A residential habilitation center in Buckley for people with developmental and intellectual disabilities is one step closer to closure, despite tearful pleas by Republicans not to shutter it. John Sattgast reports from the state Capitol:
Senate Republicans were able to save the Yakima Valley School from closure. But the amended Senate Bill 5393 sets up closure of the Rainier School on the west side of the state by June of 2027.
Supporters argue it would save money. But in Wednesday’s House Appropriations Committee meeting, Republicans such as Pomeroy Representative Mary Dye, whose late brother had severe disabilities, begged to spare the center for the state’s most vulnerable:
“And I just think that what we’re doing here is deeply immoral at a level that will be corrosive to the character of our society and the people in this state.”
Orting Representative Joshua Penner says it abandons those with disabilities:
“Budget constraints are no excuse for abandoning our legal obligations.”
All but two Democrats voted in favor of the bill. Although five more bills were up for a vote, Republicans walked out of the committee in protest.
The measure still must be brought before the full House for a vote before the session adjourns April 27th.
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