind, and it's a lot.
Feb 28, 2024
Rep. Dan Bronoske had been in the Legislature barely one term when his colleagues chose him to serve as deputy speaker pro tem of the state House of Representatives. A few minutes into today's Capitol Ideas it should be obvious why. Hit the play button and settle in to meet the firefighter, EMT, veteran, and dog lover who works for the people of the 28th legislative district, and everyone else in the Evergreen State.
Feb 25, 2024
Today we'll talk with Rep. Lillian Ortiz-Self in a podcast recorded as the 2024 session of the Washington State Legislature headed into its final, hectic few weeks. Rep. Ortiz-Self chairs the largest House Democratic Caucus in recent memory, and doubles as chair of the Washington State Latino Democratic Caucus. Clearly, it's an interesting conversation, so stay tuned.
Feb 21, 2024
This is a good one. Today's ideator on Capitol Ideas is Rep. Tana Senn from the 41st legislative district, which stretches from Mercer Island east to Samammish and from Newcastle up to Bellevue. She chairs the House Committee on Human Services, Youth and Early Learning, and it's a role she was born for.
Feb 16, 2024
Rep. Bill Ramos (D-5th, Issaquah) stopped by the Capitol Ideas headquarters this week for a while, and we're glad he did. What resulted is a conversation that ranges from illegal dumping on private land and illegible license plates to amending the state consitution and discussing who really pays gas taxes in Washington. Give us a half hour and we'll give you a fine conversation in return.
Feb 06, 2024
Every couple of years, Rep. Melanie Morgan stops by for a visit with Capitol Ideas. Today's conversation is a good one, and an important one. Equity, Black History Month, housing and homelessness, renewable energy, art, the dearth of Black farmers in Washington . . . you'll hear about all these and more in today's Capitol Ideas.
Jan 29, 2024
It's is a pretty special episode of Capitol Ideas today. Really. Our conversation is with Rep. Frank Chopp, the Seattle Democrat formerly known as Speaker of the House Frank Chopp. He's never been one to hog the spotlight, and this might be one of the most revealing conversations he's had in his legislative career, which began in January 1995 and is still going strong. Give it a listen and see if you don't agree.
Jan 24, 2024
Today we have a return visit from Speaker Pro Tem Tina Orwall. Rep. Orwall leads us through a day on the podium, and talks about her role as a champion of persons whose voices need to be heard on the floor of the House.
Jan 20, 2024
23rd-district Rep. Greg Nance is our guest on Capitol Ideas today. Greg is the newest member of the Washington State House of Representatives, having been appointed in September to fill a vacant seat in the 23rd legislative district. He's a unique individual with a story to tell, and you'll hear it right here.
Jan 12, 2024
House Floor Leader Monica Stonier is the guest on today's Capitol Ideas, the first episode of Season 16 of the official podcast of the Washington State House Democratic Caucus. Don't miss it.
Jan 10, 2024
Today’s Capitol Ideas features an exclusive conversation with Speaker of the House Laurie Jinkins. The Speaker gives an overview of the just-concluded 2023 regular session of the Legislature, talks about her approach to the position she’s now held for four years, discusses the vital issue that will require the Legislature to meet during the upcoming special session, and gives us a preview of an adventure that awaits her during the interim.
May 08, 2023
The Capitol Ideas spotlight today is on Rep. Steve Bergquist, the Renton Democrat who serves as one of the vice-chairs of the budget-writing House Appropriations Committee. We recorded this a few days before the final operating budget was approved, so rather than talk about the destination, today we'll outline the journey. It's a budget travelogue.
Apr 27, 2023
Rep. Sharon Tomiko Santos, today's guest on Capitol Ideas, chairs the House Education Committee. She's done that for a long time. Her Democratic colleagues keep putting her in that seat session after session, because she's very good at her job. Give today's episode a listen and you'll understand why.
