Help students explore real policy questions facing Washington State through timely, issue-based conversations with lawmakers. This series features student-led questions on topics such as health care, transportation, public safety, the environment, education, and economic policy, while highlighting both Democratic and Republican committee leadership perspectives on each issue. Students will learn how legislators analyze complex problems, weigh competing priorities, and consider impacts on communities across the state. Ideal for connecting classroom civics to current debates in Olympia and understanding how policy is shaped through differing viewpoints.
On The Issues – Q&A
House Consumer Protection and Business Committee
Explore consumer protection and business policy debates in Washington State during the 2026 legislative session. Hear both sides of the issue from Democrat and Republican committee members.
Consumer Protection & Business Unit
Kratom Regulation (2026)
Explore kratom regulation in Washington State and how lawmakers address emerging substances and consumer safety.
Regulating New Industries (2026)
Explore how Washington State regulates new industries and protects consumers in evolving markets.
Teen Nicotine Use (2026)
Explore teen nicotine use in Washington State and how lawmakers regulate e-cigarettes and youth access.
Senate Transportation Committee
Explore transportation policy debates in Washington State during the 2026 legislative session. Hear both sides of the issue from Democrat and Republican committee members.
Senate Transportation Committee Unit
Intercity Rail Development (2026)
Explore intercity rail development in Washington State and how lawmakers address funding, demand, and infrastructure.
Sustainable Transit Systems (2026)
Explore sustainable transit systems in Washington State and how lawmakers address emissions and infrastructure.
Addressing Traffic Fatalities (2026)
Explore how Washington State addresses rising traffic fatalities and efforts to meet Target Zero safety goals.
House Health Care Committee
Increasing Available Mental Healthcare (2026)
Explore how Washington State addresses mental healthcare access, including provider shortages and youth services.
Protecting Rural Access & Funding (2026)
Explore how Washington State protects rural healthcare access amid funding challenges and Medicaid cuts.
Women’s Healthcare Equity Gap (2026)
Explore women’s healthcare equity gaps in Washington State and how lawmakers improve access to information and care.
Higher Education & Workforce Development
Workforce Pathways (2026)
Explore workforce pathways in Washington State and how lawmakers support non-traditional education and career options.
AI in Higher Education (2026)
Explore AI in higher education and how Washington State balances innovation, privacy, and regulation.
Middle-income Affordability Gap (2026)
Explore the middle-income affordability gap and how Washington State supports families who need help paying for college.
Early Learning & Human Services
Snap Food Programs & Funding Cuts (2026)
Explore SNAP programs and funding cuts in Washington State and how lawmakers address food access and support.
Youth Mental Health & AI Policies (2026)
Explore youth mental health and AI policy in Washington State and how lawmakers address technology’s impact on youth.
Addressing Juvenile Sentencing Disparities (2026)
Explore juvenile sentencing disparities in Washington State and how lawmakers address fairness in the justice system.
Law & Justice
ICE Enforcement & Face Coverings (2026)
Explore ICE enforcement, face covering laws, and debates over safety, accountability, and public trust in Washington State.
Gun Rights & Effective Background Checks (2026)
Explore firearm background checks in Washington State and how lawmakers balance public safety with gun rights.
Housing
Addressing Shortages with New Technologies (2026)
Explore how Washington State uses new technologies to address housing shortages and expand supply.
Public Space Regulations & Homeless Rights (2026)
Explore policies on homelessness, public spaces, and rights of unhoused individuals in Washington State.
Affordability & Success Measurement (2026)
Explore how Washington State measures housing affordability and evaluates the success of housing policies.
Environment & Energy
State Investment in Nuclear (2026)
Explore nuclear energy investment in Washington State and how lawmakers address demand, safety, and feasibility.
Allocations of CCA Funds (2026)
Explore how Washington State allocates Climate Commitment Act funds during a budget deficit.
Data Center Benefits vs Impacts (2026)
Explore how Washington State balances data center growth with environmental impacts and energy demands.
K-12 Education
Equitable Funding & Local Levies (2026)
Explore school funding in Washington State and how local levies impact equity and education access.
Immigration Enforcement & Absenteeism (2026)
Explore how Washington State addresses immigration enforcement concerns in schools and supports student safety and attendance.
Balancing Student Support & Funding (2026)
Explore how Washington State balances student support services with school funding priorities.
Housing
Addressing Impacts of Redlining (2025)
Explore how Washington State addresses redlining and expands equitable access to homeownership.
Addressing Aging Infrastructure (2025)
Explore how Washington State addresses aging infrastructure, including bridges, roads, and long-term transportation needs.
Environmental Sustainability & Cost of Housing (2025)
Explore how Washington State balances housing affordability with environmental sustainability goals.
K12 Education
Dual Credit Programs (2025)
Explore dual credit programs in Washington State and how lawmakers address equitable access for students.
