YAKIMA, Wash. – The Washington State Legislature is deciding whether to close residential habilitation centers at Yakima Valley School along with Rainier School by June 30, 2027.
HB 1472 and its companion bill, SB 5393, would affect residents with developmental disabilities who currently rely on these facilities in Selah and Buckley for care.
The Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) would be tasked with relocating the current residents as proponents of the bill look to shift focus from institutional to community-based care, which is considered more cost-effective and beneficial for individuals’ quality of life.
“It aligns with best practices and is fiscally responsible. We can no longer justify the cost of over a half-million dollars a year per person when the same level of care can be provided in the community at a third of the cost,” Cathy Murahashi on behalf of the ARC of Washington testified during the bill’s public hearing April 5.
However, the decision has drawn opposition. Critics argue that community placement is not suitable for everyone, especially those with complex needs.
Mike Yestrasmski with the Washington Federation of State Employees told the Appropriations Committee that he questions whether the state has the funding or resources to safely serve the residents by the time the facilities close.
“We all know the answer to that question. The answer is no. These are human beings with complex needs, living in facilities that work with what limited funding afforded to them,” Yestramski testified. “We urge you to press pause, don’t dismantle a system until you have something better to offer. The risk is simply too high. People will die.”
The transition plan includes offering state-operated living alternatives (SOLAs) for residents who prefer state-operated services. Additional community support services will be available for those transitioning out of these institutions. The DSHS would also work to provide job opportunities for RHC employees in other state facilities and programs, said language in the bill.
Both bills call for no new admissions to these facilities, except for short-term respite or crisis stabilization services, if passed by the legislature.
HB 1472 is scheduled for executive session in the House Committee on Appropriations on April 8. SB 5393 remains under review by the House Ways and Means Committee.
