Childcare, Criminal Justice & More with 35th District Rep. Dan Griffey - 02.25.25

This week, 35th District Representative Dan Griffey and I are diving into some issues affecting our community—from childcare shortages to criminal justice concerns.

We start with the challenges families face when it comes to affordable and available childcare. House Republicans are pushing for policy changes, including a tiered system for different levels of care, quicker certifications, and liability protections for in-home providers—especially in childcare deserts like parts of Mason County.

Then, we talk about concerns over potential closures or access issues at Olympic National Park due to federal budget constraints. While nothing’s official, state lawmakers are ready to put pressure on Congress to keep the park open.

We also take a hard look at the criminal justice system, specifically resentencing laws and DUI enforcement. There's growing concern about cases being overturned too easily, backlogs in toxicology testing slowing down prosecutions, and repeat offenders getting off too soon. The need for more funding for forensic labs is clear.

Finally, we discuss sentencing policies, forgiveness, and a victim-centric approach to justice. There's debate over whether some sentences are too lenient and whether the Clemency and Pardons Board should factor in victims' voices before making decisions. Plus, we highlight the ongoing backlog in rape kit testing and the urgent need to clear these cases.