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<h5>Bob’s Record of Promoting Growth and Supporting Business</h5><ul><li>Bob&nbsp;has a record of protecting taxpayers, streamlining government, and ensuring government is more responsive to the people. He balanced the County&nbsp;budget, and pushed government to buy&nbsp;used&nbsp;furniture&nbsp;to save money. He went against his party and risked his seat to eliminate four elected Council positions. Politicians talk about reducing government –&nbsp;Bob&nbsp;has done it.</li><li>Bob has a record in Olympia of engagement, collaboration, and partnership with the employer community to achieve shared goals. He has a record of standing up for small businesses targeted by scams and organized retail crime. As Attorney General, Bob works to ensure a level playing field for businesses.</li><li>Bob sponsored and passed bipartisan legislation at the King County Council to reduce barriers and to streamline the process for doing business with the county. Bob helped streamline the county's procurement processes, reducing paperwork and making the process more open and transparent.</li><li>Bob partnered with business to combating organized retail theft that harms businesses, puts workers at risk, and negatively impacts the economy.</li><li>Bob launched a Small Business Protection Initiative in the Attorney General’s Office to specifically focus on scams targeting small business owners, who can be particularly vulnerable because they cannot afford the expense of legal counsel. This initiative has involved five lawsuits and counting and more than $30 million ordered to pay in penalties and financial restitution for impacted employers.</li><li>“Patent trolls” harass and threaten small businesses and cost the economy billions of dollars according to a study by Boston University. Bob wrote and passed the Patent Troll Prevention Act. Bob also filed one of the first enforcement actions in the country aimed at curbing patent troll abuse.</li><li>Bob fights unfair rate increases against businesses and other ratepayers. Bob grew the Public Counsel Unit in his office that does this work.</li><li>Bob promoted fair competition. He won millions of dollars for Washington employers harmed by an illegal price-fixing scheme committed by foreign manufacturers of the components of laptop, computer monitor, and television screens. This is just one tangible example of the way Bob’s enforcement efforts benefit Washington employers by creating a level playing field.</li></ul>

Red Box

This list of 100 Business Leaders for Bob represents the full spectrum — from small business owners to leaders of large employers.

Business Leaders for Bob

Chelsea Minola, Co-Founder &amp; CEO, Grain; Bainbridge Island

Ed Shonsey, Supervisory Board, Liechtenstein Group; Bainbridge Island

Mike Kelly, Founder, Tech DNA; Bainbridge Island

Dennis Moran, President, Fishermen's Finest; Bellevue

Craighton Goeppele, Senior Vice President &amp; General Counsel, TerraPower; Bellevue

Dr. Julie Hsieh, Artist/Gallerist, Yuan Ru Art Center; Bellevue

Jimmy Matta, President &amp; Founder, Ahora Construction; Burien

Lance Loomis, Owner &amp; Operator, The Historic Crockett Farm; Coupeville

Paula Spina, Owner &amp; Operator, The Historic Crockett Farm; Coupeville

Jay Ball, Owner, Jay's Garage; Dayton

Rick Hughes, President, Ray's General Store and Pharmacy; Eastsound

Bruce Lachney, Owner, Rainier Mountain Cranberries; Eatonville

Joni Davis, Founder &amp; CEO, Beli; Edmonds

Rock Peterson, Former Owner, Brien Motors Ford-Mitsubishi; Edmonds

Susan Schaefer, Vice President of Operations, Walla Walla Valley Chamber of Commerce; Edmonds

Marty Miller, Owner, Eastside Automotive; Ellensburg

Bill Owen, President, LinksMaster Golf; Ellensburg

Katherine Breen, Owner, Cutting Lounge Mukilteo; Everett

Wendy Einarsson, Owner, Nurturing Health Massage; Everett

Ofelia Palomo, Owner, Sunshine Janitorial Service; Everett

Jack Woods, Owner, Jack's Apple Chips; Federal Way

Cameron Severns, Insurance Agent &amp; Owner, The Cisco Agency; Federal Way

Josh Phillips, Business Owner; Ilwaco

Jeff Newell, Director of Business Development, Avanade; Issaquah

Fran Pope, Chief Financial Officer, Clearwater Spas; Issaquah

Jim Sinegal, Former CEO, Costco; Issaquah

Darren Lamont, Owner, Northwest Inboards; Issaquah

Albert Sardiñas, Founder &amp; CEO, Washington Build Black Alliance; Issaquah

Paula Sardiñas, Founder &amp; CEO, Washington Build Black Alliance; Issaquah

Mohan Gurung, Owner, Everest Kitchen; Kenmore

Masso Salmassi, Owner, M+S Design Group; Kenmore

Michael Humphries, Owner, Waldron; Kenmore

Edwardo Morfin, Founder, Morfin Law Firm; Kennewick

Raul Contreras, Assistant Director, Tri-Cities Hispanic Chamber of Commerce; Kennewick

Eric Oemig, Chairman and CTO, Boom Learning; Kirkland

Mike Egan, Senior Director, Microsoft; Kirkland

Steve Gooding, Director of National Accounts, MEC Aerial Work Platforms; Lake Stevens

Jim Haley, President &amp; CEO, Thurston First Bank; Lake Tapps

Maura Goodwin, CEO, Information Architects; Lynnwood

Jed Paulson, CCO, Exploding Kittens; Mercer Island

Mei Young, Owner &amp; President, MY International Real Estate; Mercer Island

Kathleen Sather, Owner, Kathleen's Day Spa; Monroe

Nate Miles, Vice President of Strategic Initiatives, Eli Lily; Newcastle

Nan Leaman, Co-Owner, Penn Cove Veterinary Clinic; Oak Harbor

Thomas Granbois, Owner, Big Maple Properties; Pasco

Raul Quintero, Owner, T-Shirt Factory; Pasco

Michelle Cardinal, Co-Founder &amp; Chairwoman, Rain for Growth

David Wilde, COO, Rainier Guest Services

Jude Rubin, Founder, Shooting Star Farm; Port Townsend

Michelle Sandoval, Owner, Windermere Port Townsend; Port Townsend

Sue Evans, Owner, Northwest Media Allies; Puyallup

Osman Salahuddin, Co-Founder, Ummah Coffee; Redmond

Paula Boggs, Founder, Boggs Media; Sammamish

Gillian Lamont, Founder and Owner, Sugar Flora; Sammamish

Mike Adams, President &amp; Principal Portfolio Manager, Adams Financial Concepts; Seattle

Larry Soriano, President, Alaska Ship Supply; Seattle

Inge Andreassen, President, American Seafoods Group; Seattle

Doug Christensen, President &amp; CEO, Arctic Storm Management Group LLC; Seattle

Chris Gregoire, CEO, Challenge Seattle; Seattle

Ali Ghambari, Owner, Cherry Street Coffee House; Seattle

Ariel Glassman, Founder &amp; CEO, Common Great; Seattle

Diankha Linear, President &amp; COO, Community; Seattle

Sean Fay, Owner &amp; CEO, Envision Response; Seattle

Howard Rossbach, Owner, Erratic Oaks Vineyard &amp; Citation Wines; Seattle

Marcia Mason, Former EVP and General Counsel, Esterline Technologies Corporation; Seattle

