Rep. Amy Walen is the 48th-district's newest legislator, but she knows her way around government. She's a former Kirkland city councilmember, and before her swearing in as a Democratic state representative she was mayor of that thriving King County city on the eastern shore of Lake Washington. She's CEO of a car dealership, practiced law in Australia, cares about housing and transportation and the environment and firearm violence, and if you give us 13 minutes today, you'll be glad you got to know her.

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 lo

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.

News & Politics

Government & Organizations

Non-Profit

National

Regional

Local

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.

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 success

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.

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 K

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.

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 lar

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.

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 thin

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.

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.

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 lo

Download our free app to listen on your phone