Public safety continues to be a top priority for both the Legislature and the Governor, as demonstrated by the progress of key legislation through policy and fiscal committees to floor action.
Several measures aim to create funding streams, expedite processes, and incentivize the hiring and retention of prosecutors, defense attorneys, and law enforcement. WR is particularly pleased with the advancement of SB 5060, which passed the Ways and Means Committee with strong bipartisan support and is now up for consideration on the Senate floor. This bill establishes a grant program to help local governments hire and retain law enforcement officers, which is critical support for a state that currently ranks last in the nation for law enforcement officers per capita. The next step is securing $100 million in funding through the Operating Budget, a measure the Governor has strongly endorsed.
WR remains committed to advocating for comprehensive public safety solutions, including increasing law enforcement personnel, expanding access to prosecutors and defense attorneys, and enhancing mental health and substance abuse treatment programs. Public safety is like a four-legged stool—it requires all four legs to be stable and effective.
