Capitol Ideas: The Washington State House Democratic Caucus Podcast

The 2026 session is in the books, and it will always be known as the year when Washington’s upside-down tax code began the long process of righting itself. Rep. April Berg was one of the leaders in that effort, and she joins us today.

In today’s special edition of Capitol Ideas, Washington State Speaker of the House Laurie Jinkins looks back at the historic 2026 legislative session and previews the 105-day session that will begin next January. The 60-day sprint that ended last month in Olympia was a short session for Washington State lawmakers, a time when, traditionally, adjustments are made to budgets written the previous year and leftover bills from the long session make a final push for the finish line. This year was different, with historic challenges and equally significant responses from legislators. In today’s Capitol Ideas, Speaker of the House Laurie Jinkins summarizes the session and offers a behind-the-scenes glimpse of how representative government works in the Evergreen State.

Rep. Shaun Scott is an interesting fellow. Smarter than anyone deserves to be, laser-focused on public service, and impatient to use his position as a state legislator to improve lives in every corner of Washington. He just wrapped up his second session in the House, and he’s here today on Capitol Ideas.

When Rep. Shelley Kloba drops by the Capitol Ideas HQ, you know we’re going to talk about online privacy and all things related. But wait, there’s more! Much more, so give us the next 20 minutes.  

Rep. Mary Fosse was on her first picket line three months shy of her first birthday, and she’s been a lifelong ally of workers and the labor movement in Washington and beyond. She puts that passion to work as vice chair of the House panel that deals with labor issues, and helps keep the chamber running smoothly as deputy majority floor leader. There are more sides to her than these, though, and we’ll explore several on today’s Capitol Ideas. 

Rep. Timm Ormsby, chair of the budget-writing House Appropriations Committee, has been one of the Olympia voices for Spokane’s 3rd legislative district for longer than Capitol Ideas has been around, and over the years he’s become a favorite guest. Today he talks about the budget process, revenue  forecasts, the difference between writing a budget and raising revenue, and the beauty of Spokane. 

It’s been several years since Rep. Dave Paul has stopped by the Capitol Ideas HQ for a talk, but good things are worth waiting for. Today’s episode is definitely a good thing. Our conversation touches on the transportation and operating budgets, the value of bipartisanship, ICE, higher education, ferries, veterans, and several other legislative topics, all in an economical 20-minute package. Don’t miss it.    

Rep. My-Linh Thai drops by Capitol Ideas every now and then, and it’s always an interesting and thought-provoking conversation. This time around the yawning chasm between this Washington and the other one, and its effects on her 41st district and the state Legislature, color some, but not all, of our talk. We also hear about her work as deputy majority leader, some key legislation, the Year of the Fire Horse, and the legislative process. It’s a good episode.

It’s year four in the House for Rep. Joe Timmons, but today you’ll hear his first Capitol Ideas conversation. Besides representing his friends and neighbors up in the northwest corner of the state, Joe serves long hours with a gavel in his hand as deputy speaker pro tem of the House in Olympia. You’ll hear about that, and more, in today’s episode.

Rep. Zach Hall is a young man, but when he was appointed to the House by the King County council last June, he had six years on the Issaquah city council under his belt, along with four years on the legislative staff, a master’s in public administration from UW’s Evans School of Public Policy and Governance, and a long resume of public service in the 5th legislative district. He knows what cooks, and you’ll meet him in today’s Capitol Ideas.

In this episode of Capitol Ideas, you’ll meet, or re-meet, Rep. Adison Richards. He was our guest almost exactly a year ago, less than a month into his new job as a state lawmaker. We invited him back to catch up on his trajectory as a representative, to hear about his key bills, and to check on the health and happiness of his faithful dog, Blue.

Rep. April Berg chairs the House Finance Committee, so you might think we’d be talking about revenue today. We’ll mostly save that for another time. This episode of Capitol Ideas is where you’ll learn about Rep. Berg’s bill creating the Washington State Boys and Men Commission, an innovative idea that can help lawmakers address some of the unique challenges facing half of the state’s population.

