The legislative session doesn’t begin until January, but the fight over the 2027–2029 budget has already started, and we need your voice now. State agencies have submitted their budget decision packages to the Governor, who will decide in the coming weeks which to include in his budget proposal. One of those proposals would be […]
[Español abajo] We need your help now. We just received unexpected news that Washington’s statewide Parent to Parent (P2P) program is at risk of losing its contract as soon as 30 days from now after 45 years of successful operation. This program is a vital resource and we cannot lose it, especially now. EMAIL THE GOVERNOR & YOUR LEGISLATORS If P2P is cut, […]
The outcomes of the 2026 elections will play a significant role in shaping the future of our state and our nation. The Arc of Washington State is committed to helping voters make informed decisions by providing information about candidates and their positions on issues that matter to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) and […]
We’re about a month out from the legislative session, but that doesn’t mean things are quiet. Here’s what’s happening and what to watch that matters for people with IDD and loved ones. Responding to Harmful Language Thank you to Senator Claire Wilson, Shawn Latham (SAIL), and Kendra Wolf (People First) for publishing an important op-ed […]
We made it through legislative session—hurray. It was quite a show: a record-breaking 24-hour House floor debate over the millionaire tax, a Senator using an offensive slur about developmental disabilities on the floor, and, as the House prepared to vote on the final operating budget, a fire alarm went off that evacuated the Capitol. You […]
Words should be used with respect to human beings, including those with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Words should never be used to discriminate or dehumanize individuals. Written By Jessica Renner and Shawn Latham from Self-Advocates In Leadership Wednesday, March 4th,, 2026, on the floor of the Washington State Senate, Senator Leonard Christian from the 4th […]
The legislative session is quickly winding down. Bills must be out of the opposite house of origin by Wednesday and out of fiscal committees by March 2. Session adjourns on March 12. Most of our priority bills are still alive — and that is good news. You can view the status of bills here. Last […]
Why Washington Must Invest in Long-Term Planning Now We are almost halfway through the legislative session, and it has been a flurry of activity—hearings, executive sessions, meetings—it’s all a bit of a blur. Wednesday, February 4, marked the first major cutoff, when bills needed to be passed out of policy committees. The next key deadline […]
On a beautiful but cold Wednesday afternoon, hundreds of individuals with disabilities, families, providers, and advocates from across Washington State gathered on the Capitol steps to raise their voices in unity. Their message was clear and urgent: protect the right to community living and preserve the essential services people with disabilities need to live full, […]
The Arc of Washington State is proud to stand alongside 48 members of the Community Advocacy Coalition for Developmental Disabilities and urge legislators to support the consolidation of state-run institutions for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, also known as Residential Habilitation Centers (RHCs). Earlier this month, we sent this joint letter to legislators and […]
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