Shelton Springs Disc Golf Hosts Major Tournament 5/26-5/28

State Senator Drew McEwen discusses the recently concluded legislative session, expressing dissatisfaction with House Bill 1589 related to Puget Sound Energy's shift away from natural gas. He highlights issues with the bill, including expedited rate increases for consumers before new generating systems come online. McEwen criticizes the rushed policy shift, emphasizing the potential economic impact on businesses and the unpreparedness of the electrical grid. He also discusses successful initiatives, such as restoring law enforcement's ability to pursue suspects, and highlights budget achievements, including funding for the Belfair bypass and addressing safety issues on Highway 101. 

A conversation discussing Shelton Junior Programs, a nonprofit organization that has been bringing live theater to local elementary students for 23 years. Jo Ewart, a member since 2008, explains that the program presents two plays each year for different grade levels, fulfilling Washington State's Arts Education requirements. The upcoming performances include "Jack and the Beanstalk" for grades 1-3 and "Frindle" for grades 4-6 at Shelton High School's Performing Arts Center. Jo mentions the adaptation of plays for young audiences, provides insights into "Frindle," and talks about the program's resilience during COVID, with performances resuming in 2023. Interested individuals can learn more on their website, sheltonjuniorprograms.com

FC Olympia's owner, Ryan Perkins, discusses the recent merger with Lacey Lights, forming another semi-pro soccer team under FC Olympia. The collaboration aims to provide opportunities for local athletes and enhance the soccer community in Thurston County. Additionally, Perkins announces season tickets for the upcoming USL league at an affordable price of $24, aiming to surpass 500 sales, through March. The club also plans a gala fundraiser featuring guest speakers like Stephanie Cox and auction items, including a signed jersey by the entire US men's soccer team. Notable signings for the USLW season include McKenna Martinez and Shu Ohba, while Jason Dunn joins as the new men's head coach for USL2, bringing a wealth of experience to the team. Despite missing out on the indoor soccer league championships, FC Olympia receives recognition for their streaming quality and goalkeeper, Isaiah Damschen. Perkins emphasizes community support and invites fans to engage with the club online and at events like the gala.

Shelton High School is hosting the Bite of Reality Fair, an event organized by Peninsula Credit Union to educate high school seniors about financial responsibility. The fair utilizes an app-based simulation where students receive a job, salary, and must make budgetary decisions regarding housing, transportation, and other expenses. The program aims to prepare students for real-world financial challenges. Peninsula Credit Union, along with community volunteers, facilitates the fair and also supports financial literacy programs in middle schools. The initiative extends beyond Shelton High School, with plans for a similar fair at North Mason High School.

U.S. Congressman Derek Kilmer discusses the looming threat of a government shutdown and attributes it to some members of the House Republican Conference wanting to inject cultural issues into spending bills. Kilmer emphasizes the avoidability of a shutdown if these issues are kept separate. He also touches on the challenges of the current Congress, particularly the internal divisions among Republicans hindering legislative progress. Kilmer advocates for constructive dialogue and bipartisan cooperation and encourages constituents to engage with their representatives to voice concerns and opinions.

Representative Dan Griffey discusses the urgent issue of fentanyl in the community. He emphasizes the severity of the situation, calling it a "poison" affecting all communities, and expresses his concern about federal agencies' effectiveness in addressing the problem. Griffey proposes declaring a state of emergency to mobilize state agencies, such as the Department of Transportation and State Patrol, to combat fentanyl trafficking. He suggests convening a prosecutor summit and easing regulatory burdens to tackle the crisis effectively. The discussion highlights the need for a coordinated emergency response to address the fentanyl epidemic.

Later in the conversation, Representative Griffey touches upon the growing polarization in political views and the challenges of bipartisan collaboration, particularly on issues like rent control. He expresses concerns about the impact of social media on public discourse, noting a need for more free thinking and communication. The conversation shifts to environmental policies, with Griffey criticizing the majority party's stance on banning propane and natural gas, advocating for a more gradual transition to alternative fuels like hydrogen. The representative also warns against hasty decisions in adopting new technologies, drawing parallels with past mistakes such as compact fluorescent light bulbs. 

Senator Drew McEwen discusses ongoing budget discussions in the state legislature. He's particularly focused on the $3 billion surplus and concerns about the House's proposal, which includes a controversial $200 rebate tied to voting down a carbon tax initiative. Senator McEwen expresses disappointment in this approach, emphasizing his hope for its removal during the budget conference. The discussion also touches on the budget process intricacies, concerns about specific initiatives, transportation projects, and the page program encouraging youth engagement in state government.

Shelton School District Superintendent Wyeth Jessee discusses various updates in the district, emphasizing the ongoing implementation of their strategic plan focusing on literacy, college and career readiness, and safe and welcoming environments. He highlights the unique role of Choice High School, providing a family therapeutic setting with additional mental health support for students facing challenges. The school's efforts, including a full-time mental health therapist, have contributed to positive outcomes, with a focus on ninth-grade students achieving their six credits by the end of their freshman year. Additionally, a new open-doors program has successfully enrolled 19 students not in school the previous year, offering flexible support for those facing homelessness or parenting challenges. 

Superintendent Wyeth Jessee also discusses the importance of creating a positive learning environment, particularly focusing on literacy and efforts to engage students in reading. He touches upon the budgetary challenges, underscoring the need for increased funding for special education, as federal and state contributions cover only 40%, leaving the remaining 60% for local districts. Superintendent Jessee underscores the positive impact of inclusive environments and effective resource allocation, mentioning the support for counselors, mental health therapists, and after-school activities. Looking ahead, he mentions plans for summer school, balancing support and enrichment for students, and the ongoing recruitment of new teachers, often attracting second-career individuals to education.

Representative Travis Couture discusses the ongoing legislative session and the focus on budget allocation in the state. There is mention of a $3 billion surplus in the supplemental budget, with discussions around how to spend it strategically. Representative Couture emphasizes the importance of prioritization in budgeting, expressing concerns about spreading resources too thin and needing to fund essential areas fully. The conversation also discusses the options for utilizing the surplus, including spending on new or underfunded initiatives, putting it in a rainy-day account, or providing tax relief. Additionally, the representative highlights constituents' concerns, with property tax relief, public safety, and housing affordability being significant issues in the 35th district.  Representative Couture also discusses concerns about rent control in the state, proposing alternative solutions such as providing property tax incentives to landlords who keep rents low. He argues that these measures benefit both property owners and tenants, unlike rent control, which he believes harms people, especially seniors, in the long term. Couture expresses pride in his constituents' understanding of legislative matters and hints at an upcoming House Republican budget proposal he looks forward to discussing.

Representative Dan Griffey discusses the recently released supplemental budget proposals by House Democrats and Senate Republicans. Griffey expresses concern about the $3 billion spending in the budget, emphasizing the missed opportunity to address underfunding in K-12 education and special education. He highlights specific initiatives in the 35th district, including a budget proviso for educating people on fentanyl use in libraries and a study on cancer occurrences among volunteer firefighters. Additionally, Griffey addresses issues in the state's childcare system, advocating for a more scalable and flexible approach to certification processes. The conversation also touches on public safety, with discussions on a potential joint hearing on police pursuit and the possibility of passing a crime victims bill of rights.