SPOKANE, Wash. — Local victim advocacy groups are sounding the alarm as Washington legislators deal with massive budget shortfalls.
Nonprofits say $21.3 million is the bare minimum they need to continue helping communities statewide. Governor Ferguson’s budget only allocates $12 million — a 40 percent cut that could lead to fewer counselors and shelter beds to help survivors of abuse.
The cuts threaten other services too, like victim advocates in court and fewer people to take the calls for a 24/7 hotline for families in crisis…