Beryl Fernandes, Founder &amp; CEO, Fernandes &amp; Associates Management Consulting; Seattle

Rachel Carlson, Co-Founder, Foul Mouth Creative; Seattle

Jourdan Huys, Co-Founder, Foul Mouth Creative; Seattle

David Stitzhal, Co-Owner, Full Circle Environmental; Seattle

Laurel Stitzhal, Co-Owner, Full Circle Environmental; Seattle

Stephen Feinberg, Global Strategy Director, GE Digital; Seattle

Bryan Roth, CEO, Groundspeak; Seattle

Louise Chernin, Retired CEO, Greater Seattle Business Association; Seattle

Ariel Martin, CEO, Karass Creative; Seattle

David Gudgel, CEO, Kenmore Air Harbor, LLC; Seattle

Bob Lach, CEO, Lightbridge Solutions; Seattle

Troy Finlayson, CEO, Luxury Home Magazine; Seattle

Donna Moodie, Owner, Marjorie Restaurant; Seattle

Jennifer Diamond, CEO, Maypop Grove; Seattle

Barbara Ireland, Owner, Mind Loop Group; Seattle

Sharon Demarte, Owner, One of a Kind Coaching; Seattle

Josh Ayala, CEO, Perfect Day Productions; Seattle

Pete Mills, Managing Director &amp; Founder, Pete Mills Consultants; Seattle

Bill Dubay, Founder &amp; CEO, PL Consulting; Seattle

Mary Greengo, President, Queen Mary Inc.; Seattle

Jen Barnes, Owner, Rough and Tumble Pub; Seattle

Jeffrey Cunderi, Co-Founder, Seattle Electric Bicycle Company; Seattle

Anita Shelton, Owner, Sound Healing Acupuncture; Seattle

Lindsay Eberts, Owner, Stack Resources; Seattle

George Allen, Director of Public Affairs Communications and Sustainability, The Coca-Cola Company; Seattle

Brian Bonlender, Former Director, Washington State Department of Commerce, &amp; Principal, Lodestar Partners; Seattle

Sue Corcoran, Owner, Von Piglet Productions; Seattle

Yale Wong, CEO, Yale Energy Inc.; Seattle

David Endicott, CEO; Seattle

Sam Naficy, MD; Seattle

Kathryn Shields; Seattle

Mellicia Marx, Founder &amp; CEO, Poplin Style Direction; Shoreline

Justin Peterson, CEO, Cinder; Spokane

Bernard Kessler, Owner, Orange State Cannabis; Spokane

Darrel Bowman, Former CEO, AppTech Inc.; Tacoma

From small business owners to leaders of large employers — 36+ cities.

Lists

<h5>Bob’s Record on Public Safety</h5><ul><li>Bob supported sexual assault survivors by leading the coalition that eliminated the shameful rape kit backlog. The backlog consisted of more than 10,000 kits when Bob took office. These kits were located on shelves in evidence rooms across the state. When Bob took office, nobody in law enforcement even knew the size of the backlog. Eliminating the backlog allowed survivors’ voices to be heard. It also reduced the testing time on new sexual assault kits from as much as 14 months down to 45 days, and led to dozens of convictions. </li><li>Bob formed an <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.fox13seattle.com/news/newly-formed-statewide-task-force-takes-aim-at-organized-retail-theft-in-washington">Organized Crime Task Force</a> to investigate and prosecute organized crime rings that endanger employee safety, damage our businesses and economy, and drive up costs for all Washingtonians.&nbsp; </li><li>Bob and his team won nearly 100 Sexually Violent Predator trials keeping the “worst of the worst” sex offenders detained at McNeil Island. He passed two bipartisan bills strengthening Washington’s sexually violent predator law.&nbsp; </li><li>Bob created a team in his office that employs innovative DNA techniques to solve sexual assaults and serious cold case crimes. This team has helped law enforcement <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.fox13seattle.com/news/ag-ferguson-announces-3-washington-cold-cases-solved-by-dna-forensic-genetic-genealogy-program">solve three cold case homicides and sexual assaults.</a> </li><li>Bob wrote and passed laws to combat mass shootings. He took the Trump Administration to court and won a nationwide victory that blocked the unchecked dissemination of untraceable, undetectable 3D-printed gun files. </li><li>Bob wrote and passed <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/law-justice/pair-of-bills-could-strengthen-states-human-trafficking-laws/">bipartisan laws</a> to strengthen human trafficking laws and protect human trafficking survivors.&nbsp; </li><li>Bob wrote and passed <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.nytimes.com/2017/04/14/business/retirement/retirement-preventing-elder-abuse.html">a nationally-recognized law</a> increasing the penalties for elder abuse.&nbsp; </li><li>Bob <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.atg.wa.gov/news/news-releases/governor-signs-ag-ferguson-s-request-renew-expand-id-theft-task-forces">led the expansion</a> of the state’s two Identity Theft Task Forces. </li><li>Bob <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://apnews.com/article/indigenous-people-cold-case-unit-washington-96a1bab5f5e124c3d8b183c688733983">created a Cold Case Unit</a> with investigators focused on cases involving Missing Indigenous People.&nbsp; </li><li>Bob won more than $1 billion to address the fentanyl epidemic in Washington. He <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.heraldnet.com/northwest/state-attorney-general-asks-feds-to-add-everett-to-operation-overdrive/">fought for more resources</a> from the federal government to combat fentanyl traffickers.&nbsp; </li><li>Bob formed a <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.kitsapdailynews.com/news/ag-ferguson-launches-hate-crime-working-group/">Hate Crimes Task Force</a>. He prosecuted a hate crime. And he <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.pbs.org/newshour/show/how-a-washington-state-plan-to-fight-domestic-extremism-could-be-a-model-for-the-nation">drafted a plan</a> to address rising domestic violent extremism that was called a “model for the nation.” </li><li>Bob helped increase penalties for <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.atg.wa.gov/news/news-releases/ag-ferguson-and-sen-padden-urge-house-action-felony-dui-bill">repeat DUI offenders</a>. </li><li>Bob wrote and passed a law increasing penalties for violent crimes committed in and around courthouses, improving protections for witnesses, family members, and others. </li><li>Bob and his team prosecuted the illegal use of force by police, wrote an improved model use-of-force and de-escalation policy adopted by most agencies, and advocated for more mental health resources for law enforcement.</li></ul>

