Washington Republican lawmakers stormed out of an executive session on Wednesday, protesting the advancement of a contentious bill aimed at closing Rainier School, a state-run residential habilitation center for individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities.
Located in Buckley, Pierce County, Rainier School is one of four residential habilitation centers currently operated by the state, alongside Lakeland Village, Fircrest School, and Yakima Valley School.
The proposed legislation, Senate Bill 5393, seeks to close Rainier School by June 30, 2027, and mandates the Department of Social and Health Services to relocate existing residents to community settings or other institutional facilities.
Every Republican member of the House Appropriations Committee left in protest as the bill moved forward in the legislative process.
State Rep. Travis Couture, a Republican from Allyn and the committee’s ranking member, expressed strong disapproval of the bill, labeling it one of the most “disgusting, cold-hearted proposals” he has encountered during his time in office.
Couture emphasized the potential dangers posed by the bill, stating, “It puts lives on the line — plain and simple.”
Both Senate and House Democrats have included plans in their budgets to shut down Rainier School, with the House’s proposal also targeting Yakima Valley School for closure.
Proponents of the closures argue that such facilities are outdated and expensive, citing concerns regarding mismanagement and abuse within these centers.
Conversely, critics contend that closing residential habilitation centers would have detrimental effects on the vulnerable populations they serve, as many residents have previously struggled to adapt to community living.
A news release from Republican lawmakers described Rainier School as a vital support system for individuals with significant needs that community services cannot adequately address.
State Rep. Joshua Penner, a Republican from Orting, highlighted that amendments proposed by Republicans aimed to ground the discussions in the reality of previous facility closures, but Democrats have refused to enhance the proposed legislation.
Penner expressed his concern about the bill, stating, “It terrifies a rational person just looking at it.”
He noted the emotional testimony from his GOP colleagues, emphasizing that the issue transcends party lines and affects many families.
Republicans have raised alarms about the lack of a clear plan to protect Rainier School residents following a potential closure, fearing they could end up in jails, hospitals, or on the streets.
Democratic lawmakers, however, assert that they are committed to ensuring safe transitions for residents of Rainier School.
Rep. Darya Farivar, a Democratic representative from Seattle, acknowledged the fears voiced by Republican colleagues yet maintained that the conversation must encompass the current conditions within these facilities, which pose their own set of challenges.
Farivar remarked that RHCs were initially intended for temporary treatment, allowing residents to return to their communities once they had addressed their issues.
However, as time has passed, these facilities have been utilized in ways that diverge from their original purpose, leading to reports of abuse and neglect.
She argued for the necessity of creating a spectrum of choices for residents regarding where they can live next, whether that be another institution or a community setting.
Calling for a reevaluation of financial priorities, Farivar stated, “We can’t pay $800,000 per person, per year, for a really substandard level of care when we could be reinvesting that into the system as a whole.”
She highlighted that individuals could receive better and more cost-effective care in community settings, aligning with the original intent of support for people with disabilities.
Democratic budget writers are actively working to guarantee that funds are reallocated to enhance care at other RHCs if deemed necessary.
Additionally, a new 120-bed nursing facility is planned to open at the Fircrest facility in Shoreline in 2027, as part of efforts to provide alternative options.
Despite the advancements made by Democrats, Republicans remain staunchly opposed to the proposed closures, vowing to continue their fight.
“I hope better angels become part of our nature and the Democrats don’t pull it to the floor,” Penner stated resolutely. “But if they do, I know every one of my colleagues is ready to take this all the way to the end.”
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