Contact
Frequently Asked Questions
Thank you for contacting the Governor’s Office. Please see the FAQ below for answers to our most frequently asked questions.
Budget � state budgets, budget highlights, Transforming Washington's Budget, temporary layoff
Where do I find information on Washington state budgets?
Where do I find information on Transforming Washington’s Budget and budget ideas?
Business � starting, growing, registration, taxes, licenses & permits
Where do I find help for my business or information on starting a business in Washington?
Where do I find data and information about the business climate and key industries in Washington?
Where do I find help to start exporting my company's products or services?
Complaints � abuse, citizen complaint, consumer complaint, discrimination, whistleblower
Report abuse
Complaint and fraud overview
Consumer protection
Discrimination complaints
Legal complaints
How do I file a complaint against a judge? The Governor cannot intervene in court cases, nor can she overturn the ruling of a judge.
Local government complaints
How do I get help for a local police department, county sheriff, or other city or county employee/agency issue?
The Governor does not have oversight authority over city and county agencies, including local law enforcement. Please contact your local government officials.
Complaints involving local law enforcement should be directed to the local police chief or county sheriff and to the mayor, city council and/or county commissioners.
Complaints involving schools should be directed to your local school district and OSPI. If you have already contacted your local school district and OSPI and were unsuccessful in resolving your issue, contact the Office of the Education Ombudsman.
State government complaints
How do I file a complaint against a state agency or employee?
Each agency has an internal process for filing complaints against an employee. Find agency websites here.
If you are having difficulties working with state agencies on issues pertaining to child abuse, child neglect or child protection, contact the Office of the Family and Children’s Ombudsman.
If you disagree with an agency decision, learn more about the agency’s internal review process. If the agency review does not reverse the decision, you may pursue an appeal.
If you are having difficulties working with an agency and seek help from the Governor, learn whether her staff can connect you with the appropriate agency staff. The Governor cannot change eligibility rules or overturn an appeals decision.
*Please note: Due to HIPAA regulations, state agencies cannot discuss open claims/cases with a third party.
Where do I find more information on the state employee whistleblower program?
Disabilities � employment, rights, resources
Where do I find information on resources for individuals with disabilities?
I have a disability and feel that I have been discriminated against. How do I report this?
Where do I find more information about the Mental Health Ombudsman?
Education � early education, K-12 schools, disabilities and Individualized Education Plans, higher education
My child has a disability. Where do I find information on his/her educational rights?
I suspect my young child has a disability or developmental delay. What should I do?
Emergency management and public safety � preparedness, natural disasters, public health
Employment and economy � jobs, training, unemployment, workers compensation, economic recovery, financial education
-
Where do I find information on finding a job, training and unemployment?
Where do I find information on economic recovery in Washington?
Where do I find information on how federal stimulus funding is being spent in Washington?
-
Where do I find financial education resources?
Environment and natural resources � conservation, permits, salmon, state lands, landowners, resources
Government � budget, elections/voting, local, federal & state government, state laws
-
Federal government
-
How do I seek help for a federal government issue?
The Governor does not have jurisdiction over federal issues. Please contact your federal elected officials for assistance.
-
Immigration � For information on immigration, naturalization, legal permanent residence and U.S. citizenship, please contact the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.
-
Medicare – Please contact Medicare.
-
Social Security – Please contact the U.S. Social Security Administration.
-
Passports � For information on U.S. passports or to check on a pending application, please contact the U.S. Department of State.
-
-
-
Local government
How do I get help for a local police department, county sheriff, or other city or county employee/agency matter?
The Governor does not have oversight authority over city and county agencies, including local law enforcement. Please contact your local government officials.
-
State government
Health Care � health care reform, private insurance, Medicaid, Medicare, other
Where do I find information on how federal health care reform will affect me?
Where do I find information on the Washington Health Program?
Where do I find information on the Health Insurance Partnership for small businesses?
Where do I find information on private health insurance in Washington?
Where do I find information on state medical and mental health services?
Immigration � citizenship, immigration reform, legal permanent residence, state driver's licenses
Immigration is a federal issue, and the Governor has no jurisdiction over federal matters. Please contact the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. If you are having difficulties with USCIS or would like to share your opinion on federal immigration reform, please contact your federal elected officials.
For concerns about access to state driver’s licenses, please contact your state legislators here.
Insurance � auto, health, homeowner, life, long-term care, other
Legal � child support, custody, divorce, legal help, pardon and clemency, prisons
How do I get help with a child custody case, divorce or other personal legal matter?
The Governor’s Office does not have the authority to intervene on behalf of private citizens in child custody or other private legal matters. We can best serve you by suggesting you may want to contact a private attorney for legal advice and assistance.
-
For information on help with visitation, contact Dispute Resolution Centers.
If you cannot afford an attorney, you may be able to find assistance through Northwest Justice Project’s CLEAR at 1-888-201-1014, WIN 211 (dial 2-1-1 or www.win211.org) or www.WashingtonLawHelp.org.
What services are available for victims and witnesses?
How do I request a pardon, clemency or restoration of rights?
Navigating government
Office of the Governor requests � flag, photo, student info, scout troops, invite the Governor to an event
How do I request a Washington state flag?
Due to budget restrictions, we do not provide flags free of charge. You may order one through the Office of the Secretary of State.
How do I request a photo of the Governor?
Due to budget restrictions, our office is no longer providing photos of the Governor. You may download a digital copy here.
How do I request a scouting recognition for my son or daughter?
Our office provides congratulatory letters for in-state scouts only. To receive a letter, please submit a written request with the scout’s name, scouting rank, and address.
Social & Community Services � food assistance, housing, health care, child care assistance, other
Where do I find information about the social service programs available in Washington?
Where do I find foreclosure help?
What services are available for victims and witnesses?
Travel � passports, enhanced license/ID, tourism
Where do I find information on U.S. passports?
For information on U.S. passports or to check on a pending application, please contact the U.S. Department of State.
Where do I find information about an enhanced driver’s license or ID?
Where do I find information on tourism in Washington?
Transportation � SR 520, Columbia River Crossing, Alaskan Way Viaduct, licensing, public transportation
Where do I find information about state transportation projects?
Where do I find information about the Governor’s transportation initiatives?
Where do I find information about public transportation options?
Where do I find information about driver’s and vehicle licenses?
Veterans � benefits, resources, services
If you didn't find what you were looking for, please click here to send a message to the Governor.