CAC Legislative Breakfast Summary

/in /by Sarah

CAC Legislative Breakfast Summary
A celebration of progress and a call to action for our community

 

The Arc of WA is grateful to be an integral member of The Community Advocacy Coalition (CAC), a dynamic alliance comprising over 50 community-based organizations serving individuals with developmental disabilities. The CAC brings together self-advocates, parents, providers, and allies united by our shared commitment to ensure that people with disabilities thrive in inclusive, supportive communities. To join this coalition, organizations must demonstrate not only service to the community but also endorse our guiding values— “Many Voices One Vision”.

On June 24th, the CAC hosted its annual legislative breakfast at the Radisson Hotel in SeaTac. This gathering provided an invaluable opportunity to acknowledge the dedication of our legislators and highlight key issues impacting our community. We are deeply grateful to the eight legislators who took time from their busy schedules to engage with us and hear our voices.

 

Highlights of Our Advocacy Focus:

Housing
We expressed our sincere gratitude for allocating a historic $50 million to the DD Housing Trust Fund Set Aside in the state Capital Budget. Continued investment in housing is critical for individuals living at 15% Area Median Income, many of whom require specialized and supported housing options. Ensuring stable, affordable housing remains a top priority to promote independence and community integration.

 

 

Workforce
We thanked lawmakers for the recent enhancements to rates in community-based residential services, including Supported Living, Home Caregiver Wages, and Adult Family Homes. These funds are vital to sustaining a qualified workforce. We also emphasized the need for ongoing support to achieve rate increases that keep pace with the cost of living, especially for Supported Living services, which are currently not bargained or forecasted.

 

Special Education
We celebrated significant legislative victories—removing the cap on funded enrollment, increasing the education multiplier, extending the right to special education through the age of 22, and granting greater flexibility for spending via the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction. We underscored the importance of Washington State upholding the rights of students with disabilities, even if federal protections weaken. Washington state must ensure students are not discriminated against, segregated, or denied access to an inclusive, equitable education.

Employment
While appreciating the appropriation of funds to boost employment and community inclusion in 2024, we raised concerns over the recent reallocation of $50 million, which risks diminishing outcomes and community capacity. We stressed the importance of maintaining and strengthening employment initiatives, particularly for graduating high school students, to preserve Washington’s leadership in the nation for employment opportunities for individuals with IDD.

 

Support for Families
We thanked legislators for increasing respite care rates even when the budget was incredibly tight, and for prioritizing the needs of over 15,000 senior families in our state who require support for planning for the future. We called attention to the need for strategic investment in tiered rates that support individuals with higher needs.

Additionally, we expressed appreciation for continued investments in programs like Parent to Parent, Informing Families, and Information & Education. We highlighted how vital these low-cost, high-impact family support programs are, especially when services are scarce.

OUR THREE KEY MESSAGES:

Protect Our Services: Ensure that Community Services are not cut. These services are not optional! Individuals need these services to live. Our state has a moral obligation to ensure this population is cared for. Individuals with I/DD receive an array of services from many agencies, so when State cuts happen, they end up receiving multiple cuts, which hurts their ability to live successfully in the community. Equal cuts across state agencies are not equitable for people with I/DD.

 

Protect Community Living: The right to live in the community must be protected.  We need to strengthen our community safety net so that everyone has access to what they need.  We must shift resources from institutions to community-based care to prevent future institutionalization.

 

 

Protect Civil Rights: Every person with a disability has the right to live, work, learn, and play in the community.  We must ensure that people with disabilities are not denied services, provided unequal treatment, or relegated to segregated settings

 

This event not only highlighted our community’s needs but also reinforced our collective resolve to advocate for policies that promote inclusion, independence, and equity for all individuals with disabilities. We thank everyone involved in making this breakfast a meaningful step forward in our ongoing efforts.

Pictures from the event: 

 

Honoring Mike Raymond

/in /by Sarah

Honoring Mike Raymond

By: Shawn Latham 

Mike Raymond, a Washington State self-advocacy leader, was born in 1947 and passed away on September 17.  Mike advocated over the last 50 years to shut down the Developmental Disability Institutions, also called Residential Habilitation Centers. In particular, Mike fought for the closure of Rainier School in Buckley, one of the remaining four institutions. Mike lived at Rainier School from 1949 to 1969. He was put into Rainer after doctors told his mom he would be better off being there. Later on, the staff told him that his mother had passed away, which was a lie. During his time at Rainier, he experienced and saw many instances of abuse.  He often had to push heavy blocks, walk in perfect lines, wear clothing like straightjackets, or be put into isolation when being punished. Mike also witnessed workers there using damp cloths to choke other residents.