Apr 23, 2023
Rep. April Berg of Mill Creek, in her third session as a state representative, chairs the House Finance Committee. She makes an in-person appearance on Capitol Ideas today, two years after debuting on Zoom during the pandemic summer of 2021.
Apr 07, 2023
Rep. Emily Alvarado is in the Capitol Ideas studio today. She's a first-year lawmaker from the 34th district, a long-time housing activist and the new vice chair of the House Housing Committee, and she knows her stuff. Enjoy this one.
Apr 03, 2023
Rep. Mari Leavitt stops by Capitol Ideas in today’s episode. If you’re here for variety, this is your day; we’ll talk about making the state more military-friendly, mitigating the effects of climate change, pushing back against the scourge of fentanyl in street drugs, and more.
Mar 31, 2023
We’ll hear from Rep. Vandana Slatter in today’s Capitol Ideas, and it’s a good one. Vandana happens to be sponsoring some of this session’s most significant pieces of legislation, bills that will, if they ultimately become law, have a lot to do with the future of Washington state.
Mar 27, 2023
Today’s Capitol Ideas features a conversation with Rep. Davina Duerr of Bothell. Davina chairs the House Local Government Committee in Olympia, and that’s a key position in the state’s attempts to ease Washington’s housing crisis. We’ll talk about that and lots more, so stick around.
Mar 20, 2023
Today Capitol Ideas features a special interview with Reps. Tana Senn and Liz Berry, founders of the Moms Caucus in the House Democratic Caucus. We'll talk about why they did that, what they've accomplished, and how their priorities are faring in the 2023 session.
Mar 04, 2023
Today's guest is 29th-district state Rep. Sharlett Mena. It's her first session as a lawmaker, but she's paid her dues in both Washingtons already and knows her way around. Don't miss it.
Mar 01, 2023
Today's Capitol Ideas is something different. It's not a lawmaker being interviewed; it's Rep. Marcus Riccelli interviewing a legislative page, Claire Poulsen, about her week at the Capitol. This one's fun. Check it out.
Feb 27, 2023
Meet Rep. Julio Cortes. Even before joining the Legislature six weeks ago, Julio established a long resume of public service. He has an interesting story, and you'll hear it in this installment of Capitol Ideas.
Feb 24, 2023
The ideas in Capitol Ideas today come from Rep. Mary Fosse (D-38th, Everett). She’s hit the ground running in her first session, working for her district and the whole state. You can meet her today.
Feb 21, 2023
House Majority Leader Joe Fitzgibbon drops by Capitol Ideas today for a conversation about several of the things he cares about: affordable housing, climate change, workforce development, the homelessness crisis in Washington, the value of listening, and smart, efficient use of the state's operating budget. Stay tuned.
Feb 18, 2023
Police vehicular chases, sentencing reform, impaired driving, bipartisanship . . . all these and more are high on Rep. Roger Goodman’s 2023 legislative agenda. Get the details in today’s Capitol Ideas.
Feb 13, 2023
Rep. Darya Farivar comes to the Legislature with a background as an advocate and activist. Barely into her first session as a lawmaker, it took her no time at all to assume those roles in Olympia. You'll meet her today.
Feb 09, 2023
Rep. Shelley Kloba, sponsor of the People's Privacy Act, drops by Capitol Ideas to talk about online privacy, data mining, home-grown marijuana, affordable housing, and more.
Feb 06, 2023
Today we'll meet up with Rep. Marcus Riccelli of Spokane. He's the new chair of the House Healthcare Committee, former Majority Whip, the driving force behind the creation of the Elson Floyd Medical School at WSU, and prime sponsor of some of the 2023 Legislature's key bills.
Feb 03, 2023
The housing crisis in Washington state might be the most pressing issue facing the 2023 Legislature in Olympia, and Rep. Strom Peterson chairs the House Housing Committee. He discusses housing and more in today's Capitol Ideas.