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<h5>Bob’s Leadership on Behavioral Health Reform</h5><ul><li>Bob won more than $1.2 billion for all Washington communities to address the opioid crisis by taking Big Pharma to court and holding multinational corporations accountable for their role fueling the opioid epidemic.&nbsp;Bob delivered more resources for treatment services, more support for pregnant women and babies suffering from neonatal syndrome, additional help for first responders, and prevention efforts to educate youth about the risks of fentanyl by making the people responsible for fueling the opioid epidemic pay.</li><li>Bob <a href="https://www.fox13seattle.com/news/wa-youth-helpline" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204)">developed a crisis hotline</a>&nbsp;for Washington youth experiencing bullying, suicide and self-harm, mental illness, or harassment.</li><li>Bob successfully <a href="https://komonews.com/news/local/washington-sues-allianz-for-excluding-mental-health-coverage" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">fought for mental health parity</a> among insurance companies. He stood up to a large travel insurance company that was discriminating against Washingtonians with mental health challenges by categorically denying claims for Washingtonians who had to cancel or reschedule their travel plans because of mental health events. He <a href="https://www.fox13seattle.com/news/wa-insurance-company-to-repay-1-5-million-from-ag-lawsuit" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">won full financial restitution</a> for Washingtonians who experienced discrimination, including a mother who had to cancel a trip as a result of a son’s suicide and a student who changed travel plans because of a panic attack. Behavioral health conditions need to be treated like all other health conditions by our healthcare system, insurance companies, and government if we are going to resolve this crisis.&nbsp;</li><li>Bob successfully fought to ensure that financial constraints are not a barrier to care by <a href="https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/health/half-of-wa-residents-now-eligible-for-free-or-discounted-hospital-care-heres-what-to-know/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">passing a law</a> that provides 4 million Washingtonians access to free and reduced-cost care at Washington hospitals.</li><li>Bob supported additional mental health support for law enforcement and first responders. He also worked with the Criminal Justice Training Commission to improve law enforcement training for crisis intervention.</li><li>Bob <a href="https://washingtonstatestandard.com/briefs/wa-and-40-other-states-sue-meta-alleging-instagram-and-facebook-harm-kids/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">stood up to social media companies</a> that were targeting youth and putting their mental well-being at risk. He is fighting these powerful companies in court to achieve corporate reforms that will protect youth mental health.&nbsp;</li><li>Bob developed a Mental Illness and Drug Dependency (MIDD) Action Plan when he was a King County Councilmember. Thanks to the foundation Bob helped build, every year King County is able to <a href="https://kingcounty.gov/depts/community-human-services/mental-health-substance-abuse/midd/reports.aspx" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">serve more than 20,000 individuals in need of help</a>. As part of that effort, Bob led the creation of a&nbsp;Crisis Solutions Center as a resource for police, medics, crisis mental health professionals and other first responders when they meet individuals in crisis might otherwise receive no help, or be taken to jail or an emergency room. The center provides an alternative to jail or the emergency room when police and paramedics encounter an individual accused of a minor crime who is experiencing a behavioral health crisis. The Center also works to find long-term housing and services to help break the cycle of homelessness and crisis.</li></ul>

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<h5>Bob Ferguson’s Record Defending Reproductive Freedom:</h5><ul><li>When a federal judge in Texas blocked access to abortion medication, Bob led the multistate lawsuit that <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2023/04/09/abortion-ruling-texas-washington-clash/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">protected access for Washingtonians</a> and individuals in all of the states that joined Bob’s lawsuit.&nbsp;</li><li>When President Trump adopted his rule to impair health coverage for abortion, Bob filed a successful lawsuit in federal court in Washington state.&nbsp;</li><li>Bob was one of the first state attorneys general to <a href="https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/politics/washington-attorney-general-bob-ferguson-sues-to-block-trumps-rules-over-contraception-access/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">file a legal challenge</a> to President Trump’s “contraception rule,” which sought to allow companies to deny health coverage for women’s contraception on the basis of moral and religious objection. He filed his challenge in federal court in Seattle the next business day after Trump announced his rule, calling the policy “discriminatory and illegal.”</li><li>Bob successfully blocked President Trump’s Title X “Gag Rule” — a transparent attack on Planned Parenthood that would have harmed low-income Washingtonians. Bob filed the lawsuit in the Eastern District because of its impact on low-income, rural women. The “Gag Rule” would have left low-income women in 21 Washington counties without affordable access to reproductive health care, and would have prevented Title X providers from referring women to an abortion provider, even if the woman requests a referral. “President Trump is illegally inserting ideological politics between a woman and her doctor,” Bob said. On April 25, less than a week before the Title X rule was set to take effect, Judge Bastian, U.S. District Court Judge for the Eastern District of Washington, <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/national/health-science/trump-abortion-gag-rule-blocked-by-federal-judge/2019/04/25/c147359a-67ac-11e9-a1b6-b29b90efa879_story.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">granted a nationwide preliminary injunction</a>, blocking the “Gag Rule” from going into effect anywhere in the country — the first injunction of its kind issued against the “Gag Rule.”</li><li>After the Dobbs decision overturning Roe v Wade, Bob promised to always protect access to abortion for all Washingtonians, and to do everything in his power to ensure Washington would be a safe haven for individuals coming to Washington to access reproductive freedom and abortion providers. He assembled a team in his office to do that.</li><li>After Dobbs, Bob <a href="https://www.kiro7.com/news/local/washington-attorney-general-bob-ferguson-seeking-protection-out-of-state-abortion-providers/LJLH2Q763NGNRBJYO64SCMGCTA/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">sent a letter</a> to Washington’s medical commissions seeking protections for out-of-state medical providers coming to Washington fleeing persecution in anti-choice states. &nbsp;</li><li>After Dobbs, Bob sent a letter to all Washington sheriffs and police chiefs informing them of Washington’s law protecting abortion clinics from harassment.&nbsp;</li><li>Bob <a href="https://www.q13fox.com/news/ag-ferguson-18-u-s-attorneys-general-urge-congress-to-protect-reproductive-rights" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">led an 18-state letter</a> urging Congress to protect reproductive rights, including abortion. Bob’s letter called for a number of reforms to protect reproductive freedom, including changes in health insurance policy to increase access to reproductive health care, a federal program to fund nonprofits that provide abortion care, preemption against state restrictions on abortion-related medication, express permission for the U.S. Postal Service to distribute FDA-approved abortion-related medication, and data privacy laws to protect rights of people seeking reproductive care.</li><li>After Dobbs, Bob wrote, proposed, and helped pass the landmark <a href="https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=19.373&amp;full=true" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">My Health, My Data Act</a> to protect health data privacy connected to reproductive health care.&nbsp;</li><li>Bob brought together a range of stakeholders to launch resources to connect individuals to free legal counsel related to reproductive freedom.</li><li>Bob published a Know Your Rights document that was widely circulated after Dobbs.&nbsp;</li><li>Demonstrating his values, Bob directed approximately $200,000 to the Planned Parenthood clinic in Bremerton following his successful antitrust lawsuit against CHI Franciscan for establishing a monopoly on the Kitsap Peninsula.</li><li>Bob issued a legal opinion that public hospitals that provide maternal services must also provide reproductive health care. Basing his opinion on the language in Initiative 120, or the Reproductive Privacy Act, Ferguson found that religious hospitals merging with public hospital districts must continue providing reciprocal care. HIs opinion preserved access to reproductive health care for patients in these communities.&nbsp;"People should be excited that the attorney general affirmed what Washington voters have affirmed seven or eight times now — that women and men have the right to make their own reproductive choices," said Lisa Stone, Executive Director of the women's legal rights group, Legal Voice, at the time. "Maternity services in this state are defined very broadly, and the attorney general has made it clear that if any public funds are used for maternity services, cleverly structured transactions [i.e. hospital mergers] should not succeed in stripping women's right to contraception and abortion." [The Stranger, August 21, 2013]&nbsp;</li><li>Bob defended Planned Parenthood from anti-choice lawmakers accusing Planned Parenthood of breaking the law. In late July 2015, 38 Republican state representatives and 13 Republican state senators wrote a letter asking Bob to investigate whether the state's Planned Parenthood clinics were selling fetal parts. Bob reviewed the facts and set the record straight, clearing Planned Parenthood of wrongdoing. In his response letter, he wrote that his office “found no indication that procedures performed by Planned Parenthood are anything other than performance of a legally authorized medical procedure.” He also “found no basis to believe that Planned Parenthood is selling fetal tissue or profiting from fetal-tissue donations.” Bob wrote, “Unfounded allegations against Planned Parenthood are troubling. They seek to discredit the organization and divert resources away from patient services, making it more difficult for Washington women to exercise their constitutional rights. We conducted a review and found no evidence of any violations and no basis for further review.”</li><li>Bob helped Planned Parenthood block harassment of a Spokane Planned Parenthood clinic perpetrated by an anti-choice group calling itself the “Church of Planned Parenthood” by submitting a brief cited by the court.</li><li>Before and after the Dobbs decision, Bob fought against radical abortion bans across the country, including Idaho, Kentucky, and Louisiana. Bob supported the Department of Justice’s successful challenge to Idaho’s extreme anti-abortion law that made no exceptions for the health of the mother.&nbsp;</li></ul>

