The legislative session in Olympia is over, and do you know where your legislator is now? Because it turns out they are probably herding bison (if you live in Moses Lake), or practicing forestry (If you're living in Centralia), or law or medicine.

Washington has a part-time legislature, and most lawmakers have day jobs. But some say that should change, and “state legislator" should be a full time job. This year's effort to change the law saw an unlikely duo, usually foes, wearing matching argyle sweaters on the House floor. We'll hear why, plus, we get an update on some of the loose ends left over from the session: lawsuits, referendum threats and that pesky budget deficit.

Listen to Sarah Mizes-Tan's story on part-time legislators here. 

Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible. If you want to help out, go to https://www.kuow.org/donate/soundpolitics/.

Sound Politics is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network. Our editor is Gabriel Spitzer. Our producer is Hans Anderson. Our hosts are Sarah Mizes-Tan and Scott Greenstone. 

The legislative session in Olympia is over, and do you know where your legislator is now? Because it turns out they are probably herding bison (if you live in Moses Lake), or practicing forestry (If you're living in Centralia), or law or medicine. Washington has a part-time legislature, and most lawmakers have day jobs. But some say that should change, and &ldquo;state legislator" should be a full time job.<a href="https://www.nwprogressive.org/weblog/2026/01/npi-makes-the-case-for-hjr-4210-giving-the[&hellip;]ure-the-freedom-to-set-the-length-of-regular-sessions.html"> This year's effort to change the law saw an unlikely duo, usually foes, wearing matching argyle sweaters on the House floor.</a> We'll hear why, plus, we get an update on some of the loose ends left over from the session: lawsuits, referendum threats and that pesky budget deficit.
Listen to Sarah Mizes-Tan's story on part-time legislators <a href="https://www.kuow.org/stories/washington-s-legislature-is-part-time-but-after-brutal-sessions-some-want-change">here</a>.&nbsp;
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/soundpolitics/">https://www.kuow.org/donate/soundpolitics/</a>. Sound Politics is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network. Our editor is Gabriel Spitzer. Our producer is Hans Anderson. Our hosts are Sarah Mizes-Tan and Scott Greenstone.&nbsp;

A podcast about the candidates, policies, and perspectives shaping the Pacific Northwest. 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.  

A podcast about the candidates, policies, and perspectives shaping the Pacific Northwest. There&rsquo;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&rsquo;s happening in local politics, why it matters, and how you can use your vote to make a difference. &nbsp;

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