"The executive branch is simply failing", State Senate Republican Leader, Jon Braun (R-Centralia), tells KVI after the State Dept. of Social and Health Services (DSHS) is sued by 22 Washington counties. KVI's John Carlson calls the lawsuit, "one of the biggest scandals in Washington." Braun points out that in 2014, it took 35 days for subjects to receive competency services and in 2023 it takes 135 days. The lawsuit involves mental and behavioral health services that are required by courts for the criminally accused. Braun itemizes the administrative failures of DSHS and the lack of attention by Gov. Inslee, why the WA Legislature is partially to blame, and concludes: "if it doesn't say climate change on it, the Governor's not interested."