Republicans might have more influence this legislative session than they have in almost a decade.

A big reason why is Governor Bob Ferguson. The newly elected Democrat has been warmer toward the GOP point of view than the previous administration was, pushing to close the state’s budget deficit through cuts rather than raising more revenue from taxes.

That’s a welcome change for Rep. Travis Couture, the Republicans’ lead budget wrangler in the state House. He says Ferguson has been more aligned with, and welcoming of, Republican ideas than his predecessor was – but just how much actual power the Republican caucus will have over the final product remains to be seen.

Rep. Couture joined Sound Politics hosts Scott Greenstone and Libby Denkmann to talk taxes, Medicaid, mandates, and what it’s like to be in a “mixed marriage” (his wife is a Democrat). 

Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to kuow.org/politics. Sound Politics is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network. Our editor is Gabriel Spitzer. Our producer this week is Hans Anderson. Our hosts are Scott Greenstone and Libby Denkmann.

Republicans&nbsp;might&nbsp;have more influence this legislative session than they have in&nbsp;almost a decade.
A big reason why is Governor Bob Ferguson. The newly elected Democrat has been warmer toward the GOP point of view than the previous administration was, pushing to close the state&rsquo;s budget deficit through cuts rather than raising more revenue from taxes.
That&rsquo;s a welcome change for Rep. Travis Couture, the Republicans&rsquo; lead budget wrangler in the state House. He says Ferguson has been more aligned with, and welcoming of, Republican ideas than his predecessor was &ndash; but just how much actual power the Republican caucus will have over the final product remains to be seen.
Rep. Couture joined Sound Politics hosts Scott Greenstone and Libby Denkmann to talk taxes, Medicaid, mandates, and what it&rsquo;s like to be in a &ldquo;mixed marriage&rdquo; (his wife is a Democrat).&nbsp;
Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to <a href="http://kuow.org/politics" data-stringify-link="http://kuow.org/politics" data-sk="tooltip_parent">kuow.org/politics</a>. Sound Politics is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network. Our editor is Gabriel Spitzer. Our producer this week is Hans Anderson. Our hosts are Scott Greenstone and Libby Denkmann.

A podcast about the candidates, policies, and perspectives shaping the Pacific Northwest. Produced by KUOW in Seattle.  

There’s a lot to wade through when it comes to Washington State politics. The drama, the facts, the money, and the movers and shakers. In Sound Politics KUOW host Libby Denkmann and politics reporter Scott Greenstone go beyond the ballot to guide you through what’s happening in local politics, why it matters, and how you can use your vote to make a difference.  

New episodes every week.  

Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to kuow.org/donate/soundpoliticsnotes. 

Sound Politics is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network. Our editor is Catharine Smith. Our producers are Noel Gasca and Sarah Leibovitz. Our hosts are Libby Denkmann and Scott Greenstone.

A podcast about the candidates, policies, and perspectives shaping the Pacific Northwest. Produced by <a href="http://www.kuow.org">KUOW</a> in Seattle.  
There’s a lot to wade through when it comes to Washington State politics. The drama, the facts, the money, and the movers and shakers. In Sound Politics KUOW host Libby Denkmann and politics reporter Scott Greenstone go beyond the ballot to guide you through what’s happening in local politics, why it matters, and how you can use your vote to make a difference.  
New episodes every week.  
<hr>
Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to <a href="https://www.kuow.org/donate/soundpoliticsnotes">kuow.org/donate/soundpoliticsnotes</a>. Sound Politics is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network. Our editor is Catharine Smith. Our producers are Noel Gasca and Sarah Leibovitz. Our hosts are Libby Denkmann and Scott Greenstone.

A podcast about the candidates, policies, and perspectives shaping the Pacific Northwest. Produced by KUOW in Seattle.

Sound Politics

Republicans might have more influence this legislative session than they have in almost a decade.  A big reason why is Governor Bob Ferguson. The newly elected Democrat has been warmer toward the GOP point of view than the previous administration was, pushing to close the state’s budget deficit through cuts rather than raising more revenue from taxes.  That’s a welcome change for Rep. Travis Couture, the Republicans’ lead budget wrangler in the state House. He says Ferguson has been more aligned with, and welcoming of, Republican ideas than his predecessor was – but just how much actual power the Republican caucus will have over the final product remains to be seen.

Advertisement