In today’s episode, Rep. Chipalo Street talks about issues ranging from housing (affordable and otherwise), juvenile justice reforms, the state’s responsibility to persons under its complete control, and the challenges facing Washington’s budget.

Some lawmakers come to Olympia to fix the climate. Others might be here to improve public schools, or make our communities safer, or upend our regressive tax system. Rep. Lisa Callan, a veteran member from Issaquah, looks at all those issues and more through the lens of making the state a better place for infants, toddlers, “kids,” and those on the exciting brink of young adulthood. If you have children, or if you’ve ever been young, you’ll enjoy this one.

We're grateful to have Speaker Laurie Jinkins as today's guest on Capitol Ideas, to share her perspective on the just-ended 2025 session of the Washington state Legislature. Her sixth year leading the House of Representatives was by far the most difficult she's encountered, and today she walks us through what turned out to be a session marked by landmark victories and sometimes-painful realities. If you're interested in Washington state legislative goings-on, this is a half-hour to savor.

Washington state lawmakers and staff were still celebrating the final gavel of the 2025 session when Rep. Chipalo Street sat down for his first appearance on Capitol Ideas. We covered everything from rent stabilization and safer streets to life as a professional soccer referee, and ended up with a half hour that goes by much too quickly.

As vice chair of the House Appropriations Committee, Rep. Mia Gregerson has a lot on her mind in the final 72 hours of the legislative session. The fact that we got her to sit down and share the Capitol Ideas mics makes this a special episode, all by itself.

Sen. Bill Ramos, who was Rep. Bill Ramos for six years before his election to the Senate last fall, died suddenly Saturday evening. Bill's voice being silenced is a loss for his 5th district, and for the people of Washington. Today's Capitol Ideas is a repost of a conversation that originally ran in early 2024.

This is the third legislative session for Rep. Julio Cortes, and his second visit to Capitol Ideas. Today he reflects on the difference between being a brand-new legislator and a veteran, talks about his journey from one capitol -- Mexico City -- to another, and explains his bills, his committee leadership and the work of the Latino Democratic Caucus...and does it all in 20 minutes!

Rep. Chris Stearns moved to Washington state many years ago because it was the most beautiful place he'd ever seen. Now he's Speaker Pro Tem of the state House of Representatives, and as of today he's a two-time visitor to Capitol Ideas. There are interesting things to learn if you'll hit the play button on this episode.

Rep. Strom Peterson agreed to chair a brand-new committee three years ago, a panel dedicated to chipping away at Washington's housing crisis. Today we'll talk about progress made by the House Housing Committee under his leadership, and plenty more.

Rep. Adam Bernbaum has been to a lot of places and done a lot of things, but Port Angeles is home and the Legislature is his new job. Hit the play button now to get to know a chamnpion of rural issues, a housing advocate, and a guardian of the taxpayer's purse, all in one.

When Janice Zahn immigrated to the U.S. with her family as a child, she probably wasn't planning to find herself sitting at a desk on the floor of the Washington state House of Representatives. But here she is, and that's fortunate for all of us. Today's episode is a little longer than your typical Capitol Ideas, but it's justified. This is a good one.

Rep. Edwin Obras was appointed to a vacant seat in the state House of Representatives in December 2024, and for a lawmaker just getting his feet wet, he's made a splash. After a 30-year career in human services, he knows his way around the Capitol and already has bills poised to become law. You'll meet him today as we continue our conversations with the newest members of the House Democratic Caucus.

