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Dear Friends and Neighbors,
After the recent tragic deaths of Paityn, Evelyn and Olivia Decker at the hands of their father Travis Decker during a custody visit, I joined a bipartisan group of lawmakers, community leaders, law enforcement officials, and concerned parents to call for a review and potential changes to the Amber Alert system.
Originally, the Wenatchee Police reached out to the Washington State Patrol (WSP) to issue an Amber Alert when the girls went missing and their mother grew concerned. Instead, the WSP issued an Endangered Missing Persons Advisory which does NOT hold the weight and immediacy of an Amber Alert and, more importantly, does NOT send out statewide cellphone alerts.
Without pointing fingers and laying blame, we need a complete reevaluation of the existing Amber Alert system. We need to make sure the public is alerted quickly with accurate information and that law enforcement are working together with a complete understanding of the system itself and the individual instances that trigger it.
In an interview with KUOW Radio, I made my stance clear:
“I think the key component is making sure if a child is endangered, that we have all the pieces in place to say that we are triggering alerts as soon as possible, because time is always going to be of the essence to be able to locate that child or children as soon as possible, to have a safe resolve.”
You can read the rest of that interview here: After deaths of the Decker sisters, advocates call for review of Amber Alert system – KUOW Radio
You can read more about the Amber Alert system, requirements to trigger, and our potential efforts to make changes in these media reports:
‘If a system cannot protect children, it’s not worth defending’: Washington lawmakers call for review of AMBER alert protocols after Decker killings – The Spokesman-Review
“We’re not here to make any rash judgments, but we want to look at the system and an ongoing evaluation of what can we do to make things safer for a family that is going through these types of situations in parenting plans,” said Rep. Brian Burnett, R-Wenatchee. “This is one of the most difficult things you’re ever going to face, whether in law enforcement, whether in civil litigation or the judicial system, is making sure that the children are safe, along with the mothers and the fathers as well.”
- Advocates pushing for family court reform, review of Amber Alerts in wake of Decker case – KIRO 7 News
- Advocates push for child safety reforms following Decker sister deaths -KING 5 News
- Travis Decker search: WA lawmakers, advocates demand family court reforms – The Seattle Times
- State lawmakers and advocates push for Amber Alert reform after Chelan County tragedy – KOMO News
We know the Amber Alert system has saved lives, captured criminals, and provided a measure of hope for distraught and devastated families and loved ones. But can it be improved? Are there ways we can further integrate technology? Educate the public? Implement more extensive training for law enforcement?
I don’t believe there is one magic bullet that could have prevented the devastation the Decker family has experienced. But an honest evaluation of a tried and true and proven system should be done. The tragedy in Chelan County could have the slimmest of silver linings and may help save a life in the future.
Caring for drug-addicted infants should be a priority
This session, I had the privilege of touring the Pediatric Infant Care Center (PICC) in Kent, WA with my wife. For 35 years, the PICC has provided care for drug-addicted and drug-exposed infants. We were so impressed with their effort of love, dedication and compassion. The program and the staff have an impressive track record of caring for these vulnerable children who often go through drug withdrawals through no fault of their own.
Unfortunately, it looks like the PICC will have to shutter its doors as it falls victim to politics and state control.
The PICC has received $700,000 in state support for decades that has been supplemented by nonprofits, private donors, and community leaders. This session, however, Democrat budget writers eliminated all funding for the PICC in their initial budget proposals. During negotiations, a bipartisan group of lawmakers were able to secure $100,000 in support to keep the lights on while a plan was being developed to provide further private funding. But Governor Bob Ferguson vetoed this provision.
Then the Department of Children, Youth and Families (DCYF) eliminated the PICC’s referral contract, effectively closing the facility. This was not due to lack of need or questionable care by PICC. This was purely a political move. It is my belief that DCYF wants full control of these babies or wants to send them back to parents who could still be in active drug addiction battles. This is sad and wrong on so many levels.
As House Republicans, we fought to keep the PICC open. You can read a touching and revealing column written by my friend and colleague, Rep. Travis Couture, here:
A victim of Gov. Ferguson’s veto: Kent center for babies exposed to drugs – Rep. Travis Couture/The Seattle Times
And further articles and information here:
- WA facility caring for drug-exposed newborns at risk of closure after state funding cut – Washington State Standard
- Lawmakers rally to save essential care for at-risk babies – KONA Radio
- WA nursery for drug-dependent babies closes after Gov. Ferguson cuts funding – KING 5 News
- WA facility that treats drug-addicted newborns at risk of closure due to budget cuts – The Center Square
- Editorial: Governor’s cut to funding for drug-exposed newborns a shame – Walla Walla Union-Bulletin
Our House Republican Leadership Team sent a letter to the governor and DCYF urging them to reconsider. The letter and press release can be found here:
It is a sad day when private programs filled with love, compassion and dedication fall victim to politics and a desire for total state control. The $100,000 veto was less than “budget dust” in a $78 billion operating budget. Our most vulnerable deserve better. And I will continue to fight for the PICC and other facilities and policies that place our vulnerable populations at the forefront of their mission.
Thank you for reading my email update and for the honor of serving you in the Washington State House of Representatives.
Sincerely,
Brian Burnett
