logo
New Washington law directs $100M in grants toward hiring police, improving public safety

New Washington law directs $100M in grants toward hiring police, improving public safety

Yahoo19-05-2025

The Washington state Capitol on April 18, 2025. (Photo by Jacquelyn Jimenez Romero/Washington State Standard)
On his first day, Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson angered many Democratic lawmakers by demanding the Legislature put $100 million in the next state budget to help local police departments hire police officers.
'That idea was a cornerstone of my campaign for Governor. Any budget I sign must include this funding,' he said in his Jan. 15 inaugural address.
On Monday, there were clear signs of a rapprochement as Ferguson signed House Bill 2015 that embeds a $100 million grant program in a broad policy bill designed to let local and tribal governments decide how best to use those dollars – even if that means not hiring a single new cop.
'It's a wonderful bill,' Ferguson said, celebrating the political win flanked by Democratic legislators, uniformed officers, and local government leaders. He insisted it will improve public safety and result in more officers on streets across Washington.
'It's going to be a big step forward. I have no doubt about that,' he said. 'Jurisdictions will make their choices, but there's going to be significant investments in new law enforcement officers. I don't think there's any other way to interpret what we did here today.'
The measure signed Monday aims to strike a balance by allowing for spending on more than just police hiring, which many Democrats view skeptically as the best path to improve public safety.
It allows use of grants to hire and retain not only officers but also peer counselors and behavioral health personnel 'working in co-response to increase community policing and public safety.' Crisis intervention training and other areas, like emergency management planning and community assistance programs, are among the additional spending options.
'This is a good law. Public safety is about the community. This bill is from the community, for the community,' said Rep. Debra Entenman, D-Kent, the bill's prime sponsor. 'I want police in communities. I want good and fair policing.'
Bumpy road
Democrats hold near super majorities in the House and Senate. Many of them winced when Ferguson drew a line in the legislative sand in his first speech and winced again when he endorsed the approach in a bill sponsored by Sen. Jeff Holy, R-Cheney.
It remained a sore point all session long as the legislation evolved through many iterations.
On April 15, the Members of Color Caucus in the Senate restated their opposition in a letter to Ferguson.
'While we understand your administration intends to move forward with this law enforcement funding request, we ask that you also commit — equally and unequivocally — to meeting the long-neglected needs that disproportionately affect communities of color,' reads the letter signed by a dozen Democratic senators.
The message echoed what the Legislative Black Caucus told Ferguson in a January meeting.
They said if there was going to be $100 million to beef up the ranks of law enforcement, there should be at least as much to shore up social services and other supportive programs in communities.
'It can't be all cops all the time,' said Rep. Kristine Reeves, D-Federal Way, chair of the Legislative Black Caucus, following the meeting. 'We want to invest in public safety. We want to invest in strong and strategic public safety that meets all communities' needs.'
Ultimately the bill passed by margins of 55-42 in the House and 30-19 in the Senate. Only five Republican lawmakers, including Holy, supported the bill.
Reeves, who did vote for it, stood alongside Ferguson as he signed the bill Monday.
'I don't think every community is going to hire a cop,' she said. 'The whole point of this legislation was, how do we give local communities local control to determine what best suits their public safety needs.'
How it works
The Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission will develop and administer the grant program. As written, the state dollars must be allotted by June 30, 2028.
Cities and counties can access the grant money if they've already imposed either of two existing public safety sales taxes.
In addition, the bill offers local governments the ability to adopt a new 0.1% sales tax without voter approval to pay for criminal justice expenses.
The local sales tax revenue could go toward costs such as public defenders, domestic violence services, and programs to help connect formerly incarcerated people with jobs.
Lawmakers also decided governments can't impose the new tax if voters have rejected a similar tax proposal in the past two years.
The new law sets other criteria for qualifying for grant dollars.
For example, 25% of officers would have to complete a 40-hour crisis intervention training. The bill originally set this benchmark at 80%.
Other hurdles departments must clear to access the money include implementing model policies on use-of-force and other issues, completing trauma-informed training for all officers and complying with a law that restricts police from helping with federal immigration enforcement.
Ferguson made the grant program a centerpiece of his 2024 campaign because, he said, Washington is ranked last in the nation in police staffing per capita.
When asked Monday if this law is enough to move the needle, he said, 'I don't know the answer. It's going to help.'