Jan 30, 2023
Rep. Clyde Shavers is in his first year as a state lawmaker. In fact, he's in his first month. We'll meet him in this episode of Capitol Ideas and find out who he is, what his legislative priorities are, and what it's like to start his legislative career by being named vice chair of a key House committee.
Jan 27, 2023
Rep. Lillian Ortiz-Self chairs the House Democratic Caucus, which in November was handed its largest majority in years. We'll find out how she balances her leadership duties with her job of representing the people of Washington's 21st legislative district in today's Capitol Ideas.
Jan 18, 2023
41st-district Rep. My-Linh Thai has a new title: She was recently chosen by her colleagues in the House Democratic Caucus to serve as Deputy Majority Leader. Along with that spot in the senior leadership of her caucus comes the responsibility to head up the Democratic majority's commitment to make equity a key consideration in every piece of legislation that reaches the House floor. She'll talk about that, and how she plans to approach her new job, in today's Capitol Ideas.
Jan 13, 2023
Democratic State Rep. Timm Ormsby of Spokane chairs the House Appropriations Committee in Olympia. Legislative Assistant Shannon Waechter has kept Timm's office running smoothly for 15 years. Today, they visit Capitol Ideas to talk about their respective jobs, one another, and the challenges and rewards of public service.
Apr 01, 2022
Rep. Jesse Johnson is vice chair of the House Public Safety Committee and has been a central figure in several major legislative initiatives during the current biennium. The Federal Way Democrat's recent announcement that he'd be leaving the House at the end of the year took most everyone by surprise, and we'll talk about that decision, and his legacy, in today's Capitol Ideas.
Mar 28, 2022
Today we're spending some time with Rep. Lisa Callan. She's from Issaquah, in the 5th district, and is a fighter for children, youth, and families, among many other things. We'll focus on those three very important priorities in today's Capitol Ideas.
Mar 23, 2022
We're joined today by Speaker Pro Tem Tina Orwall. In that role, Tina presides over most floor sessions of the Washington Stte House of Representatives. As Rep. Tina Orwall, she sponsors some of the most impactful bills of any of the 147 members of the Legislature.
Mar 22, 2022
Rep. Mike Chapman hails from up in Port Angeles at the top of the Olympia Peninsula. He chairs the House Rural Development, Agriculture, and Natural Resources Committee. He's a busy guy, but we snagged him for today's episode of Capitol Ideas. Stay tuned; you'll be glad you did.
Mar 17, 2022
Today's special episode of Capitol Ideas features a behind-the-scenes conversation with Speaker of the House Laurie Jinkins. You don't want to miss this one.
Mar 03, 2022
Today's show is the first of a pair of podcasts featuring top Democrats in the state House, starting with a conversation with House Majority Leader Pat Sullivan. He's leading the effort to make college more affordable by establishing a one-percent college-loan program run by the state. Tune in to hear more.
Feb 28, 2022
Today we'll meet Rep. Kirsten Harris-Talley and hear about her sponsorship of the Doulas for All Act, House Bill 1881.
Feb 19, 2022
We're joined today on Capitol Ideas by brand-new state Rep. Brandy Donaghy (D-Everett), appointed just before the 2022 legislative session began.
Feb 12, 2022
Today's Capitol Ideas takes a special look at easing the affordable-housing crisis in Washington by filling in the "missing middle." Featured guests are Rep. Jessica Bateman and Sen. Mona Das.
Feb 06, 2022
Youth advocate, veteran state legislator, and chair of the House Children, Youth, and Families Committee Tana Senn helps kick off a new year of Capitol Ideas.
Jan 22, 2022
Rep. Jessica Bateman is one of a record-sized group of Democratic women serving in the state House in 2021-22, and at the halfway point in her first two-year term she's exhibiting the kind of leadership and legislative savvy her 22nd-district constituents expected when they tapped her to be their voice in the Capitol. You'll meet her today, and you'll be glad you did.