Thankfully, in 1969, thanks to his sister’s help, Mike was able to leave Rainier and move into a group home. He was also able to reconnect with his mother. After a while, Mike married his sweetheart Dianne, whom he met at Rainier.  Mike and Dianne proved many people wrong when they decided to do what most couples do: get married, move into their own place, and start a family.  They were excited to welcome a daughter into their life named Tera, who is now a teacher in Wisconsin with a family of her own.  Mike was very proud of his daughter and all of her accomplishments. He even started to root for the Green Bay Packers in her honor, even against his local Football team, the Seattle Seahawks.

During his career after leaving Rainier, he was dedicated to helping others with intellectual and developmental disabilities acquire skills to achieve as much independence as he and his wife had. Mike worked for Self-Advocates of Washington as a community trainer, among various other jobs he did. He helped to start other key Washington State organizations like People First of Washington, Self Advocates in Leadership, Allies in Advocacy, Pave, and Northwest Services for Independent Living.  Mike also served on numerous boards, including the Washington State Developmental Disabilities Council, Disability Rights of Washington, and the Tacoma Area Coalition of Individuals with Disabilities (TACID).

Mike loved to help anyone he came into contact with, and he also enjoyed joking around with people and ensuring they were having a good time. He advocated for making his community more accessible to all of us. Mike refused to retire because his dream was to see all institutions close down. Although this hasn’t happened yet, Mike was happy that the State passed SB 5393 this year, which stopped any new admissions there.

As we all remember and reflect on Mike’s life, I know he would want us all to remember his famous saying, “What do we want? Shut them Down!”

 

 

In 2015, Disability Rights Washington shared a video highlighting Mike’s story. Mike was institutionalized for twenty years in Washington State and then went on to work as a community trainer and is a disability rights advocate. Watch the video below.

RELEASE: Disability advocates letter to DSHS urges alternative campus uses for Rainier School

/in , /by Stacy Dym

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

September 12, 2025

CONTACT: Stacy Dym, stacy@arcwa.org, Executive Director of The Arc of Washington State

Closing the Rainier School: Disability advocacy organizations urge DSHS Secretaries to seek alternative campus uses

SEATTLE, WA – The Arc of Washington State and seven affiliated local chapters of The Arc sent a letter this week to the interim and incoming directors of The Department of Social and Human Services (DSHS) urging them to continue their transition away from the existing, outdated institutional model for care of people with developmental disabilities. Attached to the letter, The Arc included their full answers to the four questions posed in a DSHS ninety-day public comment period that resulted from SSB 5393: Closing the Rainier School.

In their recommendations for how to mitigate the impacts of closure, The Arc reminds the state of Washington’s long history of supporting hundreds of previous residents and families during successful transitions from RHCs to community-based care over the past several decades. They cite the specific transition planning guidelines that are outlined in numerous legislative reports from 2019 through 2023 and urge the prioritization of person-centered planning. They acknowledge that while some institutions have provided necessary care in the past, we now have the capacity and responsibility to offer something better: person-centered, inclusive services that support individuals to live, work, and thrive in the communities of their choice.

Despite fervent, decades-long advocacy to close congregate institutions like Rainier School (also called a Residential Habilitation Center, or RHC) led by people with intellectual and development disabilities who are directly at-risk of institutionalization, the state legislature allowed logistical concerns to delay the closure of Rainier School and impede our progress towards a more just, compassionate, and inclusive system of care for people with developmental disabilities.

The Arc wrote in their concluding answer of the public comment:

“The Rainier School campus represents valuable state assets that can better serve Washington residents through alternative uses aligned with evidence-based practices and civil rights principles. The current campus utilization represents a significant underuse of state resources and flies in the face of current research on outcomes and civil rights protections for people with developmental disabilities. Any alternative use should maximize the productive capacity of this substantial state investment. A thoughtful transition process can honor the economic needs of Buckley, protect state employment, and redirect these resources toward other populations who could benefit from comprehensive residential services delivered in a more appropriate and effective manner.”

