The legislative session is in full swing, and the battle lines are already being drawn. If you want to understand what’s happening behind the scenes in Olympia, our latest podcast episodes are a must-listen.
Travis Couture: Budget Shortfalls, Tax Hikes & Silencing Debate
State Rep. Travis Couture joins the show to break down the key fights emerging early in the session. As the ranking member of the House Appropriations Committee, Travis has a front-row seat to the looming budget crisis—and he’s got plenty to say about Democrats’ tax-and-spend agenda.
We also discuss a controversial new House rule that makes it easier for the majority party to shut down debate, effectively silencing the minority. What does this mean for bipartisanship? Will Democrats steamroll their agenda unchecked? And how will this impact policies affecting small businesses? Travis doesn’t hold back.
Skyler Rude: Parents’ Rights, Cellphones in Schools & Financial Education
On the education front, Rep. Skyler Rude dives into some of the most pressing proposals impacting Washington’s students and parents. After voters passed a parental rights initiative, some lawmakers are now playing games to weaken it. We unpack what’s really going on.
Skyler also discusses:
- The push to restrict cellphones in classrooms—a commonsense reform or government overreach?
- Why financial education is crucial for today’s students.
- How apprenticeships could be a game-changer for the workforce.
- And of course, K-12 funding—because somehow, despite record spending, schools still claim they need more money.
Oh, and Skyler also shares his obscure hobby—which, let’s just say, involves forging rivers and avoiding dysentery.
Don’t miss these episodes! Listen on Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.