Bob holds powerful special interests accountable when they don’t play by the rules, defends our civil rights, protects Washington’s environment and wildlife, and stands up for working families and the most vulnerable in our state.

<h3>Fighting for Our Community</h3>These are some of the top issues our campaign is focused on. Learn more about our issues <a href="/issues" target="" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">here</a>.

Bob Ferguson's Work for Washington Families

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<h5>Bob’s Record Fighting for Education Fairness</h5><ul><li>Wrote and helped pass the Student Loan Bill of Rights. </li><li>Created Washington’s Student Loan Advocate.</li><li>Took the country’s largest student loan servicer to court for illegal conduct, won <a href="https://www.atg.wa.gov/news/news-releases/ag-ferguson-lawsuit-nets-45m-debt-relief-payments-navient" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">$45 million for Washingtonians,</a> and helped erase $1.7 billion in student loan debt.</li><li>Helped Washingtonians scammed by deceptive for-profit schools. He <a href="https://www.kiro7.com/news/local/wa-ag-ferguson-announces-recovery-more-than-2-million-student-borrowers/BQAU24LJLBH3JIYM2WRUBL5P5Q/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">won $2 million</a> for Washingtonians by taking on deceptive student loan debt adjusters.</li><li>A champion of financial literacy, Bob wrote and helped pass the <a href="https://www.atg.wa.gov/news/news-releases/attorney-general-ferguson-s-student-loan-transparency-act-passes-legislature" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">Student Loan Transparency Act</a>.</li><li><a href="https://www.atg.wa.gov/news/news-releases/ag-ferguson-judge-blocks-devos-attempt-deprive-washington-public-schools" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">Defeated Betsy DeVos</a> when she tried to cut funding for Washington schools.</li><li>Challenged <a href="https://washingtonstatewire.com/ferguson-joins-lawsuit-against-devos-title-ix-rules-change/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">Donald Trump’s attempt</a> to erode protections for survivors of campus sexual assault.</li><li>Worked with educators, school administrators, and the PTA to reduce youth access to vapor and tobacco products by passing <a href="https://www.atg.wa.gov/news/news-releases/ag-ferguson-statement-tobacco-21-being-signed-law" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">Tobacco 21</a>, and made our schools safer by leading the campaign to ban high-capacity magazine sales.</li><li>Fought in court to defend funding for early childhood programs and school construction.</li><li>Helped bring Democrats and Republicans together to honor Washington’s paramount duty to fully fund basic education.</li></ul>

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"I’ve taken on the toughest fights – for the people. As Governor, I will fight for every Washington family." – Bob Ferguson

<h2>Attorney General Bob Ferguson</h2><img src="https://run.imgix.net/42ef0e27-a8bc-47df-99ab-50b85af603eb/9d17abd8-b8b5-4097-8e55-8eedae27060b/9d17abd8-b8b5-4097-8e55-8eedae27060b.jpeg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&amp;bri=0&amp;con=0&amp;sat=0&amp;high=0&amp;shad=0&amp;usm=0&amp;rect=642%2C0%2C6973%2C5317&amp;w=1500" caption="" align="right" alignwidth="40" tiltdirection="right" variant="framed">Bob is a fourth-generation Washingtonian and son of a public school teacher and Boeing employee. Bob has lived and worked on both sides of the mountains, starting his legal career in Spokane. As Attorney General, Bob takes on the toughest fights on behalf of all Washingtonians against powerful interests – and wins. He’s been steadfast in standing up to powerful interests, achieving big victories for Washington families.Bob forced the companies that fueled the opioid epidemic to pay more than a billion dollars to address the harm done to our community, secured record penalties to combat dark money in politics, and took on polluters, scam artists, and special interests to protect Washingtonians. Bob prioritizes public safety. He is standing up for survivors and victims and holding criminals accountable, with a focus on human trafficking and sexually violent predators.<img src="https://run.imgix.net/42ef0e27-a8bc-47df-99ab-50b85af603eb/98e84741-922c-433e-a5a3-0a8b609c5ae1/98e84741-922c-433e-a5a3-0a8b609c5ae1.jpeg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&amp;bri=0&amp;con=0&amp;sat=0&amp;high=0&amp;shad=0&amp;usm=0&amp;rect=0%2C12%2C3560%2C3008&amp;w=1500" caption="" align="left" alignwidth="45" tiltdirection="left" variant="framed">Bob’s family homesteaded in the 19th Century on the beautiful Skagit River, which may explain why Bob is such an enthusiastic mountain climber and backpacker. Bob has hiked hundreds of miles of Washington trails and climbed many of the state's highest peaks.Bob is an internationally rated chess master. He has twice won the Washington State Chess Championship.Bob lives with his wife Colleen, and their twins, Jack and Katie.