Emergency Response Systems (2025)
Explore school safety and emergency response systems in Washington State and how lawmakers address student protection.
Student & Parental Rights (2025)
Explore student and parental rights in Washington State schools and how lawmakers balance policy and funding.
Higher Education & Workforce Development
Improving College Affordability (2025)
Explore college affordability in Washington State and how lawmakers address tuition, aid, and student debt.
Tuition Free Community College (2025)
Explore tuition-free community college proposals in Washington State and their feasibility and costs.
Impacts of Current Budget Shortfall (2025)
Explore how Washington State’s budget shortfall impacts higher education funding, tuition, and student access.
Early Learning & Human Services
Addressing Childcare Costs (2025)
Explore childcare costs in Washington State and how lawmakers address affordability for families.
Youth Homelessness Interventions (2025)
Explore youth homelessness in Washington State and how lawmakers support students through housing and independence programs.
In the Juvenile Justice System (2025)
Explore juvenile justice in Washington State and how alternative rehabilitation programs support youth outcomes.
Transportation
Addressing Aging Infrastructure (2025)
Explore how Washington State addresses aging infrastructure, including bridges, roads, and long-term transportation needs.
CCA & Affordable Transit (2025)
Explore how the Climate Commitment Act supports affordable transit and equitable transportation in Washington State.
Ferries and Financial Stability (2025)
Explore Washington State ferries and the challenges of long-term financial stability and transportation funding.
Civil Rights & Judiciary
Weapons in Public Places (2025)
Explore weapons in public places policy in Washington State and hear perspectives on safety, rights, and legislation.
Hiring Choices & the Minimum Wage (2025)
Explore minimum wage policy and hiring practices in Washington State and how they impact equity and employment opportunities.
Racial Fairness in the Courts (2025)
Explore racial fairness in Washington State courts and how lawmakers address equity in the legal system.
Environment, Energy & Technology
Distribution of Fiscal Impacts of the CCA (2025)
Explore how the Climate Commitment Act impacts costs and emissions in Washington State’s energy policy.
Future & Safety of Nuclear (2025)
Explore nuclear energy’s future in Washington State, including safety concerns, waste, and clean energy needs.
Electric Vehicle Battery Recycling (2025)
Explore EV battery recycling in Washington State and how lawmakers address environmental and energy policy challenges.
State Government & Tribal Relations
Centennial Accord Today (2025)
Explore how Washington State upholds tribal treaty rights and the role of the Centennial Accord in tribal relations.
Fishing Rights (2025)
Explore tribal fishing rights in Washington State and how lawmakers address allocation, treaties, and natural resources.
Federal Recognition (2025)
Explore federal recognition of tribes and how Washington State works with federally and non-federally recognized tribes.
Health Care & Wellness
Affordability & Quality (2025)
Explore healthcare affordability and quality in Washington State and hear perspectives on improving access and care.
Insurance Age Gap (2025)
Explore healthcare funding in Washington State and how federal and state roles impact coverage and affordability.
Agriculture & Natural Resources
Forest Conservation & Housing (2025)
Explore how Washington State balances housing growth with forest conservation and natural resource protection.
Sustainable Agriculture Policies (2025)
Explore sustainable agriculture policies in Washington State and their economic and environmental impacts.
Housing
Rent Stabilization (2025)
Explore rent stabilization in Washington State and hear different perspectives on housing affordability and tenant protections.
Rural & Urban Differences (2025)
Explore rural and urban housing challenges in Washington State and how lawmakers address differences in development needs.
Veteran & First Responder Assistance (2025)
Explore housing assistance for veterans and first responders in Washington State and how lawmakers address access and affordability.
Education
Special Ed Funding Allocation (2025)
Explore special education funding in Washington State and hear different perspectives on equitable resource allocation.
Early Learning Access (2025)
Explore special education funding in Washington State and hear different perspectives on equitable resource allocation.
Community Safety
Monitoring Online Threats (2025)
Explore how Washington State addresses online threats and misinformation with perspectives from lawmakers on community safety.
Police Accountability & Public Safety (2025)
Explore police accountability and public safety in Washington State with perspectives from lawmakers on both sides.
Environment & Energy
Green Energy Incentives (2025)
Ella Garcelon asks House Environment & Energy Committee leadership about the impacts of Green Energy Incentives.
Recycling Energy Costs (2025)
House Page, Theron Clements, asks House Environment & Energy Committee leadership how recycling policy can address the high cost of recyc...
Forest Protections (2025)
House Page, Mattilyne Dhane, asks House Environment & Energy Committee leadership about steps being considered to protect against deforest..
State Government, Tribal Affairs & Elections
Addressing Partisanship (2025)
Explore partisanship in Washington State elections and hear bipartisan perspectives on improving government and public trust.
Voter Engagement (2025)
Ash Larson brought his question about voter engagement to leadership of the Senate State Government, Tribal Affairs, & Elections Committee