County Connection

The County Connection | Breaking Down the 2026 Supplemental Budget – Episode 223

In the final episode of the 2026 legislative session, Paul Jewell and budget whisperer Brian Enslow unravel the mysteries of the newly released supplemental budgets. From the unexpected size of the operating plan to the creative (very creative) maneuvering behind the Public Works Assistance Account. They dig into the four‑year outlook, looming revenue uncertainties, and why the new income tax on millionaires plays such a pivotal role in keeping the state’s books balanced. With humor and clarity, the duo turns complex fiscal gymnastics into a surprisingly fun ride. A must‑listen wrap‑up for anyone tracking local government impacts in Olympia. Recorded: March 12, 2026 ---------- County Connection is the official podcast of the Washington State Association of Counties—where we dive into the legislative issues shaping the future of our communities. From budgets to public safety, infrastructure to elections, we’ll break down what’s happening in Olympia and how it impacts counties across the Evergreen State. Stay informed, stay engaged, and join us as we amplify the voice of Washington’s 39 counties. ---------- Learn more at wsac.org [https://wsac.org/] Register on The Hub [https://members.wsac.org/] Follow us: * LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/washington-state-association-of-counties/] * Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/wacounties/] * Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/wacounties/] * BSKY [https://bsky.app/profile/wacounties.bsky.social]

The County Connection | Sine Die Shenanigans: Surprises, Setbacks & Standouts of the 2026 Session – Episode 222

In this episode, Paul Jewell sits down with Kelsey Hulse and Brad Banks to unpack the biggest plot twists, policy battles, and political curveballs of the final days of the 2026 session. From the last‑minute resurrection of the statewide transmission authority bill to intense public‑safety fights and the downright bizarre microchipping‑employees saga, the team breaks down what passed, what fizzled, and what’s coming back with a vengeance next year. They also reflect on unexpected allies, evolving coalitions, and how counties collectively dodged some major bullets. A candid, funny, inside‑the‑Capitol look at a short session that was anything but small. Recorded: March 12, 2026 ---------- County Connection is the official podcast of the Washington State Association of Counties—where we dive into the legislative issues shaping the future of our communities. From budgets to public safety, infrastructure to elections, we’ll break down what’s happening in Olympia and how it impacts counties across the Evergreen State. Stay informed, stay engaged, and join us as we amplify the voice of Washington’s 39 counties. ---------- Learn more at wsac.org [https://wsac.org/] Register on The Hub [https://members.wsac.org/] Follow us: * LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/washington-state-association-of-counties/] * Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/wacounties/] * Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/wacounties/] * BSKY [https://bsky.app/profile/wacounties.bsky.social]

The County Connection | Session Superlatives: Big Wins, Near Misses & the Policy Team Unplugged – Episode 221

In this lively end‑of‑session wrap‑up, Paul Jewell brings in Travis and Curtis for a candid, funny, and surprisingly deep look at what passed, what flopped, and what counties should take away from the 2026 legislative session. From major victories like the clean energy property tax overhaul to protecting permanent supportive housing funds, the team breaks down their biggest wins, along with the bills that fizzled out or left them scratching their heads. They also dish on behind‑the‑scenes surprises, bloopers, parking‑policy déjà vu, and how the policy team found its rhythm this year. A fast and witty close‑out to a session that was anything but predictable. Recorded: March 11, 2026 ---------- County Connection is the official podcast of the Washington State Association of Counties—where we dive into the legislative issues shaping the future of our communities. From budgets to public safety, infrastructure to elections, we’ll break down what’s happening in Olympia and how it impacts counties across the Evergreen State. Stay informed, stay engaged, and join us as we amplify the voice of Washington’s 39 counties. ---------- Learn more at wsac.org [https://wsac.org/] Register on The Hub [https://members.wsac.org/] Follow us: * LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/washington-state-association-of-counties/] * Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/wacounties/] * Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/wacounties/] * BSKY [https://bsky.app/profile/wacounties.bsky.social]

The County Connection | Sine Die Eve: Public Health Wins, Near‑Misses & Last‑Minute Saves – Episode 220

On the eve of sine die, Paul Jewell and Jamie Bodden break down a whirlwind session packed with major public health wins, surprise amendments, and one dramatic eleventh‑hour rescue of a $21 million FPHS shortfall. From key bills on preventative care and wastewater inspection reforms to navigating the twists of HB 2442, they highlight what passed, what died, and what counties should watch as budgets drop. Jamie also dishes on “kill bills,” rural health workforce challenges, and why this short session felt unusually intense. A sharp, fast‑moving wrap‑up of the victories, setbacks, and battles still on the horizon. Recorded: March 11, 2026 ---------- County Connection is the official podcast of the Washington State Association of Counties—where we dive into the legislative issues shaping the future of our communities. From budgets to public safety, infrastructure to elections, we’ll break down what’s happening in Olympia and how it impacts counties across the Evergreen State. Stay informed, stay engaged, and join us as we amplify the voice of Washington’s 39 counties. ---------- Learn more at wsac.org [https://wsac.org/] Register on The Hub [https://members.wsac.org/] Follow us: * LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/washington-state-association-of-counties/] * Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/wacounties/] * Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/wacounties/] * BSKY [https://bsky.app/profile/wacounties.bsky.social]

The County Connection | The 'Ol Policy Switcheroo – Episode 219

In this breaking‑news episode, Paul Jewell and Brad Banks dig into the chaotic final days of the 2026 legislative session as the controversial “millionaire’s tax” bill, SB 6346, changes, yet again. This time, stripping all local government funding with just days left. They unpack how public defense hopes rose and collapsed, how surprise tax exemptions will blow massive holes in county budgets, and why 79 amendments now threaten to grind the Legislature to a halt. With behind‑the‑scenes insight, sharp analysis, and a fair bit of frustration, they capture a moment in Olympia that has counties on edge. The episode is equal parts policy autopsy and real‑time political thriller. Recorded: March 9, 2026 ---------- County Connection is the official podcast of the Washington State Association of Counties—where we dive into the legislative issues shaping the future of our communities. From budgets to public safety, infrastructure to elections, we’ll break down what’s happening in Olympia and how it impacts counties across the Evergreen State. Stay informed, stay engaged, and join us as we amplify the voice of Washington’s 39 counties. ---------- Learn more at wsac.org [https://wsac.org/] Register on The Hub [https://members.wsac.org/] Follow us: * LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/washington-state-association-of-counties/] * Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/wacounties/] * Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/wacounties/] * BSKY [https://bsky.app/profile/wacounties.bsky.social]