ORIGINAL EPISODE DESCRIPTION: Speaker emeritus Frank Chopp, who voluntarily switched his role to Rep. Frank Chopp at the end of the 2019 session, is the special guest on this episode of Capitol Ideas. The good things he's done for the Evergreen State are too numerous to list here, but if you listen to today's conversation, you'll notice a promise to include some items in the show notes. Here, in no particular order, are some of the things that he played a pivotal role in: the state Housing Trust fund; the best minimum wage in the U.S.; paid family and medical leave; free college and university tuition for those who need it most; the Marriage Equality Act; the Dream Act; the Voting Rights Act; the Long-term Care Trust Act; the Education Legacy Fund; The College Bound Scholarship program; Apple Health for All Kids; Apple Health and Homes; and 20 years of state budgets that put people first.

Rep. Natasha Hill has an interesting story. Attorney. Commumnity activist. Civil rights fighter. Mom. She fought her way upstream to get here and is already making a difference. Get to know her in today's Capitol Ideas.

Capitol Ideas returns today after a brief hiatus while lawmakers burned the midnight oil in more than a week of marathon floor sessions. Today's idea-generator is Rep. Lisa Parshley of Olympia, interviewed on her 60th day as a state representative.

Few things in life are certain, but it's a sure bet you've never heard a Capitol Ideas like this one. A dozen Democratic lawmakers, from veterans to brand-new members, making observations about life, one of the busiest weeks of the session, and the enduring Democratic values that most Washingtonians share.

Today Capitol Ideas welcomes yet another member of the 2025 Class of House Democrats. Rep. Shaun Scott was sent here by his neighbors in the 43rd district, the heart of Seattle. He's a creator, a polymath, and a leader, and we've got him now.

This is the eighth Capitol Ideas of 2025, and the fourth to feature a lawmaker in their first session as a member of the Legislature, and the House Democratic Caucus. Hooray for new faces and new energy. Today's guest is Rep. Victoria Hunt of Issaquah in the 5th district. She's an environmental scientist, an educator, a former Issaquah councilmember, and vice chair of the House Energy and Environment Committee.

Washington's crying need for rent stability and affordable housing is more crucial than it's ever been, and Rep. Nicole Macri is once again a point person in the effort. We'll talk about these issues and more in today's Capitol Ideas.

It's been a couple of years since Rep. Davina Duerr stopped by the Capitol Ideas HQ for a conversation, and in legislative years that can be an eternity. We'll find out what we've missed in today's show.

Rep. Brianna Thomas has done a lot of things in her life, and they all led, in one way or another, to the day she was sworn in as Washington state's newest representative. Today we talk about some of those stops along the way, and what she has planned for this new experience.

Rep. Adison Richards works for the folks of Washington's 26th legislative district, a beautiful, seahorse-shaped piece of western Washington that stretches from Bremerton down to Longbranch and from Vaughan in the west to the Tacoma Narrows Bridge. Adison is new here but he knows how the place works, and he's putting that knowledge to work.

Rep. Brandy Donaghy is vice chair of the House Transportation Committee, and that's just a quarter of her committee portfolio. She lives in Snohomish County and writes laws that make Washington a lot better place. Today we'll talk about some of her ideas for 2025.

It's been just a few days since Osman Salahuddin became 48th-district Rep. Osman Salahuddin. That could be one reason why this might be the most interesting podcasts you've heard in a long time.

Rep. Timm Ormsby chairs the House Appropriations Committee. 2025 is a budget year in Olympia. Those two facts alone make this a podcast worth your time.

Before he was sent to be their voice in Olympia by the good people of the 47th district, Rep. Chris Stearns already had a full resume. He's an accomplished attorney working with tribes throughout the nation. He's done a stint with the federal Energy Department. He was a Democratic committee counsel in the U.S. House of Representatives. Now we've got him, and you'll meet him today.

This is a good one. We say that every time, but seriously, you want to hear what Rep. Debra Entenman has to say about higher ed, civil rights, equity, school lunches, being a legislator, and lots more. Stick around.

Hit the PLAY button on Capitol Ideas today to hear an exclusive conversation with Washington state Speaker Laurie Jinkins. After five years at the helm of a growing Democratic majority, she shares her view of the just-concluded session and the 23-24 biennium, talks about some key legislative victories for the people of Washington, and surveys the work still to be done. All that, in just 30 minutes.