Sep 02, 2021
Today on Capitol Ideas we’ll spend some time with Rep. Emily Wicks of Everett, who’s midway through her first term working for the residents of Washington’s 38th legislative district. If you looked up the word irrepressible in your Funk and Wagnall’s, there might be a picture of Emily in the margin. That’s a good thing, and today you’ll find out why on Capitol Ideas.
Aug 07, 2021
Rep. April Berg just wrapped up her first session as a legislator, going five for five in getting her bills to the governor's desk to become law. That's like hitting for the cycle in a baseball game, then coming out in the ninth and adding a grand slam. You'll meet her in this edition of Capitol Ideas.
Aug 03, 2021
This week Rep. My-Linh Thai makes a return visit to Capitol Ideas. We'll hear about compassionate legislating, her unique approach to lawmaking that has its roots in her practice of Zen Buddhism.
Jun 09, 2021
The 2021 legislative session might be adjourned for the year, but Capitol Ideas will still be here to bring you interesting, informative, and sometimes provocative conversations with the diverse cast of majority Democrats who get things done in Olympia. Our leadoff guest for the interim season is 29th-district Rep. Melanie Morgan.
May 20, 2021
Rep. Tarra Simmons is a survivor, and in this episode of Capitol Ideas you'll meet up with her on Day 99 of her legislative career. She's already well-established as an effective civil-rights champion, and today you'll find out why.
Apr 21, 2021
In just his second session, Rep. Jesse Johnson has shouldered the legislative load of reforming policing in Washington. He's taken giant strides this year, and we talk about them in this edition of Capitol Ideas.
Mar 20, 2021
Rep. Shelley Kloba is back, and she's still working to protect your digital privacy. We'll talk today about the long and winding road she's traveling to try to make the people's personal data privacy bill of rights a reality.
Mar 02, 2021
Rep. Melanie Morgan is sponsoring HB 1395, the Equity in Farming Act, to widen opportunities in agriculture for Black African Americans, Indigenous People, and other potential farmers of color.
Feb 12, 2021
Healthy homes and clean buildings. Who could argue with that? Not Rep. Alex Ramel, who's sponsoring the Healthy Homes and Clean Buildings Act this session. Find out what it's all about in today's Capitol Ideas.
Feb 09, 2021
Meet Davina Duerr: architect, Bothell city councilmember, and a first-year state representative from Washington's 1st legislative district.
Mar 13, 2020
Last week the Legislature approved Senate Bill 5395, which makes sexual-health education part of the public-school curriculum in Washington. Today's special "Capitol Ideas" features Rep. Monica Stonier in a candid conversation about the campaign to defeat the bill, a campaign that was fueled by misinformation, disinformation, and personal insults that may have marked a new low in the Legislature.
Mar 10, 2020
Today’s Capitol Idea is election security, and Democratic state Rep. Gael Tarleton of Seattle is the Legislature's recognized authority on the issue. Today's conversation is longer than usual, but the topic is that important. Stick around.
Mar 06, 2020
Democratic Rep. Mia Gregerson of SeaTac dropped by the "Capitol Ideas" studio this week to talk about her bill creating the Washington State Office of Equity. In 12 minutes, you'll know more than you do now!
Mar 04, 2020
Well before Amy Walen (D-48th, Kirkland) took the oath of office to become a state representative in January 2019, she was a key player in Washington's efforts to reduce homelessness and increase supplies of affordable housing throughout the state. We'll talk about some successes, and some challenges she's faced, in today's "Capitol Ideas."
Feb 28, 2020
Spokane Rep. Timm Ormsby chairs the House Appropriations Committee and is head budget writer for the chamber. Today we talk with Timm not about the specifics of the newly released supplemental operating budget, but about the task, or privilege, of sitting in his seat and making decisions every day that could affect millions of Washingtonians.