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Arnold Schwarzenegger Mocks Politicians for Being Surprised Voters Are ‘Using Our Middle Finger' With Protests
Arnold Schwarzenegger Mocks Politicians for Being Surprised Voters Are ‘Using Our Middle Finger' With Protests

Yahoo

time34 minutes ago

  • Yahoo

Arnold Schwarzenegger Mocks Politicians for Being Surprised Voters Are ‘Using Our Middle Finger' With Protests

As protests continue over ICE raids in Los Angeles and more, Arnold Schwarzenegger doesn't think politicians should be surprised. According to the former California governor, pushback is the only logical outcome, given their actions. Schwarzenegger stopped by 'Jimmy Kimmel Live!' on Wednesday night in support of the new season of his show 'FUBAR' on Netflix, but before anything else, he and the ABC host got into politics. Looking back on Schwarzenegger's time as governor, Kimmel joked 'Remember when you were the governor and everything was pretty good? Everything was — everybody seemed pretty happy back then, huh?' Schwarzenegger retorted that even now, people are happy around him, just because of who he is. But, speaking seriously, he turned his attention to the protests in Los Angeles, saying they wouldn't even be happening if politicians just actually worked on solving issues. 'For decades, almost four decades, we have had a problem where they talked about immigration reform, comprehensive immigration reform,' Schwarzenegger said. 'But the Democrats and the Republicans, both of the parties, have no interest in solving this problem, because they use that to raise money.' 'And so what they do is they just keep pointing the finger at each other, and then they're surprised if all of a sudden we are using our middle finger on them, right?' he continued. The actor also lamented that the severity and reach of the protests is being exaggerated by both media and the Trump administration. 'They make it out to like it is a war zone, the whole Los Angeles, the whole city or the county,' Schwarzenegger said. 'And the fact of the matter is, maybe 0.001% of the area of Los Angeles has problems, and there's a protest.' 'And so I think that this is important for people to know, because I don't want all of a sudden, tourism to suffer in Los Angeles, because what they see on television,' Schwarzenegger continued, with Kimmel agreeing. 'Because the media sometimes shows it as if the whole Los Angeles is a big war zone, which isn't really the case.' You can watch Arnold Schwarzenegger's full appearance on 'Jimmy Kimmel Live!' in the video above. The post Arnold Schwarzenegger Mocks Politicians for Being Surprised Voters Are 'Using Our Middle Finger' With Protests | Video appeared first on TheWrap.

Live updates: Pritzker testifies before Congress on Illinois sanctuary laws
Live updates: Pritzker testifies before Congress on Illinois sanctuary laws

