Washington State

Office of the Attorney General

Attorney General

Bob Ferguson

Dear Friends,

I am committed to using the office of Attorney General to help Washingtonians. Sometimes that requires bringing people together to facilitate meaningful conversation on critical statewide issues.  

This June, my office held a summit with local and state officials to discuss solutions to the growing opioid crisis. The summit convened public health, law enforcement and legal organizations to share experiences and strategies with hundreds of attendees.

In this issue:

Thank you for following the work of the Attorney General’s Office.

Sincerely,

 

 

Bob Ferguson
Washington State Attorney General


Working toward solutions in the opioid epidemic

Protecting Washingtonians is a critical part of my job. Fighting the opioid epidemic requires cooperation from organizations across the state. This June, I brought together local and state agencies to share information and find solutions to address our state’s current struggle against the opioid epidemic that is devastating Washington families and overwhelming our social safety net.

I partnered with the Washington State Patrol and the Washington Association of Prosecuting Attorneys to convene the summit, which focused on reducing the supply of illegal opioids in Washington. The summit included panels from health care, law enforcement and public officials, including Washington State Patrol Chief John Batiste, General Barry McCaffrey and State Health Officer Dr. Kathy Lofy. The topics ranged from understanding the epidemic in Washington to current treatment options for afflicted individuals and tactics to combat the crisis. Around 400 people attended the summit, highlighting how important this topic is to Washingtonians and their communities.

In 2015, more Washingtonians died from opioid overdoses than car accidents – an average of two people dying per day.

I will not stand by and watch that trend to continue. My office will fight to find solutions.
 

Q13

Summit kicks off to tackle illicit opioid market

KING-5
WA summit highlights region's strategies to fight opioid crisis

SeattlePI
As opioid deaths spike, new push to save overdosing users


A year in the life: the Attorney General’s Office Annual Report

Every year, my office writes an Annual Report, which gives you a chance to see what we have done to make our state a better place to live and work.

The 2016 report is now available. I am proud to share everything that the more than 1,200 public servants in my office have done. Every day, they protect the environment and the vulnerable, support consumers and businesses and improve public safety and open government.

Each division had its own successes detailed in the report. Some examples:

  • The Campaign Finance Unit made history by successfully arguing that the Grocery Manufacturers Association hid the identities of corporate donors, resulting in a record-breaking $18 million penalty.
  • The Revenue and Finance Division won its forty-third appellate case, continuing a three-year streak of successful cases.
  • I created the Counsel for Environmental Protection to stand up for Washington’s public health and the environment.

You can read more about the important work my office is doing in the 2016 Annual Report.  
 

Washington state Attorney General’s Office Annual Reports:
Annual Reports 1996-2016


Working across Washington

The Greater Seattle Business Association invited me to its “GSBA Pride Luncheon.” At the Luncheon, I discussed my recent role in the travel ban lawsuit against President Trump. It was a great opportunity to hear from local businesses on this issue.

I also attended a reception with the National Iranian American Council. My Solicitor General, Noah Purcell, and I spoke to NIAC members about the reasons we challenged the original travel ban. I am always moved when I speak with people and families directly affected by the travel ban.

To see more of my work around the state, visit our Facebook page.

 

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