Why we Support Prop 1

In February, Spokane city voters will be asked to vote on Prop 1, a measure that will raise money for public safety through funding firefighters and police officers.

The Firefighters Union Local 29 has been a key part of the Spokane Alliance for many years. As they’ve worked with us on issues from Paid Sick Leave to Quality Jobs, they have been fighting against cuts to their own budget. 

We’ve heard the stories. We know that the firefighters are the front line for emergency medical care. As our community grows, firefighters in Spokane have seen the number of 911 calls increase to record highs while the funding to support emergency responders has drastically decreased. Our community is set to lose 48 firefighters who have already been hired, trained and deployed by Spokane Fire Department when a federal grant expires this year.

One large reason their call volume has increased is because people have fallen through the cracks in the health care system and are not getting the care that they need. Health care was the number one issue that surfaced durning our last listening campaign. We’ve heard dozens of stories and know that an adequately funded system is important to our members and the health and safety of our community.

The Details:

• Prop 1, will help keep 30 existing, trained firefighters and add 20 additional police officers.
• It is levy on property that will cost $0.30 per $1,000.00 of assessed value. For example, the owner of a $200,000 house will pay an extra $5 per month.
• Ballots will be sent out this week and the Election Day is Tuesday, February 12th.

Prop 1 will allow the Spokane Fire Department to continue to send the right resources to the right calls, while still being staffed for major emergencies.

In order to implement new and creative strategies that don’t over-criminalize, the levy will also provide funding for an additional 20 police officers, including new officers on a Behavioral Health team and more Neighborhood Resource Officers.

We love Spokane because our growing community is safe, connected, and looks out for one another. As our community grows, the City of Spokane needs resources to ensure our neighborhoods and schools are safe and taken care of.

Here’s how you can help:

Winning this vote will depend on each of us talking to our friends and family, and member of our congregations and unions. We’re asking members of the Spokane Alliance to educate members of your institution about Prop 1. You can use this Fact Sheet here to help. Please let us know if you’d like to set up an information session or invite a fire fighter to speak.