Budgeting Over Human Lives: Saving Disability Care

we didn't force a transition oversight plan, we did this: https://houserepublicans.wa.gov/rainier-yakima-valley-schools/

The Fight for Our Residents

The 2025 legislative session brought a grave crisis to the doorstep of our state. The majority party attempted to force the closure of critical Residential Habilitation Centers (RHCs). They targeted facilities that provide 24/7 care to our most profoundly disabled adults. This reckless plan ignored the harsh reality of our current infrastructure. It left vulnerable residents facing the terrifying prospect of homelessness or death.

The state lacked any viable community care alternative. This failure placed our most vulnerable neighbors in immediate danger. The opposition viewed these human beings as mere spreadsheet line-items. They prioritized irresponsible budgeting over the lives of Washington citizens. I saw the danger clearly, and I heard the cries for help from families who feared for their loved ones.

The Root of the Crisis

I stood on the House floor to address this systemic breakdown. I realized that this issue extended far beyond a single piece of legislation. The core problem involves a fundamental failure in our state's ability to execute basic functions. Closing these facilities without a safety net is an abdication of our moral duty.

"Right now in two years we will not have the enhanced behavioral support... And I fear some of them (the profoundly disabled adults we care for) will die."

A Victory for Accountability

I fought this closure with every tool at my disposal. I worked tirelessly to stop the destruction of these essential facilities. We successfully killed the Senate version of the closure bill. My efforts forced the legislature to keep these facilities open. We fought to protect the Rainier and Yakima Valley schools (https://houserepublicans.wa.gov/rainier-yakima-valley-schools/), ensuring that our residents were not immediately abandoned. We ensured that no further closures could occur without a concrete, safe plan in place.

This victory belonged to the families and the residents. We proved that we can stand against reckless policy. We proved that we can protect those who cannot protect themselves.

Bringing Balance Back to Washington

Our work does not end with this legislative session. We must take Washington back. We need to bring balance to Olympia. I want a state where government executes the basics flawlessly. We need a government that builds, houses, and budgets with competence and care.

The extremes in our legislature continue to threaten our stability. We must reject the politics of convenience. We must reject the politics of neglect. I am committed to being the adult in the room. I will continue to advocate for common sense and fundamental stability. We must stop the extremes and start focusing on the essential duties of state government. We must protect the vulnerable and ensure our community remains strong.