(The Center Square) – Defying Olympia, the Spokane Valley City Council passed a resolution Tuesday explicitly opposing what many call Washington’s “sanctuary state” law, despite residents’ pleas to uphold it. Passed in 2019, state lawmakers enacted the Keep Washington Working Act, or KWWA, to build trust between immigrants and law enforcement. The policy doesn’t mention “sanctuary state” but prohibits agencies from using resources to aid federal immigration enforcement. U.S. Rep. Michael Baumgartner, R-Wash., who represents
(The Center Square) – The House Early Learning & Human Services Committee on Tuesday passed legislation out of executive session that mandates the closure of Yakima Valley School and Rainier School, two residential habilitation centers for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Introduced on March 19, Substitute House Bill 1472 would close both schools by June 30, 2027, with a planned transition process. As reported by The Center Square, Democrats propose shutting down the schools
(The Center Square) – The Seattle City Council has approved a resolution that reiterates support for first responders, including noting progress on the Seattle Police Department’s federal consent decree and acknowledging the failure of the “defund the police” movement. Passed unanimously by the city council on Tuesday, Resolution 32167 serves as a recommitment to supporting the Emerald City’s public safety professionals and first responders. The resolution recognizes the progress the Seattle Police Department has made
(The Center Square) – Around 20 officers short, Spokane Valley says it must devote more resources to public safety to meet current demands. However, with the city lacking the funding to do so, local officials may ask voters to raise taxes to fund the endeavor. Residents pushed back on Tuesday. Last month, the Spokane Valley City Council ran through estimates that show the cost of law enforcement increasing significantly over the coming years. Public safety