Feb 25, 2020
We're back and today's "Capitol Ideas" features a visit from Rep. Lisa Callan. Lisa is a Democrat, of course, from Washington's 5th legislative district. Whether they know it or not, at-risk kids in the Evergreen state have a champion in Lisa, and we'll talk about why in the next 15 minutes.
Feb 18, 2020
Today's guest is House Majority Floor Leader Monica Stonier. That's a position we've all heard of, but who knows what it entails? You will after listening to this episode of "Capitol Ideas."
Feb 14, 2020
Rep. Dave Paul circles back to “Capitol Ideas” today, a year after his first visit. He talks about his freshman year in the House, and highlights some of the issues he’s taken on during that time.
Feb 11, 2020
Meet Rep. Jesse Johnson. He's the Legislature's newest member, and probably its youngest, but he comes to Olympia from Federal Way with an impressive public-service resume and an ambitious agenda.
Feb 06, 2020
Rep. Shelley Kloba visits "Capitol Ideas" today for an interesting and eye-opening conversation about data privacy, something that barely exists now but which she's determined to make a reality.
Feb 05, 2020
Rep. Tina Orwall joins "Capitol Ideas" today to talk about the dangers of ultrafine particles, microscopic pollutants that float down from jet airplanes as a byproduct of burning Jet A fuel, and efforts to site a new or expanded airport in Washington state to take some of the pressure of of SeaTac International Airport, which sits in the middle of her legislative district.
Jan 30, 2020
Happy New Year from the Washington state House Democrats. A new year means a new legislative session, and a new season of "Capitol Ideas." This year's season premiere features Rep. Melanie Morgan, a first-term lawmaker from Parkland in Washington's 29th district.
Jan 16, 2020
"Capitol Ideas" returns today with a short sit-down with Rep. Beth Doglio, Democrat from Olympia. Beth has been a climate warrior since before that term was coined, and that mostly what we discuss in this episode.
Dec 19, 2019
In this installment of "Capitol Ideas," Washington state Representative Mari Leavitt, a Democrat representing Pierce County's 28th legislative district, looks back at her first year in the Legislature and offers a preview of the upcoming 2020 session.
Oct 22, 2019
First-year state Rep. Lisa Callan came to Olympia with a computer engineering background, a burning desire to help Washington kids thrive and learn, and a commitment to erase state route 18's well-deserved reputation as a traffic nightmare. You'll meet her today.
Apr 06, 2019
Opioids: The life and death of a young man, and a plan to fix Ricky's Law in the Legislature.
Mar 22, 2019
Freshman lawmaker Amy Walen comes to House of Representatives in Olympia fresh off a stint as mayor of Kirkland, and she brought with her the can-do, let's-fix-that attitude that characterizes good local government. Today on Capitol Ideas she'll talk about what she plans to do and how she plans to fix what needs fixing.
Feb 26, 2019
Deputy House Majority Leader Larry Springer is a business owner himself, and a few years ago created the House Democratic Caucus Business Roundtable. It's become an important part of how lawmakers vet prospective new laws, and we'll talk about it today.
Feb 20, 2019
House Majority Leader Pat Sullivan has a solution to the student loan crisis that is dooming today's college students to a lifetime of debt.
Feb 05, 2019
Rep. Dave Paul is a college vice president, a husband, a dad, an environmentalist, and an idealist: All good things for a newly minted representative from one of Washington's most beautiful districts, the 10th. You can get to know him better right here.
Jan 29, 2019
When My-Linh Thai took the oath of office in Olympia a couple of weeks ago, she became Rep. My-Linh Thai -- the first refugee to serve in the Washington state Legislature. It that piques your interest, give a listen.
Jan 29, 2019
Before Lauren Davis became the new state representative from the 32nd district in King/Snohomish counties, she was almost single-handledly responsible for the passage of Ricky's Law, a life-saving change in the way Washington deals with victims of substance-abuse disorder, alcoholism, and behavioral illness. Listen to her story.
