The skyrocketing crime rates in Washington—murders up 408%, vehicle thefts up 144%, and aggravated assaults climbing—are a result of anti-law enforcement policies pushed by Democrats. Our state now sees violent crime rates far exceeding the national average, with murder rates five times higher. Of course, a major factor is the severe shortage of police officers, which has worsened since the “defund the police” movement and rigid vaccine mandates that forced out many officers. Despite efforts to recruit, the state still has the lowest number of law enforcement officers per capita in the country. While crime rates are dropping nationally, Washington Democrats’ soft-on-crime stance and hostility towards law enforcement have made our state a hotbed of rising violence and car thefts. And until there’s serious investment in law enforcement, these dangerous trends will only worsen. Read more at Center Square.

As Shift WA pointed out, the state Supreme Court is mulling over recommendations to slash public defenders’ caseloads by two-thirds. Prosecutors are sounding the alarm, warning that fewer lawyers means fewer criminal charges—and potentially more vigilante justice as citizens take matters into their own hands. They argue it could essentially decriminalize certain offenses, pushing frustrated people to play judge, jury, and executioner. With an already thin bench of public defenders causing case dismissals and delays, cutting workloads could make the problem even worse. And, of course, implementing this fix would come with a hefty price tag, requiring more lawyers and staff—something local governments can barely afford. Read more at MyEdmondNews.com.

The King County Sheriff’s Office, led by Patricia Cole-Tindall, just faced a major defeat in federal court after their lawsuit against Burien’s public camping ordinance was dismissed. Instead of enforcing Burien’s law, Sheriff Cole-Tindall opted for legal posturing, claiming the ordinance was unconstitutional and that her office faced potential financial risks. But the court wasn’t buying it, ruling that King County had no standing and highlighting the absurdity of Cole-Tindall’s preemptive fears. Even worse, the court noted that King County has zero financial risk in enforcing the law, thanks to an agreement that indemnifies them. Burien officials have been rightfully frustrated with the sheriff’s refusal to enforce the ordinance, which doesn’t even criminalize offenders but merely issues civil infractions. Cole-Tindall’s grandstanding has not only breached the city’s contract but left businesses and residents to fend for themselves amidst rising crime and drug use. Despite her legal maneuvers, the court sent the case back to Snohomish County and reinforced Burien’s right to have its ordinances enforced. Read more at KOMO News.

As Shift WA readers know, Washington State’s Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) program disproportionately benefits middle- and upper-income workers, with many repeat users having higher wages than one-time claimants. According to the Washington Policy Center, the program, which has paid out $5 billion since 2020, has grown rapidly. About 46% of last year’s claimants were repeat users, yet millions of workers have not benefited while their paychecks fund it. Staffing shortages have caused delays, and the Employment Security Department is seeking $23 million to hire more staff, as the program faces financial shortfalls that could trigger more payroll tax increases. The Washington Policy Center points out that the system is burdening low-income workers, who contribute but rarely benefit, while higher earners take advantage of the program repeatedly. In other words, the program forces those with fewer resources to subsidize the choices of those with more. Read more at the Washington Policy Center.

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