Is Washington losing its competitive edge?

Former Washington Gov. Chris Gregoire joins Sen. Chris Gildon on The Elephant in the Dome to discuss growing concerns about the state’s business climate — and what Washington can do to remain a place where businesses grow, jobs are created and families can afford to live.

Gregoire, who now leads Challenge Seattle, discusses a new economic development initiative focused on strengthening the Puget Sound region’s competitiveness.

In this conversation:

• Why Washington’s business climate is raising concerns
• How overlapping taxes and regulations affect businesses
• Opportunities in aerospace, technology, maritime and defense
• Why faster permitting could help address housing costs
• Lessons from the Great Recession about responsible state budgeting
• Why Gregoire believes economic competitiveness should be a nonpartisan priority

Despite coming from different political backgrounds, Gregoire and Gildon find common ground on the importance of jobs, affordability and Washington’s economic future.

Learn more about Challenge Seattle: https://challengeseattle.com/

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TRANSCRIPT

Washington State Legislature | Official Legislative Email Bulletin

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Hosted by Senator Chris Gildon, this episode of The Elephant in the Dome features Washington Retail Association guests Jan Himebaugh and Crystal Leatherman.

Together, they explore Washington’s escalating organized retail crime crisis, examine its connection to broader illegal networks, and discuss actionable solutions to rebuild accountability.

TRANSCRIPT

Washington State Legislature | Official Legislative Email Bulletin

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In this episode of The Elephant in the Dome, Senator Chris Gildon hosts Senator Ron Muzzall the ranking Republican on the Senate Health and Long-Term Care Committee.

They break down the complex 340B Drug Pricing Program—a federal initiative designed to help safety-net health clinics and hospitals acquire discounted prescription medication for low-income patients. They discuss how the program expanded from $12 billion to $81 billion, the balance between supporting struggling community hospitals and keeping private insurance costs manageable, and the legal battle surrounding Senate Bill 5981.

TRANSCRIPT

Washington State Legislature | Official Legislative Email Bulletin

You are receiving this update because you subscribed to email communications from this legislative office. To manage your topic subscriptions or update your subscriber profile, visit GovDelivery.