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“The Impact” – February 7, 2018: Mid-session update; Behind the scenes in Olympia at crunch time

Mike McClanahan profile by Mike McClanahan

This week on “The Impact”:

We start with a mid-session update on the state legislature – from gun control to taxes and net neutrality bills.  Hear about key deadlines, what’s moving and what isn’t.

“I know Speaker Chopp has voiced some concerns about whether they have the votes to move a carbon tax,” said Walker Orenstein- Tacoma News Tribune / State Government Reporter.

“Much like the gun bills police use of deadly force is very controversial and very tough for lawmakers to tackle here in Olympia,” said Joe O’Sullivan – Seattle Times / Olympia Bureau.

Next we highlight a major announcement about offshore drilling that has state leaders gearing up for a fight.

Then former state lawmakers share an insider’s view of Olympia, what it takes to get a bill passed and what it’s like to be a legislator during crunch time.

“Everybody is so busy that even a one minute conversation is important,” said Karen Fraser, former Democratic State Senator. “From the time the gavel goes down to start the session it’s a race against the calendar and the clock.”

“We spend countless hours into the wee hours of the morning sometimes,” said Gary Alexander, former Republican State Representative.

Click here to watch “The Impact” February 7, 2018