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Extended visit included tours of existing facilities and construction site for new forensic hospital, as well as meetings with leadership, staff, patients

LAKEWOOD — Today Governor Bob Ferguson concluded his week working at Western State Hospital, fulfilling a commitment he made before taking office. Ferguson met with hospital and Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) leadership, as well as patients, staff and labor leaders. Ferguson also toured existing facilities and the site of the new forensic hospital, which is expected to open in 2028.

Ferguson held a press availability today at the conclusion of his week at Western State Hospital, along with DSHS Secretary Angela Ramirez and hospital leadership.

“It was a privilege to see firsthand the resilience of patients and the dedication of staff at Western State Hospital. This hospital plays an essential role in Washington’s behavioral health system,” Governor Ferguson said. “This week we learned a lot about the patient journey, how our behavioral health care system is working, and how we can do better. I look forward to taking what we learned and putting it into action.”

“I want to thank Governor Ferguson for delving into the work that is happening at Western State Hospital,” said Angela Ramirez, DSHS Secretary. “We know the staff and community put a lot into supporting WSH and its patients — it was great to see it in action this week. As we strive to make WSH and the continuum of care even better, the staff and the people we serve will always be top of mind.”

Ferguson spent much of Monday through Thursday at the hospital grounds in meetings and tours, learning about the operations of the 350-bed hospital and its behavioral health care for patients in civil and forensic wards.

A majority of patients at Western State Hospital are forensic patients, meaning they either are not competent to stand trial on offenses for which they have been charged or they are found not guilty by reason of insanity at trial. Western State Hospital also provides treatment for civilly committed patients, the majority of which convert from forensic status. 

Among the tours this week, on Wednesday, Ferguson visited the Child Study and Treatment Center, where he met the young people engaged in treatment and recovery as well as the staff dedicated to supporting their well-being.

Other highlights from Ferguson’s week at Western State Hospital include:

• A tour of the construction site for Western State’s new forensic hospital, which is expected to accept its first patients in August 2028. It will have approximately 350 beds that will replace existing capacity at WSH’s older facilities. The new hospital is designed to provide compassionate, evidence-based behavioral health care for individuals involved in the court system. That project is on time and on budget.
   
• A tour of the Gage Center, which provides specialized forensic services for patients committed through the criminal court system. This tour included a visit to the brand-new Treatment and Recovery Center facility forensic patients who have been found Not Guilty by Reason of Insanity. The new facility, expected to open in 2026, has classrooms, a library, a gym, kitchen facilities, a barber shop, and other amenities to help patients approaching their release date acclimate to normal life, as well as cultivate useful skills and independence.
   
• Meetings with representatives from SEIU 1199 (union representing nurses), Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE), Union of Physicians of Washington, and Affiliated Washington Pharmacists.
   
• A tour of the Western State Hospital Museum, where the hospital’s 150-year history and evolution of behavioral health methods is on display.

Additionally, following his week at Western State Hospital, Ferguson participated in a roundtable discussion with behavioral health leaders and elected officials in Pierce County.

In recent years, community behavioral health providers have experienced significant change but have been overlooked in conversations about the behavioral health system. Those conversations can be more centered on developing inpatient facilities rather than early intervention and other efforts to help Washingtonians with behavioral health conditions to thrive in community and manage their conditions. Today’s roundtable brought together relevant stakeholders to discuss a broader vision for behavioral health and how leadership can achieve that vision.

OLYMPIA — Governor Bob Ferguson provided the following statement after hundreds of thousands of Washingtonians began receiving their overdue food assistance benefits for November, following the latest court order requiring the U.S. Department of Agriculture to provide full funding to the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

On Thursday, a federal judge ordered the Trump Administration to fully fund November SNAP benefits for roughly 42 million low-income Americans, including nearly 1 million Washingtonians. Judge John J. McConnell Jr. of the U.S. District Court for the District of Rhode Island condemned the administration for ignoring his initial court order and withholding food benefits “for political reasons.” In the sharply worded decision, he wrote: “This Court is not naïve to the administration’s true motivations.”

So far, households that were scheduled to receive their monthly benefits between Nov. 1 and Nov. 7 have received 100 percent of their SNAP benefits for November. That is more than 250,000 households across Washington. At this time, the remaining beneficiaries are expected to receive the entirety of their November food assistance on the date when those funds are typically issued. However, the Trump Administration immediately asked the Court of Appeals to put the federal court’s decision on hold. The appeals decision is pending. In short, the future of these benefits remains uncertain. 

In total, more than 500,000 Washington households receive SNAP benefits.

“Thanks to multiple lawsuits, and repeated court orders, hundreds of thousands of Washingtonians across our state finally have the SNAP benefits they need to put food on the table,” Governor Ferguson said. “Shockingly, this administration continues to work to withhold food assistance from those who need it most. President Trump needs to stop fighting to keep food from hungry families, and focus on re-opening the government.”

Last week, Governor Ferguson directed nearly $2.2 million to provide additional support to Washington’s food banks in the wake of the Congressional Republicans’ government shutdown. The directive aimed to provide weekly relief if SNAP funds were not restored. The initial $2.2 million in state funds have already been granted to 41 regional agencies through the Emergency Food Assistance Program. These regional and tribal agencies are working directly with 470 food distribution sites to meet local needs right away.  