Yahoo

time34 minutes ago

  • Yahoo

Live updates: Pritzker testifies before Congress on Illinois sanctuary laws

The Brief Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker is testifying Thursday morning in front of a House committee about the state's sanctuary laws. Pritzker has said some GOP committee members want to question him "for a dog-and-pony show." The hearing could serve as another opportunity for Pritzker to position himself as a top contender in the Democratic Party. WASHINGTON, D.C. - Gov. JB Pritzker is set to testify before a U.S. House committee on Thursday morning about the state's "sanctuary" laws aimed at limiting local law enforcement cooperation with federal immigration enforcement. Pritzker, along with fellow Democratic governors Tim Walz of Minnesota and Kathy Hochul of New York, appeared in front of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. The entire hearing is being streamed live in the media player at the top of this story. 9:34 a.m. - Pritzker addresses the busloads of migrants that Gov. Greg Abbott of Texas sent to Chicago starting in August 2022. "Illinois chose a different path. Faced with a humanitarian crisis, our state made sure children and families did not go hungry or freeze to death," Pritzker said. 9:30 a.m. - Pritzker begins opening remarks: "I have seen firsthand how states have had to shoulder the consequences of a broken immigration system. I'm proud of how we've and compassionate immigration policies I believe are vital." Pritzker then recounted his family history, the arrival of his great-grandfather escaping pogroms and coming to Chicago. It feels like Pritzker might utilize this moment to introduce himself to a national audience who might not be familiar with him. 9:24 a.m. - Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-Ill.), similar to his role in the Brandon Johnson hearing, hyped up Pritzker's investments and leadership in Illinois. 9:21 a.m. - During Lynch's opening remarks, Florida Rep. Byron Donalds, who is running for Governor there, walks out and puts his finger to his head, mouthing the word "crazy." The political context of these hearings is inescapable: Chairman Comer is running as a Republican for Governor of Kentucky. Donald is running in Florida. Pritzker and Walz may be running for president. There will be fundraising pitches based upon the content today. 9:15 a.m. - Rep. Stephen Lynch (D-Mass.) follows Chairman Comer, condemning the Trump administration's mass deportation policies. Lynch used his opening remarks to tie the hearing to the "militarization of American cities" under Trump and the administration's deportation of young U.S. citizens with undocumented parents. 9:07 a.m. - Hearing begins as House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer opens the meeting with opening statements on "dangerous sanctuary policies." "Let me clear, sanctuary policies don't protect Americans. They protect criminal illegals," Comer said. 8:56 a.m. - Pritzker has entered the building. 8:50 a.m. - Members of the Illinois House Freedom Caucus are in attendance for Pritzker's remarks. 8:40 a.m. 8:25 a.m. - Pritzker's office released his planned remarks hours ahead of the hearing. Among his talking points, Pritzker highlighted how Illinois mobilized quickly to offer shelter, food and services to over 50,000 migrants sent from the southern border without warning. Pritzker blamed both parties in Congress and the federal government for their failure to act. He also said that Illinois cooperates with federal authorities on criminal matters but won't misuse state resources for immigration enforcement that doesn't serve public safety. 8:12 a.m. - We are less than an hour away from the opening gavel. Pritzker, Walz and Hochul are expected to kick off the hearing with planned opening remarks. FOX 32's Paris Schutz laid out what he expects to hear from Pritzker's testimony. Hours ahead of the hearing, Pritzker released his planned opening remarks, which touched on how Illinois is handling the influx of immigrants and prioritizing public safety. Read his full remarks here. What we know The governor has said he believes some GOP members want to question him "for a dog-and-pony show" and who "simply want to grandstand in front of the cameras." He added, "I'm going there in a serious matter to give them my views about how we're managing through a problem that's been created for the state by the federal government." In a statement, Committee Chairman James Comer (R-Kentucky) said, "The governors of these states must explain why they are prioritizing the protection of criminal illegal aliens over the safety of U.S. citizens, and they must be held accountable." Back in March, the same committee hosted Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, along with the mayors of Boston, Denver, and New York, to testify about the city's sanctuary policies. The national spotlight could also serve as a chance for Pritzker to further cement his status as a top potential contender for the Democratic nomination for president in 2028. The 60-year-old has not yet said if he'll run for re-election to the governorship in 2026. Pritzker has been garnering national headlines from calling out "do nothing Democrats" during a speech in New Hampshire, a key primary state, to appearing on late night talk shows. The governor, who is worth $3.7 billion per Forbes, is seen as a top contender for his party's nomination in 2028. He boasts a long list of progressive accomplishments in Illinois since he first took office in 2019, including codifying abortion rights, banning assault weapons, a big infrastructure funding plan, the legalization of recreational marijuana, and stabilizing the state's notoriously shaky finances. Dig deeper In 2017, Illinois enacted the TRUST Act under Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner. The law bans local police from complying with federal requests to detain or arrest a person in the country illegally, unless ordered by a judge. Local law enforcement also cannot stop, search, or arrest anyone based solely on their immigration or citizenship status. In 2021, the state legislature passed laws expanding protections for immigrants in Illinois. The updated laws required local officials to end partnerships with ICE to detain immigrants. Lawmakers also prohibited officials from inquiring about the citizenship or immigration status of an individual in custody, unless they're presented with a federal criminal warrant. Among other measures, the state legislature also required state and local law enforcement agencies to report requests from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Despite the moves to protect migrants from potential arrests and deportations, Republicans have criticized the policies. U.S. Rep. Mary Miller, a Republican who represents much of the rural cental parts of the state, called on local sheriffs earlier this year to defy the state's sanctuary laws. She said such policies have turned Illinois into a "cesspool of crime and drugs."

