Protesters Clash With Governor at Mental Health Facility Dedication | Spokane News

Spokane News Today | 2 Min | The Daily News Now! · Aug 29, 2026 · 1m

A new $1 billion psychiatric facility on the Western State Hospital campus got its final beam — but not without drama. Governor Bob Ferguson celebrated the milestone, touting the future of mental health care and court-mandated reforms. Meanwhile, just yards away, state workers chanted “No contract! No peace!” protesting stalled negotiations over their collective bargaining agreement. The union, representing thousands, has rejected every proposal and plans walkouts to force action — all while the governor called the protest an “interesting choice” to disrupt a worker celebration. With…