About The Arc of Washington State

In 1936, The Arc of Washington State was formed by parents of institutionalized children with intellectual/developmental disabilities (IDD) who believed their children deserved more – to be included in their communities and to pursue fulfillment and happiness just like everyone else. The Arc has played a pivotal role in changing the public perception of disability and demanding better opportunities for every child’s future. The Arc’s mission is to promote and protect the human rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and actively support their full inclusion and participation in the community throughout their lifetimes. Learn more about The Arc of Washington State at arcwa.org.

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DSHS Letter - Rainier Public Comment - 9.9.2025

Critical Developmental Disabilities Infrastructure is at Risk

/in , /by Sarah

Contact Congress: Critical Disability Services Are at Risk

Thank you for your powerful advocacy throughout this challenging year. We know it can be discouraging at times, but please remember: your voice is making a difference. Every story you share, every call you make, and every message you send reminds Congress that people with disabilities and their families are paying attention.

Because of you, lawmakers know we are watching—and they are feeling the pressure.

Congress is back in session after the August recess, and they are now making decisions about next year’s federal budget. The stakes could not be higher for people with disabilities and their families.

 Federal Disability Programs on the Chopping Block

Key programs under the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act (DD Act) are at risk, including:

  • State Councils on Developmental Disabilities (DD Councils)
  • Protection & Advocacy (P&A) Systems
  • University Centers for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDDs)
  • National Technical Assistance and Training Network

These programs:

  • Support inclusive education, employment, and community living.
  • Fund research and data on disability issues.
  • Train providers, families, and self-advocates to improve outcomes nationwide.
  • Defend rights, prevent abuse, and promote inclusion through advocacy and innovation.

Without them, the health, safety, and future of people with disabilities in every state would be at risk.

What’s Happening in Congress

  • The Senate has advanced a budget that keeps these programs “flat funded”—holding them at current levels, despite growing demand and rising costs.
  • The House is still debating its budget, but reports indicate they are considering deep cuts that could dismantle or entirely eliminate these programs.

Threats to Inclusive Education

Congress is also weighing proposals that would weaken the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) by merging key funding streams into a block grant. This dangerous move could:

  • Cut funding for preschool services for children with disabilities.
  • Reduce the pipeline of special education teachers, counselors, therapists, and paraprofessionals.
  • Strip schools of resources they need to support students with disabilities.

Take Action Now

We need a federal budget that invests in people with disabilities—not one that dismantles 50 years of hard-won progress.

Tell your Members of Congress to:

  • Reject harmful cuts
  • Fully fund the DD Act and IDEA
  • Protect the rights, education, and inclusion of people with disabilities in every community

Send a message to Congress today: Protect disability services. Fund our future.

Act Now!

State-Level Challenges Ahead

Washington State legislators are already bracing for a difficult session, with pressure mounting from anticipated cuts to Medicaid, SNAP, and other essential programs. Additional budget challenges are looming:

  • On September 23, the next State Revenue Forecast will be released. Early signs suggest a “down” forecast—making cuts even more likely.
  •  On September 4, Governor Ferguson announced that new federal tariffs are projected to cause $2.2 billion in lost revenue over the next four years.
  •  Nationwide, The Arc of the U.S. is tracking troubling trends: states are already implementing 3% average cuts to Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) and 8–10% cuts to Intermediate Care Facilities (ICFs).

With Washington’s legislative session beginning in January, we will need all hands on deck to defend critical disability services and supports.

How you can prepare:
Stay tuned for upcoming advocacy webinars in December that will give you the tools and strategies to make your voice heard when it matters most.

Together, we can ensure people with disabilities have the services and support they need to thrive.

In community,

Cathy Murahashi

Public Policy Specialist

HR1 Medicaid Cuts: What Happened and What’s Next

/in , /by Sarah

HR1 Medicaid Cuts: What Happened and What’s Next

On July 4, the President signed into law HR1—“The Big Beautiful Bill Act,” a sweeping budget reconciliation package that makes historic cuts to healthcare, nutrition, and disability services. These revisions represent some of the most impactful and harmful changes to Medicaid and SNAP (food assistance) in recent history. They deeply affect people with disabilities, families, and communities nationwide, jeopardizing decades of progress and advocacy in disability rights.

What Does HR1 Do?

