(Airdate: February 21, 2025) This week on County Connections, Jim Burke and his co-host Commissioner Heidi Eisenhour welcome Richard Davies, Director of Jefferson Associated Council, contracted by the county to provide public defense, and Derek Young, Interim Executive Director Washington State Association of Counties (WSAC). Derek is advocating for HB-1592 which would increase state funding for public defenders across the sate so there might be PARITY. Currently the public defense here in Jefferson County is over 95% paid by the county. Listen below for more alarming stats as well for as ways in which agencies in the county are working to intervene before people commit crimes, or are ever charged with a crime, to lessen the case load of attorneys, and keep vulnerable members of society out of the criminal justice system if possible. HB-1805 is another bill which aims to fund programs to help youth across the state stay out of trouble.
