Washington can’t afford to keep wasting money on extreme sentences

By: Evan Walker

Outlets: Washington State Standard

Published: January 22, 2026

Words: 756

Last Updated: 3 weeks, 4 days ago

Body Text Preview

True public safety in our state can only be accomplished if everyone has access to affordable housing, food, health care, meaningful community connections, and the opportunity for a future with dignity and self-determination.

This requires a healthy state budget with adequate revenue, and for state lawmakers to disinvest in programs that cause harm.

Yet, for decades, Washington has spent billions of taxpayer dollars subsidizing a sentencing system that prioritizes length over common sense. …

Create a free account to access this story and more

Join Plucky Wire to access full stories, collaborate with newsrooms, and discover content from networks around the world.

Email Us