Massive Cuts to Healthcare and Nutrition

  • 17 million people are projected to lose their healthcare coverage by 2034
  • Cuts Medicaid funding to states by 20%
  • Largest cut to SNAP in U.S. history—a 20% reduction in state funding
  • Enacts work requirements for individuals age 19-64, who must work, or volunteer 80 hours a month
  • Requires more frequent eligibility verification- every 6 months rather than every 12 for adults
  • It limits how states can raise money to match their Medicaid responsibilities.

These cuts target core programs that support health, independence, and basic needs for millions of Americans—including people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).

It Costs Shifts to the States

States will now be responsible for administering these changes without funding to implement them.  They will then be forced to make difficult decisions about where cuts are made.

What Does It Mean for People with Disabilities?

While some work requirement exemptions exist:

  • Individuals on SSI or Medicaid waivers are exempt from work requirements
  • But 35% of Medicaid expansion enrollees have disabilities and do not receive SSI—they may still be subject to work rules

Even more troubling:

  • Medicaid waiver services (such as supported living, employment supports, and personal care) are considered “optional”, making them especially vulnerable under budget pressure.
  • State Legislators could respond by:
    • Narrowing eligibility for services
    • Lowering provider rates
    • Not funding new Waiver slots, which would create waitlists for services
    • Cutting services like Dental, Physical, Occupational, and Speech-language services

 Our Advocacy will be essential during the upcoming legislative session.  Our legislators need to hear from you NOW about protecting DD services!

 

 When Do These Changes Begin?

These changes are consequential, but we will not feel them all at once.  Many of the provisions in HR1 will take effect after the 2026 midterm elections. This means there is still time to raise our voices and advocate for changes before implementation begins.

Change Implementation Date
Federal guidance on HR1 Dec 31, 2025
End of ACA premium tax credits Dec 31, 2025
State compliance deadline Dec 31, 2026
Work requirements for Medicaid Dec 31, 2026
Frequent eligibility checks Dec 31, 2026
Cap on provider taxes Oct 1, 2027
End of retroactive coverage Jan 1, 2027
Reduction in State Directed Payments              2028

SNAP-related changes:

  • Work requirements (age 18–65): Start June 1, 2026
  • Child-dependent restrictions: Effective immediately (child is no longer considered a dependent at age 14 rather than age 18)
  • State cost-sharing & immigration restrictions: Begin after guidance is issued in late 2025

Reconciliation vs. Appropriations: Why This Moment Matters

You may be wondering: What’s the difference between the bill that passed (HR1) and what comes next?

HR1 passed through a special process called budget reconciliation:

  • It required only a simple majority in the Senate (51 votes)
  • It could not be filibustered, so it passed quickly with limited debate
  • It can only make cuts to mandatory services, including  Medicaid and SNAP

We are now entering the Federal Appropriations process for the fiscal year beginning Oct 1, 2025. This is a very different process:

  • Appropriations bills can be filibustered, meaning 60 votes are needed in the Senate
  • It focuses on discretionary services, not mandatory
  • This gives advocates and the public more time and power to influence what gets included—or left out
  • Lawmakers are under pressure to find bipartisan agreement

The President’s “Skinny budget proposed drastic cuts to discretionary services, including essential programs and infrastructure for the developmental disability services. But there is good news! The first drafts coming out of the Senate Appropriations Committees are mostly “flat,” and although there is a need for increases, they do not include big cuts.  Which means our continued advocacy is working—and it’s more important than ever.  The budget process still needs to move through the full Senate, and then the House will need to take up the budget bill.  Your advocacy will be essential every step of the way.

These are the discretionary budget programs we are closely tracking in the 2025–2026 Appropriations process.

 Potential Cuts to:

  • Protection & Advocacy systems (e.g., Disability Rights Washington)
  • Developmental Disabilities Councils (funds advocacy work at The Arc and Advocacy Days)
  • Centers for Independent Living
  • University Centers for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDDs)
  • Projects of National Significance
  • Housing & Urban Development: 44% cut and conversion to block grants

Threats to IDEA (Special Education):

Funding Streams would be consolidated into a block grant that could lead to:

  • Reduced preschool programs for children with disabilities
  • Cuts to special education staff, including therapists, counselors, and paraprofessionals
  • Fewer training opportunities for school personnel

Thank You for Making a Difference

We want to extend a heartfelt thank you to every advocate who took action during the HR1 process. Your calls, emails, personal stories, and unwavering advocacy did make a difference. Because of your efforts, harmful provisions were delayed, changed, or softened. Your voice helped protect millions—and it’s needed now more than ever as we enter the appropriations phase.