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<h5>Bob’s Record Promoting Affordable Health Care:</h5>Bob has championed increased access for affordable health care for all Washingtonians.<ul><li>Bob successfully passed a reform ensuring all Washingtonians have access to affordable hospital care. Thanks to the law, “<a href="https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/health/half-of-wa-residents-now-eligible-for-free-or-discounted-hospital-care-heres-what-to-know/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">Half of all Washington residents are eligible for free or discounted care</a>.” Washington state is now one of the first states to guarantee financial assistance for hospital care to half of all residents. 4 million Washingtonians are now eligible for at least a 50 percent discount on their out-of-pocket costs at most hospitals. These protections are income-based.&nbsp; If you make up to the state’s median income — approximately $56,000 for an individual and $90,000 for a family of three — you are eligible for at least a 50 percent reduction on your out-of-pocket hospital costs such as co-pays and deductibles. These protections exist no matter what insurance you have, or even whether you have insurance.&nbsp;</li><li>Bob helped successfully defend the Affordable Care Act from a legal challenge from Republican attorneys general and the Trump Administration. Bob <a href="https://www.fox13seattle.com/news/ferguson-joins-other-democratic-attorneys-general-to-defend-obamacare-against-move-to-strike-it-down" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">partnered with 20 other states</a> to defend the Affordable Care Act in court from a Texas lawsuit aimed at striking down the law. President Trump eventually joined the Republican Attorneys General legal challenge. <a href="https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/politics/after-80-lawsuits-against-trump-this-ones-the-big-one/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">Without the Affordable Care Act</a>, hundreds of thousands of low-income Washingtonians would have lost access to affordable health care, and many more would have faced devastating cost increase.&nbsp; Bob and his coalition of Democratic Attorneys General won a <a href="https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/supreme-court-upholds-obamacare-health-care-law/story?id=76674533" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">major 5-4 victory</a> at the United States Supreme Court protecting the Affordable Care Act.</li><li>Bob <a href="https://www.kiro7.com/news/local/ag-ferguson-sues-chi-franciscan-for-price-fixing-monopoly/601350730" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">took on giant health care systems</a> that harmed patients by acting like a monopoly. These transactions were intentionally made to decrease competition, increase prices, and pad the bottom line at the expense of its patients. One case <a href="https://www.kitsapsun.com/story/news/2019/05/14/state-settles-antitrust-lawsuit-chi-franciscan/3672790002/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">resulted</a> in a large health system rolling back a proposed merger on the Kitsap Peninsula and paying $2.5 million that Bob directed towards community health clinics.</li><li>Bob stood up for taxpayers and patients by taking on health care fraud, including Medicaid fraud that harms the most vulnerable patients by taking money out of the system. Bob recovered more than $100 million from providers that committed health care fraud. And he led the passage of legislation to improve the state’s tools against health care fraud. Newspapers across the state endorsed the legislation. Examples: “In Our View: Renew Tool that Fights Medicaid Fraud,” [<a href="https://www.heraldnet.com/opinion/renew-tool-that-fights-medicaid-fraud/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">The Herald</a>, 1/18/2015]&nbsp; “Legislature should keep simple tool to fight Medicaid fraud” [<a href="https://www.seattletimes.com/opinion/editorials/legislature-should-keep-simple-tool-to-fight-medicaid-fraud/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">Seattle Times</a>, 3/30/2015]</li><li>Bob held the healthcare industry accountable when it illegally overbilled, overcharged or deceived Washingtonians. For example, he <a href="https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/providence-swedish-services-to-pay-1-4m-over-lab-work-complaint/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">held the nation’s largest large health care system accountable</a> for referring patients to an out-of-network lab without warning, resulting in excessive bills. This is known as “balance billing.”&nbsp; Patients deserve to know what to expect from their medical bills. Navigating our health system is challenging, and this type of unfair and deceptive conduct just makes things harder for patients.&nbsp;</li><li>Bob won four lawsuits enforcing Washington’s affordable hospital care law, including the largest case of its kind in history. These four cases resulted in a total of more than $200 million in direct refunds to Washingtonians and debt relief for Washingtonians who were inappropriately billed for the hospital costs.</li><li>On Dec. 1, 2023, Bob partnered with the Office of the Insurance Commissioner and <a href="https://www.insurance.wa.gov/health-care-cost-affordability" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">sent a preliminary report</a> to legislators on the state of Washington's health care system. In it, recent health care market consolidation and changes for improving affordability are explored. The report and its findings will be used to evaluate policy options to improve the affordability of health care in our state.</li></ul>

Issues Post

<h2>We have an important request for you. </h2>In last week's debate, Bob revealed the values of anti-choice Republican Dave Reichert as out of line with most Washingtonians, on issues from reproductive freedom to Donald Trump. Bob also talked about his own experience fighting on behalf of Washington families for public safety, lowering costs, and core freedoms. Bob has another opportunity tonight to tell Washingtonians about that contrast. We know that debates aren’t just won on the debate stage in 2024 – millions more Washingtonians will only see the debate from posts and clips on social media. That will be the deciding factor for hundreds of thousands of votes. We need your help to make sure everyone sees the contrast between Bob and Dave Reichert in the debate tonight.

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DEBATE NIGHT

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Timeline

<h5>Bob’s record of protecting Washingtonians’ access to affordable housing</h5>Bob has consistently supported efforts to prevent veteran homelessness and to help those living with mental illness. <ul><li>As a County Councilmember, Bob <a href="https://www.seattlepi.com/seattlenews/article/county-council-backs-motel-housing-idea-1189131.php" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">led a bipartisan proposal</a> to purchase and renovate closed motels to provide shelter and wraparound services for the chronically unhoused. &nbsp; </li><li>He also used his approach of hands-on leadership to directly understand some of the challenges facing our unhoused populations by staying overnight at a homeless encampment where he spoke directly with those struggling on the street. </li><li>As Attorney General, Bob expanded on his work in King County and focused on keeping Washingtonians housed. </li><li>Bob stopped illegal housing discrimination targeting disabled veterans and low-income Washingtonians. </li><li>Army Veteran <a href="https://www.king5.com/article/news/investigations/veterans-cheated-out-of-paychecks-by-pierce-county-non-profit-will-finally-be-paid-back/281-628b864a-6f66-4e2e-b83d-9c699fbf777c" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">Scott Shulz told King 5</a> he “would be homeless” if Bob Ferguson had not stepped and seized control of VIEW, a charity aimed at helping veterans, after discovering the executive director was committing fraud. Bob recovered $1 million in stolen funds and ensured that veterans harmed were repaid. </li><li>Bob took on companies that prey on homeowners in foreclosure and secured a court order to stop a company’s deceptive foreclosure practices, protecting vulnerable homeowners from being exploited. </li><li>Bob used money he won in lawsuits against predatory financial lenders to <a href="https://www.shorelineareanews.com/2015/06/ags-office-awards-grant-to-agency-for.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">provide housing counseling</a> to over 1,000 Washingtonians to keep them out of foreclosure and from losing their homes. </li><li>Bob helped hundreds of families and individuals stay in their homes through enforcement of the Governor’s emergency evictions moratorium. </li><li>Bob filed three successful lawsuits against corporate landlords that were illegally and inhumanely evicting tenants. </li><li>Bob’s work holding corporations that fueled the opioid epidemic accountable resulted in $1.1 billion for all Washington communities. These resources must be used to address the opioid epidemic and can be used to provide housing and wrap-around services for individuals suffering from opioid use disorder. </li><li>Bob <a href="https://www.atg.wa.gov/program-statistics-and-case-outcomes" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">helped hundreds of residents of manufactured homes</a> receive fair treatment from their landlords. He <a href="https://www.chinookobserver.com/news/local/ag-slaps-cease-and-desist-order-on-beacon-rv-park/article_877642a0-0c4c-11ed-bad5-0730446718a2.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">prevented illegal evictions</a> and <a href="https://crosscut.com/investigations/2023/10/washington-ag-calls-rent-fee-rollbacks-aberdeen-mobile-park#:~:text=The%20Washington%20Attorney%20General%27s%20Office,number%20of%20tenant%20protection%20laws." target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">unfair rental practices</a>. He took on a manufactured housing provider that <a href="https://www.nwnewsnetwork.org/government-and-politics/2017-10-27/owner-of-disgraceful-mobile-home-park-to-pay-up-make-repairs" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">illegally refused</a> to make basic safety upgrades. </li><li>Bob also took on a city government that was <a href="https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/law-justice/wa-supreme-court-hears-case-of-discrimination-in-sunnyside-evictions/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">evicting low income residents</a> without sufficient due process, avoiding sending numerous Washingtonians directly on to the streets. </li><li>Bob’s legal team provided assistance to both tenants and landlords to resolve issues and direct landlords to available rental assistance and other resources. </li><li>Bob earned the sole endorsement of the Washington Housing Alliance Action Fund.</li></ul>

