"Gov. Inslee's Budget Prioritizes Clearing Freeway Encampments and Fighting Fentanyl"
Washington Governor Jay Inslee is seeking an additional $100 million to address the issue of freeway encampments on state rights of way. Despite criticism of the state's response and the high cost per person helped, Inslee defended the program, stating that it is changing lives and worth saving lives. The program has faced heavy criticism for its handling of encampments, including incidents of fires and criminal activity. House and Senate Republicans questioned Inslee's spending proposal and raised concerns about the impact of the cap-and-trade program on gas prices. The legislative session begins on January 8.