What Can You Do Now?

Your voice matters. Here’s how to stay involved:

  •  Sign up for Action Alerts from The Arc of Washington and The Arc of the US
  •  Call or email or schedule a visit with your Congressional Delegation -they’re home now!
  •  Schedule a visit with your State Legislators
  •  Write a Letter to the Editor
  •  Tell your story—how has Medicaid helped you or someone you love?
  • Share updates on social media
  • Watch for our Legislative Session overviews starting in December
  • Join us for Advocacy Days starting in January

View the recording of our Medicaid Matters Update here.

The Fight Continues

This moment demands urgent, unified advocacy. The Big Beautiful Bill is a wake-up call: critical services for people with disabilities are on the line. We cannot allow these cuts to quietly reshape the future of healthcare, food access, and disability rights in America.

Stay informed. Speak out. Stand with us.

You’re invited to our Community Input Session on July 17th

/in /by Stacy Dym

On July 17th, we’re inviting our community to participate in The Arc of Washington State’s 5-year Strategic Planning process for 2025-2030. As we approach our 90th year of serving as Washington state’s oldest grassroots advocacy organization fighting for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and their families, we are inviting our members to join us as we look forward and plan our next steps. 

Thursday, July 17th
6:00 – 7:30 PM
zoom link sent after RSVP

This all-member meeting will be facilitated by Tim Corey. Our goal is to gather feedback from our membership about what our strategic goals should be over the next five years as a statewide organization serving people with IDD and their families across Washington state. After the meeting is completed, all input will be incorporated into the new Strategic Plan to be reviewed and approved by the board of the Arc of Washington State at the Annual Membership Meeting on September 20, 2025.

CLICK HERE TO RSVP

 

This event is intended for all members of The Arc of Washington State and our local county chapters. If you are not yet a member, your registration for this event will sign you up as a free member of the state chapter. By signing up, you are joining the ranks of a powerful grassroots movement that is  family-focused. Adding your name ensures that we are accurately representing the number of supporters of this community. Thank you for joining us for this important step in our organization’s journey!

We’ll see you there,

The Arc of Washington State

We hosted the country’s first bipartisan DD legislative symposium last week

/in /by Stacy Dym

Last week was an historic week in Washington. Despite the news swirling around us about the federal government’s proposed catastrophic cuts to Medicaid, our team was proud to gather with dozens of legislators from Washington and across the country, including North Carolina, Iowa, Arizona, Arkansas, Utah, Alaska, West Virginia, Georgia, Nevada, Kansas, Florida, and Idaho. Together, we sat down to start an essential national conversation about what comes next for policy impacting the care and treatment of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and their families.

Representative Jamila Taylor from Federal Way (the 30th legislative district) led the way as the co-host of our three-day gathering. Together, we pulled off the first bipartisan national Developmental Disabilities Legislative Symposium right here in Washington state. Our goal in gathering together was to identify opportunities for states to take responsibility for the IDD community within the context of the federal government’s actions. After two days of legislator discussions and presentations from national experts, Washington elected officials were joined on the third day by a large contingent of IDD community members – including  state agency staff, community leaders from the Community Advocacy Coalition, and local thought-leaders – for a deeper dive into local policy questions and round-table conversations.

“This week we established a national working cohort of legislators who will prioritize people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families,” said Representative Jamila Taylor in a press release about the symposium. Representative Taylor was the symposium co-host, is the chair of the bipartisan Developmental Disability (DD) Advocacy Caucus in the Washington state legislature, and is the twin sibling to her brother who has a developmental disability.

“With our national debate about the role of Medicaid and state responsibilities coming to heightened levels, Washington state’s DD Advocacy Caucus is leading the national conversation about how we can collectively call out systemically ableist, arbitrary, and oppressive policies that keep people with IDD and their families from thriving.  I am proud of the work we’ve done and am ready to move this cohort and our country forward from talk into action.”

In the coming weeks, we will have even more to share about the outcomes of our community discussions. In the meantime, I’d like to invite you to take a look at the presentation slides from our presenters and check out the photo gallery at this link.