Economic Growth, Infrastructure, and Good Jobs

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<h4>Washington is facing an affordable housing crisis.</h4>Bob Ferguson traveled to every Washington county, and he heard from Washingtonians in communities across the state who are struggling to find affordable housing. He knows that rising housing prices are making it hard for too many families. He wants to see bold solutions to address the homelessness crisis and high cost of housing. One of the consequences of rapidly rising housing costs is the increase in homelessness. Spending on housing and services has increased, but these investments have not reduced the number of unhoused Washingtonians or individuals trapped in a cycle of chronic homelessness.We are at a critical junction. The decisions we make today will have far-reaching consequences.Bob will answer the crisis with urgent action. As Attorney General, Bob has a proven track record of fighting for housing affordability. He will tackle our affordable housing challenges with the same fire and urgency he took to protecting Washingtonians from civil rights and consumer protection violations and holding the federal government accountable to the rule of law.Bob will put Washington on a path to build over one million units of housing over the next 20 years. He will advance and implement policies modeled after successful practices in other jurisdictions. He will address the housing needs of today and tomorrow, and improve affordability so that all Washingtonians can live where they work. As Governor, he will:&nbsp;<ol><li>Increase the housing supply with a multi-faceted plan that includes policy changes and partnerships with philanthropy, business, developers, local governments, and the state Legislature to build housing of all kinds across the entire spectrum at an unprecedented scale.</li><li>Strengthen protections in order to improve affordability and stability for families on the brink.</li><li>Address chronic homelessness by improving services, expanding treatment options, deploying successful reentry programs, working with individuals with lived experience, and coordinating systems.</li><li>Elevate the issue of housing in state government and adopt a more centralized, data-driven approach to integrate systems, cut through bureaucratic red tape, and improve accountability.</li></ol>

<h4>Abortion is health care — and it’s under attack in Washington and across the country.</h4>A champion for reproductive freedom, Bob is the only candidate endorsed by Planned Parenthood and Pro-Choice Washington. He is the only candidate you can trust to protect your reproductive freedom.In a post-Dobbs world, proactive, affirmative leadership is required to protect access to essential reproductive health care services.When a radical anti-choice federal judge in Texas issued a nationwide ban on safe and effective abortion medication known as mifepristone, which is used for half of all abortions nationwide, Bob was ready. He took a leadership role with nationwide significance when he brought a separate lawsuit in federal court in Spokane to expand access to the same medication.Bob followed through on his promise to do everything in his power to protect access to reproductive health care after the cruel Dobbs decision. He and his team had the foresight to craft the legal argument that was not being raised anywhere else. He demonstrated the courage to take on a president of his own party and the leadership necessary to bring together a large coalition of 18 states, and won a critical injunction hours after the Texas judge ruled. That victory protected millions of women across the country until an appellate court paused the ruling.Bob’s leadership did not stop there. His legal team helped Governor Inslee and Washington state agencies acquire a three-year stockpile of mifepristone. And he worked with legislators to craft and adopt landmark privacy protections for data connected to reproductive health care.In contrast, Dave Reichert voted three times for a nationwide abortion ban that criminalized doctors who perform abortions — even in Washington. He repeatedly voted to defund Planned Parenthood. The Seattle Times accurately described him as an “<a href="https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/politics/reichert-doesnt-always-follow-gop-playbook/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">anti-abortion stalwart</a>.” He said that abortion is “taking a life.”Bob has been a champion for reproductive health care access his entire career in public service.

<h5>Bob Ferguson’s Plan to Honor and Serve Washington’s Veterans and Military Personnel</h5>As Governor, Bob will:<h4>1. Enhance Veterans’ Educational Opportunities</h4>Tuition Assistance and Scholarships. Bob will push for enhanced educational assistance programs for veterans and their families, including increased funding for the Washington State Tuition Waiver and the creation of additional scholarship funds specifically for veterans pursuing higher education or vocational training.Recognition of Military Training. Bob will initiate a process to better recognize military training and experience in academic credit systems. This will make it easier for veterans to translate their skills into civilian qualifications, reducing barriers to higher education. Collaboration with Community Colleges. Bob’s plan includes fostering stronger partnerships with community colleges and universities to create tailored programs for veterans. This includes mentorship opportunities, transitional support services, and workshops that help veterans adjust to academic life. Bob’s administration will expand tuition assistance for veterans who wish to pursue Licensed Practical Nursing and other high-demand positions.Vet Corps services to support veterans and family members. Bob will restore Vet Corps program navigators in our colleges, universities and agricultural programs. This will assist veterans and family members to navigate the transition from the military to civilian life and have a place to call home within the campus to increase access to services, retention and graduation.<h4>2. Promote Employment and Economic Empowerment</h4>Veteran Employment Program. Bob will establish a comprehensive employment program aimed specifically at veterans, focusing on job placement, resume building, and skills training. He will collaborate with local businesses and direct state agencies to create or improve veteran-friendly workplaces and apprenticeship programs.Expand affordable childcare. Many veterans and servicemembers who live are struggling because of the unavailability and/or affordability of child care. High-quality and accessible child care and long-term care services drive Washington’s economy by providing a foundation for Washingtonians to work and providing jobs for many Washingtonians. Bob is committed to a strong care infrastructure in Washington where workers have access to quality, accessible care for their loved ones so they can work. Bob will work with public, private, philanthropic and labor partners to address this need with an emphasis on co-located services, greater subsidy for low-and middle-income families, improved workforce development for childcare workers, and other programs that can make a real difference for Washington families.Washington Dept. of Veterans Affairs Claims Assistance. Bob will support Washington Department of Veterans Affairs service officers in securing more federal dollars and benefits for Washington State veterans who have earned essential benefits like disability and pensions. He is committed to ensuring that our state maintains and enhances a robust office of claims assistance to help veterans navigate the complex federal application process for the benefits they deserve.Support for Veteran-Owned Businesses. To promote entrepreneurship, Bob will establish grant programs and low-interest loan options for veteran-owned businesses. He will also develop mentorship programs that connect veterans with experienced entrepreneurs to facilitate knowledge transfer and networking opportunities.Job Fair Initiatives. The state will host regular job fairs specifically targeting veterans, bringing together employers who actively seek to hire veterans, with a special focus on Eastern Washington. These fairs will also provide workshops on interview techniques, resume building, and job search strategies, helping veterans navigate the employment landscape.Supporting Women Veterans. Bob recognizes the growth in the state’s women veterans population and will support the creation of a staffed Women Veterans Program to reside in the Department of Veterans Affairs.<h4>3. Improve Healthcare Access</h4>Expand VA Services. Bob will work with the federal delegation to strengthen partnerships between state agencies and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to improve access to services. This includes streamlining processes for veterans seeking care and ensuring that there are more VA facilities available across the state. Bob will also look at existing state facilities that are underutilized and work with the federal government to establish services.Telehealth Improvements. Recognizing that many veterans live in rural areas, Bob will promote telehealth services to decrease barriers to accessing care. Funding will be allocated to enhance telecommunications infrastructure in underserved communities, enabling veterans to receive the healthcare services they need. Bob will work through his Departments of Veterans Affairs and Commerce to get rural and low-income veterans better access to the internet. This will include helping them get tablets and establishing satellite hubs with navigators to help aging veterans get better connected to the internet.Support Rural Veterans’ Access to Services. Bob’s Department of Veterans Affairs will work to get veterans access to service, including veterans in rural communities. Bob will maintain county veterans service officers in rural counties and have a presence at community events in all 39 counties.Integrated Health Approach. Bob’s plan includes a commitment to expand holistic health services within the community, integrating physical, mental, and emotional health support. Bob will encourage the inclusion of alternative therapies and approaches, such as acupuncture and peer support programs, to help veterans manage their health more effectively.Mental Health Services Expansion. Bob’s plan emphasizes the urgent need to expand mental health services for veterans. This includes increasing funding for community-based mental health programs and training more mental health professionals to understand the unique experiences and needs of veterans. Bob will maintain and improve the Department of Veterans’ Affairs statewide first-in-the-nation suicide prevention program.<h4>4. Implement Affordable Housing Solutions</h4>Increase access to affordable housing. Bob will work to create more affordable housing options specifically designed for veterans, including transitional housing for those who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. This includes leveraging state and federal resources to develop housing projects that meet the needs of veteran populations.Homeownership Assistance Programs. Bob’s plan will include provisions for homeownership assistance for veterans, including down payment assistance and favorable loan terms. Bob will partner with financial institutions to educate veterans about housing options available to them.Support for Veterans Without Homes. Bob will enhance outreach and support services for unhoused veterans, partnering with local organizations to ensure that every veteran has access to stable housing and supportive services.Replacement and Construction of New Facilities. Bob will expedite the replacement of the Veterans Homes at Spokane and Orting facilities and construction of a State Veterans Cemetery in the Tri-Cities area.<h4>By implementing this comprehensive Veterans Plan, Bob Ferguson will honor those who served, ensuring that our veterans can thrive in Washington State. Together, we can build a more supportive and empowering environment for our heroes and their families.</h4>

