Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Emergency Preparedness And Social Services topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Ferguson: state has bolstered wildfire preparedness but needs reserves; veterans and philanthropy will be part of response
Summary
Speaking at Seattle University, Gov. Bob Ferguson said recent legislative investments improved wildfire readiness but urged preserving rainy-day funds in case federal disaster aid is delayed; he also outlined state veterans programs and said philanthropy can play a supportive role when federal funding falls short.
At a Seattle University event, Gov. Bob Ferguson said Washington has strengthened wildfire preparedness through recent legislative investments but warned the state still needs to hold reserve funds in case federal assistance is delayed.
“We did better last summer when it came to fires than we have in any number of summers prior to that, in part because those significant investments,” Ferguson said, crediting more personnel and front-end preparation work. Still, he urged saving rainy-day reserves so the state can act if FEMA or federal partners are unable to respond immediately.
When asked about veterans affected by federal cuts, Ferguson described state supports including a cabinet office of veterans affairs, state-run veterans homes (he referenced a recent visit to the Spokane Veterans Home) and programs for housing and PTSD services. He said the state will try to stretch available resources but cautioned it cannot fully replace large federal funding reductions.
On philanthropy and public–private partnerships, Ferguson said private donors and major employers can be part of solutions — for example, working on housing with large technology employers — but he cautioned that philanthropy is not a panacea for systemic shortfalls. “We all have different tools,” he said, noting conversations with private-sector leaders about co-investing in housing.
Ferguson urged students in the audience to consider public service as a way to strengthen government capacity, describing civic engagement as a necessary response to political challenges.