Check out the Symposium presentations and photo gallery

CLICK HERE

A group of approximately 50 adults gathered for a group photo and smiling at the camera

This kind of gathering of community members and elected officials is an essential part of the democratic process. In order to ensure that we are building solutions that center the humanity of people with IDD, we must first start by sharing our stories and creating space for authentic connection and dialogue. I look forward to working alongside our legislative champions to address the community’s top priority issues in 2026 and beyond.

Thank you for standing alongside us as supporters of The Arc.

In community,

Stacy Dym

A group of approximately 50 adults gathered for a group photo and smiling at the camera

Washington State hosts first bipartisan national Developmental Disabilities Legislative Symposium

/in , /by Stacy Dym

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

June 18, 2025

CONTACT: Stacy Dym, stacy@arcwa.org, Executive Director of The Arc of Washington State

 

Washington State hosts first bipartisan national Developmental Disabilities Legislative Symposium

SEATTLE, WA – Washington state Representative Jamila Taylor (D-30) convened state legislators from across the country in Seattle June 11-13, for the first bipartisan national Developmental Disabilities Legislative Symposium. Legislators worked together over three days to address critical federal and state-level policies impacting the care and treatment of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and their families across the country. The symposium was coordinated by The Arc of Washington State.

“This week we established a national working cohort of legislators who will prioritize people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families,” said Representative Jamila Taylor, symposium co-host, chair of the bipartisan Developmental Disability (DD) Advocacy Caucus in the Washington state legislature, and the twin sibling to her brother who has a developmental disability. “With our national debate about the role of Medicaid and state responsibilities coming to heightened levels, Washington state’s DD Advocacy Caucus is leading the national conversation about how we can collectively call out systemically ableist, arbitrary, and oppressive policies that keep people with IDD and their families from thriving.  I am proud of the work we’ve done and am ready to move this cohort and our country forward from talk into action.”

On Friday, June 13th, the third day of the symposium, members of the Washington IDD community were invited to join legislators for a day of roundtable conversations. Attendees discussed strategies for addressing gaps in services, storytelling for policy change, housing options, technology access, and how to meet the needs of people with IDD from diverse cultural backgrounds.

The symposium was coordinated by The Arc of Washington State, the state’s oldest grassroots advocacy organization representing people with IDD and their families. “This kind of gathering of community members and elected officials is an essential part of the democratic process,” said Stacy Dym, Executive Director of The Arc of Washington State. “In order to ensure that we are building solutions that center the humanity of people with IDD, we must first start by sharing our stories and creating space for authentic connection and dialogue. I look forward to working alongside our legislative champions to address the community’s top priority issues in 2026 and beyond.”

Representative Darya Farivar (D-46), a founding member of the Developmental Disability Advocacy Caucus, supported the logistics of the symposium. “It was a privilege to gather with so many dedicated community members and legislators to discuss issues and strategies to strengthen a responsive, community-based, person-centered system of care,” said Representative Farivar. “This gathering was an opportunity to celebrate the resilience and permanence of disability identities, the influence of cultures, and knowledge systems which have shaped and continue to impact our care systems at large. Now, we must work together to protect the civil rights and essential, life-saving services for people with IDD.”

Although DD Advocacy caucus member Representative Stephanie Barnard (R-8) was unable to attend in person, she welcomed the symposium’s attendees with a short video: “We are finally building a cohort that is dedicated to prioritizing the IDD community,” she told to legislators gathered. “Events like this create transformational change. This issue transcends party lines because we feel this to our core. Our community as a whole will benefit from our collective focus on people with developmental disabilities. Why are inclusive societies so strong? Because we’re better together.”

About The Arc of Washington State

In 1936, The Arc of Washington State was formed by parents of institutionalized children with intellectual/developmental disabilities (IDD) who believed their children deserved more – to be included in their communities and to pursue fulfillment and happiness just like everyone else. The Arc has played a pivotal role in changing the public perception of disability and demanding better opportunities for every child’s future. The Arc’s mission is to promote and protect the human rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and actively support their full inclusion and participation in the community throughout their lifetimes.

Learn more about The Arc of Washington State at arcwa.org.

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Devastating Medicaid cuts revealed

/in , /by Sarah

Devastating Medicaid cuts revealed

On Mother’s Day, in the dead of night, the House of Representatives’ Commerce & Energy Committee released a plan that threatens to impose historic and harmful cuts to Medicaid. After waiting since January for details, we now see the full scope of these proposed reductions — and they are cruel and unacceptable.