<h5>Bob’s Record STANDING UP FOR VETERANS</h5><ul><li>Bob proposed and passed <a href="https://www.atg.wa.gov/news/news-releases/legislature-passes-bill-requested-governor-and-attorney-general-protect" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">bipartisan legislation</a> to create a State Service Members Civil Relief Act (SCRA) to mirror the federal act, and also to allow him to enforce both. The SCRA provides critical consumer protections for military called to active duty so they can focus on serving their country. Bob has been aggressive in <a href="https://www.atg.wa.gov/news/news-releases/ag-ferguson-files-lawsuit-against-towing-company-illegally-selling-service-member" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">enforcing this law.</a></li><li>Bob proposed and passed a <a href="https://www.atg.wa.gov/news/news-releases/attorney-general-ferguson-s-military-pro-bono-legislation-passes-legislature" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">bipartisan law</a> creating the Office of Military and Veterans Legal Assistance in the Attorney General’s Office to service the unmet legal needs of veterans, service members and their families through pro bono representation.</li><li>Bob’s <a href="https://nwsidebar.wsba.org/2020/11/10/attorney-general-bob-ferguson-honors-service-members-calls-for-medal-volunteers-this-veterans-day/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">Call to Duty Program</a> provides pro bono legal services to Washington service members, veterans, and their families. Bob has provided hundreds of thousands of dollars in free legal services to Washington’s veteran community.</li><li>Bob passed bipartisan legislation <a href="https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=6017&amp;Year=2017" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">increasing consumer protections for military service members</a>. The bill allows military personnel called to active duty to opt out of gym memberships, cable subscriptions, and cell phone plans without penalty.</li><li>Bob proposed and passed <a href="https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=6017&amp;Year=2017" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">a law</a> creating an enhanced penalty for consumer protections violations that <a href="https://www.atg.wa.gov/news/news-releases/ag-request-legislation-increasing-consumer-protection-penalties-first-time-half" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">target veterans or service members</a>.</li><li>Bob passed the <a href="https://www.atg.wa.gov/news/news-releases/legislature-passes-attorney-general-s-pension-poacher-prevention-act" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">Pension Poacher Prevention Act</a> to combat a scam targeting retired veterans. The law addresses the growing problem of “pension poachers” who try to scam elderly veterans. Ferguson <a href="https://www.atg.wa.gov/news/news-releases/ag-stops-deceptive-practices-targeting-elderly-military-veterans" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">enforced the law in 2015</a>.</li><li>Bob <a href="https://www.atg.wa.gov/news/news-releases/ag-ferguson-announces-latest-action-statewide-initiative-reform-towing-industry" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">launched an initiative</a> to eliminate the widespread practice in the towing industry of illegally selling service members vehicles which were towed while they were on active duty. Ferguson sent a letter to <a href="https://agportal-s3bucket.s3.amazonaws.com/Sample%20Towing%20Letter.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">every licensed tow truck operator in the state</a> emphasizing their legal obligations to service members and providing resources to ensure their companies comply. The letter went to more than 400 tow truck operators.</li><li>Bob <a href="https://www.q13fox.com/news/washington-ag-says-sham-veterans-charity-must-donate-95000-to-legitimate-organizations" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">aggressively targets veterans charity scams</a>. These lawsuits have shut down multiple scams and resulted in Washingtonians’ money going to legitimate charities. In one example, Bob had to wrest control of a charity away from an Executive Director committing fraud, and claw back wages for workers. Army Veteran Scott Shulz <a href="https://www.king5.com/article/news/investigations/veterans-cheated-out-of-paychecks-by-pierce-county-non-profit-will-finally-be-paid-back/281-628b864a-6f66-4e2e-b83d-9c699fbf777c" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">told King 5</a> he “would be homeless” if Bob Ferguson had not stepped and seized control of VIEW, a charity aimed at helping veterans, after discovering the Executive Director was committing fraud. Bob recovered $1 million in stolen funds and ensured that veterans harmed were repaid.&nbsp;</li><li>Bob led a multistate investigation that <a href="https://www.kiro7.com/news/local/harris-jewelry-refund-service-members-342m-over-deceptive-sales-tactics/Y6BWKNUOYFGCRH42WEHSKNJPAM/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">resulted in Harris Jewelry paying $34 million</a> that went to veterans, including more than $1 million for veterans in Washington. Harris targeted service members with deceptive advertising and phony discounts.</li><li>Bob published and regularly updates <a href="https://www.knkx.org/law/2013-09-11/new-legal-resource-guide-to-help-military-in-washington" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">a resource guide</a> for Washington veterans and military personnel so that they can enforce their rights and access the benefits they earned.</li><li>Bob partnered with a Republican prime sponsor and <a href="https://www.nbcrightnow.com/news/washington-legislature-passes-bill-expanding-veteran-s-benefits/article_03532fa7-35a0-5864-b5b3-66dfeaded4a4.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">passed a law</a> expanding pre-existing veterans benefits to those who were discharged from service without an official honorable or dishonorable designation,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.defense.gov/Spotlights/Dont-Ask-Dont-Tell-Resources/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">or were discharged due to their sexual orientation</a>&nbsp;under policies like Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.</li></ul>

“I’ll never stop taking on the big fights for Washingtonians."

