This week on “The Impact”:
The state’s paramount duty is to amply fund basic education. The question is- how?
With four plans on the table, we sit down with State Superintendent Chris Reykdal to hear his take on what the proposals could mean for students across the state.
“So we’re trying at OSPI to share with folks where their plans actually change outcomes for students and they all do in some good ways, but we think that all needs to be dialed up more. They all need to be focusing on things that change the game for students,” said State Superintendent Chris Reykdal, Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction.
Then we check in with the head of the Washington State Board of Education to hear what he thinks is the best approach and what is most likely to pass.
“It’s got to be sold to the voters of the community, but as the state board of education we’re really trying to focus the discussion on the needs of our kids,” said Ben Rarick, Executive Director, Washington State Board of Education.
This week we highlight an event that put immigration policy issues front and center at the State Capitol.
You’ll hear about Governor Jay Inslee’s Executive Order forbidding state law enforcement agencies from enforcing federal civil immigration law.
Then we look at signals that the new administration in the White House and new U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions might take a harder line on state-legal marijuana industries.
“I do believe that you’ll see greater enforcement of it. Because again, there’s a big difference between the medical use which Congress has, through an appropriations rider in 2014, made very clear what their intent was in terms of how the Department of Justice would handle that issue. That’s very different than the recreational use, which is something the Department of Justice I think will be further looking into,” said Sean Spicer, White House Press Secretary.
“I as you know am dubious about marijuana. As states, I guess, can pass whatever laws they choose, but I’m not sure we’re going to be a better healthier nation if we have marijuana being sold at every corner grocery store. I just don’t think that’s going to be good for us. We’ll have to work our way through that,” said U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions.
You’ll also find out how state leaders are responding to the potential of a federal crackdown.