The House has already begun “markup” — the review and amendment process — on this bill. The goal is to pass it next week before Memorial Day and send it to the Senate, where they hope to vote on it by July 4th. We must raise our voices now to oppose these harmful and cruel cuts. 

EMAIL Congress Today

If you want to call instead, this link below will direct you to call the Hands Off Medicaid Hotline (866-426-2631) and ask you to enter your zip code before directing you to your representative. When you leave your message, tell them that you oppose cutting Medicaid. If you benefit from Medicaid, you can also share how it would personally impact you.

Click Here to Call

Staggering Impact of the Bill:
The Congressional Budget Office projects that this bill will slash $912 billion over the next decade, with $715 billion coming directly from Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act— more than the initial target of $880 billion. These cuts will cause approximately 8.6 million people to lose their health coverage.

Who Will Be Hurt:
People with disabilities, seniors in nursing homes, and vulnerable populations will bear the brunt of these cuts. The proposed measures make it harder to maintain Medicaid coverage by adding complex administrative requirements. This means individuals who lack the time, ability, or resources to navigate paperwork will be kicked off the rolls, creating false “savings” that only lead to more illness, disability, and hardship.

How Are These Cuts Coming?
The plan increases bureaucratic hurdles that strain state budgets already under pressure from rising Medicaid costs. Washington State would be forced to divert funds to costly new infrastructure and staffing to enforce these rules. As a result, essential but “optional” services — including personal care, dental, pharmacy, therapies, and medical equipment — are at risk of significant reductions, especially for those relying on Home and Community-Based Services.

A Troubling Echo of History:
Past recessions show that Medicaid cuts lead to reduced support for older adults and people with disabilities, often resulting in worse health outcomes and increased institutionalization. For more on this history, see: What happened during the Great Recession.

What Can You Do?

  • Speak Up: Contact your Congressional representatives TODAY. Urge them to “Stop the Cuts to Medicaid!” Explain that these reductions threaten the health, independence, and dignity of millions in our communities.
  • Get Involved: Join us on Wednesday,May 21st at 7 PM for our Medicaid Webinar, where we’ll provide updates and actionable steps to protect Medicaid for those who need it most. Register Here

Together, we can stand against these unjust cuts. Protect Medicaid. Preserve vital services for individuals with disabilities.

– Cathy Murahashi, Public Policy Specialist, The Arc of Washington State

Sine Die: 2025 Legislative Session Wrap-Up

/in , /by Sarah

 

Sine Die: 2025 Legislative Session Wrap-Up

On Sunday afternoon, the gavel fell, and just like that, the 2025 legislative session came to a close. It was a session filled with highs and lows, drama, controversy, and moments so intense they were “better than TV.” In the end, a budget was passed, compromises were made, and everyone went home exhausted—but not without some hard-won victories.

Budget Highlights: Protecting Core Services for People with I/DD

As we unpack the newly passed budget, the most important news for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) is this: essential services were protected.

Despite a looming budget shortfall, we can breathe a collective sigh of relief. The legislature:

  •  Did not narrow eligibility for DDA services
  •  Did not change the CARE assessment to reduce personal care hours
  •  Did not limit waiver services
  • Did not cut provider rates

All of these were potential threats on the table—and thanks to your advocacy, they didn’t happen. Every call, email, and conversation mattered. Your work made a difference.

There were even modest investments in services, which is remarkable considering the budget shortfall.

  • A 15% rate increase for Community Respite programs, plus an additional hour of respite per month. This reflects the work done by advocates to educate legislators about the need for “more” social engagement for people with I/DD. Although this in no way addresses the entire problem, it is an acknowledgement of the need.
  • A 2% increase for Community Residential services—not enough to match inflation, but better than nothing

Capital Budget

There was a $50 million allocation from the Housing Trust Fund specifically for housing for people with I/DD—a tenfold increase from typical sessions!

Thanks to strong advocates who, over the past 2 biennia have educated legislators about the need for 37,000 units of housing for people with I/DD in Washington. This housing investment will be one of the lasting legacies of former Speaker Frank Chopp, whose leadership on this issue has been transformative. His absence will be deeply felt.