As co-chair of the House Committee on Controlled Substances and Gaming, Rep. Sharon Wylie is instrumental in shaping Washington's policies on one of the 21st century's most controversial issues. And that's just for starters. Open up today's episode of Capitol Ideas and meet a unique lawmaker.

My-Linh Thai contains multitudes. She's a state representative. An education leader. A pharmacist. Deputy Majority Leader of the Washington State House of Representatives. A parent. A refugee, the first ever elected to the state House. Most of all, she's someone who cares about others, and that becomes clear when you look at the the legislation she's authored during her six years in Olympia, and when you hear her speak. You'll get the chance to do both in today's Capitol Ideas.

Today we'll spend a half hour with Lakewood state Rep. Dan Bronoske. If you tune in to TVW when the House is in session, there's a good chance you'll see him handling the gavel and presiding over the debate as deputy speaker pro tem. When he's not on the dais, he's working on bills to make life better for workers, people in crisis, students, retirees, veterans, families . . . in other words, all of us. You don't want to miss today's conversation.

It's a tough job, and she loves it. Mukilteo state Rep. Lillian Ortiz-Self chairs the House Democratic Caucus in Olympia, represents 160,000 of her friends and neighbors in the 21st legislative district, and has spent most of her professional career trying to make life better for children and their families. She also sponsors a whole lot of very good bills, and we'll talk about most all these roles in today's Capitol Ideas.

It's Day 39 of the 60-day 2024 legislative session in Olympia, and schedules are tight. We were lucky to grab 20 minutes with Rep. Tana Senn, and the luck is yours, as well. Her bills on emission-free school buses, adult family homes, firearm safety, and getting special-needs kids off on the right foot are moving toward the governor's desk, and we'll talk about all these and more in today's Capitol Ideas.

Now in the midst of his sixth year in the House, Rep. Bill Ramos makes a return visit to Capitol Ideas today. Bill chairs the House Committee on State Government and Tribal Relations, and has seats on the Transportation Committee and the Community Safety, Justice, and Reentry panel as well. That makes for a busy session, but today he stopped moving long enough to bring us up to speed on his priorities for the session and how his key bills are faring in this short, jam-packed legislative session.

Rep. Melanie Morgan champions equity in most everything she does, and she does a lot. Join us today for a conversation with Rep. Morgan, who in six short years in the Legislature has become a force to be reckoned with. Today's Capitol Ideas covers everything from agriculture to Black History Month -- and Black history -- to renewable energy and Washington's growing housing shortage.

Speaker emeritus Frank Chopp, who voluntarily switched his role to Rep. Frank Chopp at the end of the 2019 session, is the special guest on this episode of Capitol Ideas. The good things he's done for the Evergreen State are too numerous to list here, but if you listen to today's conversation, you'll notice a promise to include some items in the show notes. Here, in no particular order, are some of the things that he played a pivotal role in: the state Housing Trust fund; the best minimum wage in the U.S.; paid family and medical leave; free college and university tuition for those who need it most; the Marriage Equality Act; the Dream Act; the Voting Rights Act; the Longterm Care Trust Act; the Education Legacy Fund; The College Bound Scholarship program; Apple Health for All Kids; Apple Health and Homes; and 20 years of state budgets that put people first.

Rep. Tina Orwall is one of the busiest people in Olympia. If she doesn't hold the record for the legislator with the greatest number of bills that became laws, she's in the running. And as the longtime Speaker Pro Tem of the state House of Representatives, she wields a firm gavel to run most House floor sessions. She's back today for another new episode of Capitol Ideas.

Meet Rep. Greg Nance. He's a native Kitsapian, if that's a word, lives on Bainbridge Island, is a non-profit leader with deep experience in youth-mentoring, education, and mental health care. He's a conservationist, an athlete, and now . . . a state lawmaker.