Attorney General Nick Brown filed a lawsuit against the USDA in Massachusetts, arguing the suspension of SNAP was unlawful. The judge in that case, as well as Judge McConnell Jr. of Rhode Island, issued orders last week finding that USDA must use contingency funds to pay November SNAP benefits. The Rhode Island judge went further yesterday by ordering USDA to make full payments of November SNAP benefits by today using contingency funds and other funds.

Rural Washington is particularly reliant on federal SNAP benefits. In Yakima County, for example, 28 percent of residents rely on SNAP — the highest percentage of any county statewide.

While November benefits have begun flowing, the delays in food assistance have already put a strain on Washington food banks and pantries. These community resources are also facing historic demand in the midst of rising food costs. Individuals should expect longer than usual wait times and limited resources.

Individuals looking for help, or to donate, should reach out to their local food bank. More help locating food resources is available on the Washington Department of Agriculture’s website, or by calling 360-725-5640. You can also call 211, or visit Washington 211’s website, for help locating additional resources.

Grant funds could total more than $1B over 10 years

OLYMPIA — Today, Governor Bob Ferguson joined representatives from Ballmer Group Philanthropy to announce a new grant to dramatically expand Washington’s Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program (ECEAP), which provides access to high-quality preschool to low-income families. The Ballmer Group has committed to funding up to 10,000 additional seats for the next 10 years.

Currently, ECEAP serves more than 14,000 children. It will take time to add capacity to the system to fully utilize the grant, but the state’s goal is to enroll an additional 2,000 ECEAP students next school year. Over the next decade, the Ballmer Group’s grant will likely provide more than $1 billion in support for early learning.

The next step will be to create an account to accept the grant funds. Governor Ferguson is proposing governor request legislation to establish the account, sponsored by Sen. Claire Wilson, D-Auburn, and Rep. Steve Bergquist, D-Renton. Additionally, in order to utilize the funding, the state cannot reduce the number of state-funded ECEAP seats.

Governor Ferguson made the announcement with the Ballmer Group, early childhood educators and legislative leaders at a press conference at the Denise Louie Education Center in Seattle. Event photos are available here.

“The Ballmer Group’s incredible gift comes at an important moment,” Governor Bob Ferguson said. “We’re facing significant budget challenges in our state, compounded by billions of dollars in cuts from the federal government. Earlier this year, the Trump Administration withheld funding for Head Start — another program to help kids access preschool — and has threatened to eliminate it entirely. The Ballmer Group’s investment sets up an innovative public-private partnership, and will transform the lives of thousands of little Washingtonians and their families. Thank you to the Ballmer Group for stepping up for our kids.”

“High-quality early childhood education is one of the most powerful tools we have to expand opportunity and promote economic mobility,” said Connie and Steve Ballmer, co-founders, Ballmer Group Philanthropy.  “We are proud to live in a state that recognizes the importance of PreK and are excited to explore how philanthropy can be a partner with government to meet shared goals.” 

“This investment will support providers’ ability to plan ahead, grow capacity, and dramatically expand access to high-quality PreK,” said Andi Smith, Ballmer Group’s Executive Director for WA. “Ballmer Group’s support will provide critical momentum for the state to continue building a high-quality early learning system that reflects the leadership and values in Washington.

“Early learning lays the foundation for lifelong success, as the skills, curiosity, and confidence nurtured in a child’s first years shape every step of their future education,” said Rep. Steve Bergquist, D-Renton. “This partnership will allow thousands more of our youngest Washingtonians an early start on their educational journey.”

“Investments in childcare and early learning support working families, children of all ages, and our economy,” said Sen. Claire Wilson, D-Auburn. “I’m thankful the Ballmer Group has stepped up during these challenging times and is partnering with us to expand access to key early learning opportunities for Washington’s children. The benefits of this legislation will be felt for generations because when we invest in early learning and childcare, we invest in the future of our state.”

“A long-term, targeted investment in ECEAP means more children, including the most vulnerable, will have the opportunity and supports they need to succeed and thrive in school and beyond,” said Department of Children, Youth and Families Secretary Tana Senn. “This is a game-changing investment for thousands of families across our state.”

What is ECEAP?

ECEAP was created in 1985 to offer free preschool and family support for low-income 3- and 4-year-olds. Families can qualify if their income is at or below 36 percent of the state median income. For a family of four, that’s $50,152 per year.

Families can also qualify based on other factors, including:

• Environmental factors such as homelessness, family violence, chemical dependency, foster care, or incarcerated parents.
• Developmental factors such as developmental delay or other special needs.

In addition, children with disabilities who qualify for special education services and/or previously participated in certain birth to age three programs are also eligible for ECEAP.

More information about ECEAP, including how to locate a provider and apply, is available here.

Information on how to become an ECEAP provider is available here.

ECEAP Videos:

• ECEAP is Washington's State-Funded Pre-K Program - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ziyhR9lnahg
• ECEAP Helps 3-5 Year Olds Succeed - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e0uP6QJ_Nss
• ECEAP Recognized the Value of Every Child - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3wtnaCVOP-w
• ECEAP - Every Child Deserves a Strong Start - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=frgUwNCsgIo
• ECEAP Helps Children and Families - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QB9TvWikEnE