Legislative Wins: Special Education

This session brought historic changes in special education policy and funding:

  • SB 5263 – The Cap is Gone!
    School districts will now have access to funds under the special education funding formulas for all of the special education students they identify and will not be capped at 16% of their total student population. This is a game-changer, especially for small and rural districts.
  • $350 million in new investments for Special Education, including:
    • A higher funding multiplier for K–12 students
    • Relinking infant/toddler supports to K–12 funding levels
  • SB 5253 – Ending the Birthday Cliff
    Students in Special Education can now stay in school until the end of the academic year in which they turn 22, instead of being forced out on their 22nd birthday.
  • Continued funding for inclusive practices, including new demonstration sites
  • While HB 1795 (Restraint and Isolation) didn’t pass, funding was included in the budget for the “Reducing Restraints and Eliminating Isolation” training initiative for teachers and districts.

Civil Rights Progress

Some key bills passed this year will directly improve the lives of people with disabilities:

  • SB 5680 – Right to Repair Mobility Equipment
    Individuals can now repair their own equipment or use independent shops—cutting down on costly and lengthy delays from dealer-only repairs.
  • SB 5501 – Ending Unnecessary Driver’s License Requirements
    Employers can no longer require a driver’s license unless the job specifically requires driving—ensuring fair access to employment for people who don’t drive.

Other Bills of Interest

  • HB 1130 – Waiver Prioritization- This bill importantly adds “individuals over the age of 45” as a priority population. This should allow more senior families to be able to plan and receive services before they are in crisis.

Disappointments: Rainier and the Road Ahead

One of the most contentious bills of the session, SB 5393, proposed the closure of the Rainier Residential Habilitation Center. Although it technically passed, the final version was significantly weakened—redefining “closure” as simply “no new admissions.”

For many advocates, this was a bitter pill. After months of testifying, educating legislators, and waiting outside chamber doors, the final result felt like a step sideways—not forward.

The debate also revealed deeply troubling attitudes. Harmful and outdated language about people with disabilities resurfaced during testimony and floor debates, underscoring the critical need for continued education and advocacy.

It’s clear: the legislature has not yet fulfilled its promise to support a fully inclusive community. Until serious investments are made in community-based services, RHCs like Rainier will continue to exist—not because they are needed, but because the alternatives have not been adequately funded.

We at The Arc remain committed to advocating for all people with I/DD and for the services that allow every individual to live a good and meaningful life in the community.

 

What’s Next: How You Can Help

Advocacy doesn’t end when the gavel falls. Here’s how you can stay involved:

Thank Your Champions

  • Rep. Darya Farivar – for leading the charge on SB 5393 and HB 1130. She showed tremendous courage and heart in her negotiations and House floor speeches. Let her know you noticed.
  • Rep. Jamila Taylor – as chair of the Legislators’ Developmental Disabilities Caucus, her leadership was vital. Representative Taylor laid the groundwork by educating her colleagues on our issues throughout the year and was a presence in her Caucus and on the House floor whenever a bill impacted the DD Community.  Send her a thank-you note.
  • Rep. Stephanie Barnard, Senator John Braun, and Senator Paul Harris spoke up for RHC closures and ensured that 5393 was ultimately passed. Their advocacy was in opposition to others in their caucus and was notable and commendable. Send them a note thanking them for their conviction.
  • Representative Julio Cortes was also a leader on 5393; a note of encouragement would be appreciated.
  • Representative Gerry Pollet and Jamie Pedersen were champions for Special Education; tell them how much you appreciate their leadership.
  • Other bill sponsors – See our bill tracker to find out who helped and give them your appreciation.

 Educate Your Legislators

Many lawmakers lack firsthand knowledge about the needs of people with I/DD. Let’s change that.

  • Attend a town hall this summer—bring a friend, ask a question, share your story.
  • Set up a meeting with your legislator. Tell them what services mean to you and what’s still needed.
  • Engage your community—the more people who understand DD issues, the stronger our voice becomes.

 

Let’s keep the momentum going.

We did good work—but the work isn’t over.

– Cathy Murahashi

 

Upcoming Events

  • Legislative Session Recap – Wednesday, May 7 at 7 PM
    A deeper dive into the wins, losses, and what’s next.

Register here: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/ifkWptZ6RwKCCU93x1aXuA

  • Medicaid Update – Wednesday, May 21 at 7 PM
    Learn what is happening at the Federal Level and what you can do

Register here: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/K316ahZRRFaqBhqzV2BLEg