Jan 25, 2019
Rep. Debra Lekanoff is the first Native American woman elected to serve in the Washington state House of Representatives since the state's establishment 130 years ago. Today we'll find out who she is, and why we're lucky to have her.
Jan 17, 2019
Rep. Lillian Ortiz-Self is a school and mental health counselor, and she learns things about the lives of children every day that even their friends and family might not know. Today's "Capitol Ideas" is an eye-opener.
Jan 10, 2019
Rep. Tana Senn has just been elected by her fellow legislators to chair the House Human Services and Early Learning Committee, and as you'll hear, it might just be a job she was destined for.
Jan 08, 2019
Rep. Mike Chapman dropped by today to talk about leading Washington's bipartisan, bicameral quest to make rural economic development a legislative success story.
Jan 08, 2019
Rep. Shelley Kloba makes a return visit to "Capitol Ideas" to talk about special education, cannabis, transportation, and more.
Jan 07, 2019
Rep. Nicole Macri has devoted her life to, in her words, "ensuring that people have the opportunity to live in safe, healthy homes that they can afford." That's what we'll talk about in today's "Capitol Ideas."
Jan 07, 2019
State Rep. Gerry Pollet isn't shy about the need to upgrade special education in Washington's K-12 schools. In this fast-paced conversation he outlines the key problems and offers a set of legislative solutions.
Jan 04, 2019
Speaker Pro Tem John Lovick drops by to talk about education, school safety, transportation, jobs . . . and working in the public sphere for nearly five decades, including two separate stints in the state House.
May 05, 2018
Rep. Tina Orwall talks about how technology and science can help put rapists behind bars . . . if only we'll make use of them.
Oct 11, 2017
Rep. Monica Stonier works for the good people of Washington's 49th legislative district. A few years ago she was sent to Olympia by the 17th district, then took a two-year break. Today we talk about her experience as a two-time freshman.
Jun 15, 2017
Rep. Sharon Wylie talks about the efforts to replace the aging bridge on I-5 connecting Washington with Oregon.
Jun 07, 2017
Rep. Noel Frame: Making college a little more humane, a little less expensive
Mar 22, 2017
Curbing carbon emissions, with Rep. Joe Fitzgibbon
Mar 19, 2017
The Return of Saying No to Hate, with Rep. Derek Stanford and Aneelah Afzali
Mar 15, 2017
Saying no to hate, with Rep. Tana Senn and Rabbi Daniel Weiner
Mar 08, 2017
House Majority Leader Pat Sullivan takes a quick look at Washington's public schools.
Jun 11, 2016
Rep. Roger Goodman: Working across the aisle.
May 25, 2016
Rep. Laurie Jinkins talks about transgender rights.
Jan 26, 2016
Rep. Tana Senn on paycheck equity
Dec 15, 2015
Rep. Marcus Riccelli: From staff member to lawmaker
Oct 06, 2015
Learning the Ropes: Rep. Monica Stonier returns to Capitol Ideas to talk about moving from the classroom to the Capitol.
Jun 30, 2014
House Majority Leader Pat Sullivan assesses 2014 Legislature as it nears the session's midpoint.
Feb 08, 2014
Rep. Laurie Jinkins on the Washington State Reproductive Parity Act
Jan 22, 2014
Being vice chair: Rep. Timm Ormsby
Mar 28, 2013
Rep. Tina Orwall: From New Kid to Seasoned Lawmaker
Feb 11, 2012
Rep. Laurie Jinkins: A Busy First Year
Jul 15, 2011
Rep. Cindy Ryu: A Freshman's Take
Jan 18, 2011
A Conversation with Rep. Mike Sells
Jun 21, 2010
A Conversation with Rep. Tina Orwall
Jun 17, 2010
Building a Bridge: Rep. Larry Springer
Oct 14, 2009
Rep. Timm Ormsby and Legislative Assistant Shannon Waechter: Working Together
Jan 29, 2009