Washington Governor Vetoes Funding for Reading Program and Retail Crime Enforcement

Cuts to small grants spark confusion and disappointment among lawmakers and community groups

Apr. 9, 2026 at 11:17pm

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A serene, photorealistic painting of a single open book resting on a wooden table, with soft, warm lighting casting long shadows across the scene, conveying a sense of quiet contemplation and the importance of educational programs.The governor's vetoes of modest grants for a family reading program and retail crime enforcement efforts have left community advocates questioning the administration's priorities.Olympia Today

Washington Governor Bob Ferguson, a Democrat in his second year, has faced criticism for vetoing two small grants totaling $800,000 from the state's nearly $80 billion budget. The vetoed funds were intended for the Prime Time Family Reading Program and an organized retail crime enforcement effort, which supporters say would have had an outsized impact on local communities. Ferguson defended the cuts as necessary to balance the budget, but lawmakers and community groups expressed frustration over the governor's decisions.

Why it matters

The vetoes of these relatively small grants have raised questions about the governor's priorities and decision-making process, especially as the state grapples with a $2.3 billion budget shortfall. The reading program and retail crime enforcement efforts were seen as important community initiatives, and their elimination has left some lawmakers and advocates concerned about the impact on vulnerable populations and public safety.

The details

The $300,000 grant for the Prime Time Family Reading Program would have supported a six-week program that helps elementary students and their families improve reading skills and build stronger bonds. The $500,000 grant for organized retail crime enforcement was intended to expand a pilot program that coordinates law enforcement, prosecutors, and businesses to combat organized retail theft. Ferguson cited the state's fiscal situation as the reason for the vetoes, but supporters of the programs argue the cuts are shortsighted and will ultimately cost the state more in the long run.

  • The Prime Time Family Reading Program has been running for the past five years, with state funding of $1 million in the 2023-25 budget.
  • The organized retail crime enforcement pilot program was first funded in 2024 with $1 million, and the $500,000 request this year was intended to expand the program to additional counties.
  • Ferguson signed the nearly $80 billion state budget on April 1, 2026.

The players

Bob Ferguson

The Democratic governor of Washington, who is in his second year in office.

Julie Ziegler

The executive director of Humanities Washington, which runs the Prime Time Family Reading Program.

Rep. Mari Leavitt

A Democratic state representative who sponsored the funding request for the organized retail crime enforcement effort.

Brionna Aho

The communications director for Governor Ferguson.

Sen. Annette Cleveland

The Democratic state senator who sponsored the funding provision for the Prime Time Family Reading Program.

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What they’re saying

“We were just stunned. We were blindsided. There was no outreach beforehand from the governor or his staff to learn about the program. Though it's a small amount, it has an outsized impact on thousands of kids and families.”

— Julie Ziegler, Executive Director, Humanities Washington

“These resources would have addressed real and dangerous retail crime actions in local jurisdictions across the state.”

— Rep. Mari Leavitt, Democratic State Representative

“Educational programs like these are important, but our state's fiscal situation necessitates tough choices.”

— Bob Ferguson, Governor of Washington

“I recognize the very difficult budget situation that we face. When it comes to supporting something as fundamental as helping our young ones learn to read versus other programs, the decision is curious.”

— Sen. Annette Cleveland, Democratic State Senator

“This veto will end up costing us far more than what was requested in the allocation.”

— Rep. Mari Leavitt, Democratic State Representative

What’s next

Sen. Annette Cleveland plans to follow up with the governor's office this week to learn more about the rationale for vetoing the funding for the Prime Time Family Reading Program.

The takeaway

The governor's vetoes of these small but impactful grants have sparked frustration and confusion among lawmakers and community groups, who argue the cuts are shortsighted and will ultimately harm vulnerable populations and public safety. The decisions raise questions about the governor's priorities and decision-making process as the state grapples with a budget shortfall.