Page Intro

<h3>Please add your name to be listed as an endorser of Bob Ferguson's Campaign for Governor!</h3>

Announcement

<h2>SPOKANE DEBATE NIGHT</h2>When: Tonight! Wednesday, September 18th at 6pm.Where to watch: Broadcast from NonStop Local KHQ, KOMO, and KUNS. Online at <a href="http://nonstoplocal.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">nonstoplocal.com</a>.What you can do: Read below!

Bob was the first leader in the nation to take on President Trump, blocking the first unconstitutional Muslim travel ban. Bob won that case and went on to defeat Trump more than 50 times in court on cases ranging from voting rights and gun responsibility to reproductive freedom.

Legal Record Against the Trump Administration

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Bob’s legal record against the Trump AdministrationBob was the first leader in the nation to take on President Trump, blocking the first unconstitutional Muslim travel ban. Bob won that case and went on to defeat Trump more than 50 times in court on cases ranging from voting rights and gun responsib

“I’ll never stop taking on the big fights for Washingtonians." – Bob Ferguson

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Protecting Reproductive Freedom

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<h5>Bob Ferguson’s Plan to Increase Access to Affordable Health Care</h5><h4>Protect the Affordable Care Act</h4>Bob’s Republican opponent voted multiple times to repeal the Affordable Care Act. He tried to strip health care from 800,000 Washingtonians, including people with pre-existing conditions. His vote would also have caused Washingtonians on Medicare to lose benefits and pay more for prescription drugs.That’s dangerous and would take Washington in the wrong direction. As Governor, Bob will protect the Affordable Care Act from attempts to eliminate or gut it. He will guarantee coverage for pre-existing conditions. He will protect Medicaid expansion. And he will promote outstanding leadership at the Washington Health Benefits Exchange to ensure that this critical law is implemented well and serves Washingtonians.&nbsp;<h4>Increase Competition</h4>Health care monopolies grow corporate profits at the expense of consumer and taxpayer cost increases and reduction in the quality of services. Improving competition in the health care industry will enhance services and reduce the cost of care. Bob has been breaking up health care monopolies and fighting collusion in the prescription drug industry. Bob and his team put together <a href="https://agportal-s3bucket.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/uploadedfiles/AGO_Healthcare%20Affordability%20Preliminary%20Report.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">a blueprint</a> to increase competition and reduce costs. As Governor, he will eliminate barriers that stifle competition and drive prices up.&nbsp;For example, Bob will work with stakeholders to restrict non-compete agreements for physicians and other health care professionals that reduce competition, particularly in rural parts of the state. Washington lags behind other states in this regard. Washington blocks non-compete clauses for employees making below $116,500 per year, but physicians are generally above that threshold. Delaware, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island ban physician non-compete agreements. Indiana prohibits non-competes for primary care physicians. And Florida prohibits these clauses for physicians in rural areas.&nbsp;&nbsp;Bob will also limit further consolidation by reviewing new mergers or affiliations to ensure patients aren’t harmed when a big health system buys a hospital or clinic in their community.&nbsp;Under Bob’s leadership, Washington will step up to increase competition and reduce costs.<h4>Improve Protections for Prescription Drug Pricing</h4>High prescription drug costs caused 9 million American adults younger than age 65 to stop taking their medications as prescribed, according to the CDC. That’s unacceptable.&nbsp;Washington is one of eight states that have implemented programs to address the high cost of prescription drugs. This work is just getting started. As Governor, Bob will appoint members to the Prescription Drug Affordability Board (PDAB) who will center Washingtonians and conduct affordability reviews on common medications to keep costs affordable. He will strengthen the PDAB so it can take action to control prescription drug costs more quickly and expand its authority to negotiate prices for drugs directly. Bob will protect the cap on insulin prices and ensure that Washingtonians never have to spend more than $35 per month on insulin.Bob will continue to enforce the state's protections against spread pricing by pharmacy benefit managers to save money and reduce costs.&nbsp;Bob protected the Affordable Care Act as Attorney General, winning a victory at the United State Supreme Court that protected 72,000 Washington seniors on Medicare who would have seen their prescription drug costs increased by more than $1,000 if the Supreme Court had struck down the Act. That’s the energy and commitment he will bring to reducing prescription drug prices as Governor.<h4>Strengthen Apple Health</h4>Apple Health (Medicaid) provides nearly 2 million Washingtonians with preventative care, like cancer screenings, treatment for diabetes and high blood pressure, and many other health care services. The administration of Apple Health is one of the key levers Washington has to increase access to affordable care — leading to a healthier state.Bob’s administration will put people first, reward innovation, deliver excellent service, and invest in better outcomes. Bob will work with managed care plans to make front-end investments in preventive care to drive down health costs and improve outcomes. He will increase reimbursement rates, which will increase the number of providers who treat Apple Health patients, which will increase access to care.&nbsp;<h4>Expand Washington’s Public Option</h4>Enrollment in Washington's public option (Cascade Select) now makes up more than 11% of Washington Healthplanfinder individual market enrollment. Washington’s public option shows promise, but needs strengthening. Premium increases in public option plans have been lower than for other plans offered on the Exchange. The Public Option provided the lowest-cost Silver Plan in 31 of Washington’s 39 counties. As Governor, Bob will strengthen the public option by seeking a waiver to allow additional federal pass-through funds to be invested in affordability programs designed to reduce consumer out-of-pocket spending on premiums and cost-sharing.Bob will address insurance coverage gaps by enrolling Washingtonians who lose Apple Health into a default public option plan if they don’t choose another plan.<h4>Reduce Health Costs and Improve Quality</h4>Thanks to Bob’s leadership, Washington leads the country in providing financial assistance for hospital care. More than 4 million Washingtonians — more than half the state population — are eligible for discounts on their out-of-pocket hospital expenses. Those discounts range from 50 percent off to free care. More than 2 million Washingtonians — more than 1 out of every 4 Washingtonians — are eligible for free hospital care, regardless of insurance.&nbsp;But we can still do better. Washington law does not extend income-based financial assistance protections at hospital-affiliated or other clinics. Increasingly, medically necessary care is being provided at health care clinics. Bob will convene providers, hospitals and legislators to put together a plan to reduce out-of-pocket costs for care provided at hospital-affiliated clinics.&nbsp;Bob recognizes that health care costs are squeezing Washington’s small businesses, large employers, and union trusts. Bob will work with federal partners to give small employers new tools to continue offering health coverage to their employees. Bob will prioritize partnerships with purchaser groups like the Washington Health Alliance so that the state and employers can coordinate cost containment and quality improvement efforts.&nbsp;Primary care can save on health costs and improve patient outcomes over the long-term, but today too many patients can’t find a primary care provider who meets their needs. Too few physicians, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants choose a career in primary care. Bob will work to grow our state’s primary care provider workforce through more training slots for doctors, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and women’s health providers. Bob will work to keep primary care providers in our communities with increased reimbursement rates, loan repayment, and other supports for providers of color and those who choose to practice in underserved or rural areas.

<h4>Bob Ferguson’s Education Plan will expand early childhood learning, increase student support to improve their health and well-being, improve education access and affordability, invest in student safety and wellbeing, break down education silos, and support apprenticeships, career and technical education, and community college.</h4>

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