Walz, Hochul, Pritzker face off with Congress as Newsom battles Trump
Walz, Hochul, Pritzker face off with Congress as Newsom battles Trump

Yahoo

time34 minutes ago

  • Yahoo

Walz, Hochul, Pritzker face off with Congress as Newsom battles Trump

Democratic "sanctuary governors" will face a barrage of tough questions at a highly anticipated congressional hearing Thursday morning, as California Gov. Gavin Newsom and President Donald Trump continue to throw jabs over immigration policy. Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul and Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker will testify before the House Oversight Committee and sources tell Fox that Los Angeles riots over Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids and Newsom's battle with Trump will likely be prominent topics of discussion. Gop Leadership Unleashes Fury On Dem Governor Ahead Of Blockbuster Congressional Hearing Fox News Digital obtained opening remarks to be delivered by Oversight Chairman James Comer, R-Ky., which will set the tone for the fiery hearing. "These Governors handcuff law enforcement from doing their jobs, harbor predators, and call it 'compassion,'" Comer's opening remarks explain. "It is NOT compassion, and it is costing lives, hurting Americans, and draining taxpayer money. Congress must consider whether to defund every single penny of federal dollars going to cities and states that prioritize criminal aliens over the American people." Gavin Newsom Mocked For Tech Issues During Anti-trump Address To Californians: 'Absolute Fail' Read On The Fox News App "Americans want a return to common sense. The Trump Administration and this Republican Congress aims to restore our safety and sovereignty. It is past time for these governors to put Americans first." All three Democratic governors testifying at the hearing sided with Newsom in a statement Sunday addressing Trump's use of the National Guard to dispel riots that have been raging over the past few days in Los Angeles. Rioters set cars on fire, looted businesses, and clashed with law enforcement. "We stand with Governor Newsom who has made it clear that violence is unacceptable and that local authorities should be able to do their jobs without the chaos of this federal interference and intimidation," the statement signed by Walz, Pritzker and Hochul reads. Los Angeles Business Owners 'Sick And Tired' Of 'Stupid' Anti-ice Rioters Looting Their Stores Since LA's riots, protests over President Trump's immigration policies have since spread to Pritzker and Hochul's states on Tuesday with large gatherings in Lower Manhattan in New York and Federal Plaza in Chicago, blocking off streets and causing disruptions. Fox News Digital also received J.B. Pritzker's opening remarks, where the governor and potential 2028 presidential candidate said his state "could not simply ignore the suffering" illegal migrants faced in Illionis. "The crisis at the southern border in recent years has been devastating; the response from some of our political leaders even more so," Prtizker's statement reads. "As individuals fleeing poverty, violence, and persecution arrived at our border, our nation's leaders were confronted with a choice: would we do everything possible to make the promise of America the practice of America?" Jb Pritzker Rips Trump As 'Authoritarian,' Responds To President Calling Out His Weight "Some border state governors and mayors abandoned our nation's highest ideals – instead of choosing to spend millions of taxpayer dollars to treat people as pawns, busing them to states like ours in a dehumanizing attempt to leverage the crisis for political gain. The State of Illinois chose a different path." Republican members on the Oversight Committee spoke to Fox News Digital ahead of Thursday's action, saying the three governors testifying "are willing to trade public safety for left-wing virtue signaling." "Democrat-run sanctuary states shield criminal aliens from federal immigration enforcement, put law enforcement in unnecessary danger, and disregard the safety of millions of Americans," House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan told Fox News Digital. "Seventy-seven million people gave President Trump a mandate last November to put an end to the Democrats' prioritization of illegal aliens over American citizens. And he's doing just that." National Guard Troops Detain Anti-ice Protesters In Los Angeles Under Trump's Orders "To folks like Walz, Hochul and Pritzker, sanctuary state policies are a badge of honor. They are willing to trade public safety for left-wing virtue signaling," said Rep. Pat Fallon, R-Texas, told Fox News Digital. "Perhaps Governor Gavin Newsom will take a break from defying federal authority to tune in and see why Americans are fleeing California in droves to escape his failed policies that invite illegal migrant crime and anarchist thugs," Fallon added. The stage is set for the hearing, which will take place on Thursday at 10 a.m. Eastern time. Fox News Digital reached out to Hochul and Walz but did not receive a article source: Walz, Hochul, Pritzker face off with Congress as Newsom battles Trump

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store