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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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

Letter to legislators from 48 organizations: Close RHCs

/in /by Cathy

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 urged them to pass SB 5393/HB 1472 and further consolidate state-run institutions, give residents the choice to transition safely into community settings as they are able, and create opportunities for investing in the community services that people with disabilities are asking for. As stated in the letter,

“It is critical that adequate services are provided in community settings. Those of us with the most complex needs can and are supported successfully in the community. All relevant research supports the fact that community settings result in improved quality of life in areas such as: integration, social participation, employment, choice-making and self-determination, quality and duration of services, contact with friends and relatives, and other indicators of quality of life.”

As community advocate and leader Shawn Latham said in his guest editorial in The News Tribune this week:

“For those of us at risk of being institutionalized, the closure of these facilities represents Washington’s ongoing commitment to moving away from segregated living and our willingness to invest in care that centers the humanity of people with disabilities.”

We urge the legislature to stand fast with their commitment.

Click here to open the PDF of the letter in a new tab.

CAC_consolidate IDD institutions_0407 2025

Legislative Update: Wait! Just When We Thought We Were Coming to the End!

/in , /by Sarah

Legislative Update: Wait! Just When We Thought We Were Coming to the End!

On March 24th, both the House and Senate released their budgets, and we thought we were on the downhill slope of the legislative session. Then, on the afternoon of April 1st, Governor Ferguson held a press conference stating that he would not sign off on either the House or Senate budgets, citing concerns about sustainability and reliance on tax increases.

What Does This Mean?

Typically, by this stage in session, a small group of legislative leaders move behind closed doors to negotiate a final budget agreement to present to both chambers and the Governor. Now, the House and Senate must go back and adjust their budgets before moving on to the next step of negotiating with the opposite chamber to align with what the Governor will approve. If they don’t reach an agreement, the Governor may call a special session and extend the final deadline for legislators beyond April 27, the scheduled last day of this session.

For us, that means that now is not the time to ease up. Your advocacy is needed to ensure that services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities are protected in the final budget! We need you to continue reaching out to your legislators about the importance of services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD).

Your Voice Has Been Heard—But We Must Keep Pushing!

Both the House and Senate initially protected critical services, including:

  • Maintaining eligibility for Developmental Disabilities (DD) services, ensuring continued access for those in need.
  • Preserving Personal Care hours, maintaining essential support for individuals requiring daily assistance.
  • Keeping Waiver services intact, avoiding reductions in crucial community-based supports.
  • Sustaining provider rates, preventing a decrease that could negatively impact the workforce vital to our community.

These services could now face renewed scrutiny, and we need your advocacy to safeguard them!  Tell your legislators to “Protect Essential Services”.

Small but Meaningful Investments

Despite significant budget constraints, the House and Senate acknowledged the importance of ensuring individuals with I/DD have meaningful activities. Both budgets include a “Day Habilitation” line item that provides:

  • A modest increase in rates for community respite, community engagement, and specialized habilitation (now called “Life Skills”).
  • A slight increase in monthly respite hours (by 1 or 2 hours), which, while small, is a step in the right direction.

If these services are important to you, now is the time to urge legislators to protect this funding in the final budget. If you don’t know who your legislators are, Then, give them a call and tell them which services matter most to you.

The Closure of Rainier RHC

Both the House and Senate budgets include the closure of Rainier Residential Habilitation Center (RHC). The House version also proposes closing Yakima Valley School, while keeping:

  • Overnight planned respite beds
  • Crisis stabilization beds

A big thank you to those who signed in to support SB 5393 and HB 1472! While this is a significant step forward, negotiations are still ongoing. The Arc has an info sheet as well as a resource sheet available for you to share with legislators to ensure informed decision-making.

Concerns Over Residential Services Funding

One area of concern is the lack of parity in Residential Services (Supported Living) funding. The House budget includes a 3% increase in Medicaid provider rates, while the Senate budget provides no increase at all. At a time when we need to strengthen community services, this is a serious oversight. We encourage you to reach out to your Senators and urge them to match the House’s funding level for Supported Living Medicaid provider rates

A Bright Spot: Housing Investments for the I/DD Community

We are excited to see $55 million in the Senate budget and $50 million in the House budget dedicated to developmental disabilities (DD) housing. These investments continue the momentum toward addressing the identified need for 37,000 housing units for individuals with I/DD.

It’s important to note that the Capital Budget is separate from the General Fund, meaning these housing investments are not subject to budget cuts.

The Final Push: Keep Advocating!

While we had hoped to be closer to the finish line, the Governor’s stance means we must keep up the advocacy momentum. Now is the time to make your concerns and support known to your legislators.

Stay informed by following our bill tracker and budget side by side.

At the Federal Level, Medicaid continues to be at risk.  Please continue to reach out to your Congressional Delegation and them “No Cuts to Medicaid”.

Watch our Action Alert Center for updates.

View our Medicaid Resource Page for tools you can use.

Thank you for your continued advocacy. Let’s keep pushing forward!

Save the Dates: 

Legislative Session Wrap Up Webinar

Wednesday, May 7th at 7:00 PM

Come hear how the session ended!

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

 

Federal Advocacy Updates Webinar

Wednesday, May 21st at 7:00 PM

Learn what is happening at the Federal Level and how you can help!

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

 

We hope you can join us!

– Cathy Murahashi

Protecting Community Services: A Critical Moment for Advocacy

/in , /by Sarah

Last Wednesday, spring was in the air—the sun was shining, and a few early daffodils peeked through the grounds of the Capitol. It was a beautiful day, made even more powerful by the nearly 300 advocates who gathered on the steps of the Capitol to rally for community services. SAIL, The Arc, The DDC, Community Residential Services, and other disability advocates united in a strong call for action. Chants of “Shut them down” echoed in response to the proposed closure of Yakima Valley and Rainier schools. Representatives Darya Farivar and Jamila Taylor stood with us, lending their voices in support of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

With looming budget cuts, protecting community services is more critical than ever. Legislators must understand that cutting the community safety net will only lead to costly crises down the road.

Legislative Update

We have now reached the halfway point of the legislative session. Last Friday marked the deadline for bills to move out of committee—those that did not advance are now considered dead. This significantly narrowed the list of bills were are tracking.

This week, legislators will be debating bills on the House and Senate floors. By next Wednesday at 5:00 PM, all bills must be passed out of their house of origin to remain in consideration.

Key Bills Still in Motion

  • HB 1130 has successfully passed out of the House. This bill would prioritize waiver access, particularly for individuals aged 45 and older, who are most likely to be living with aging parents and in urgent need of services.
  • SB 5680/HB  1826 aims to grant individuals the right to repair their own mobility equipment. Currently, even minor repairs can take months—this bill could empower people to fix their equipment themselves, reducing delays and improving quality of life.
  • SB 5501 seeks to eliminate the requirement of a driver’s license for jobs where driving is not a job-related task. This would remove a significant barrier for many people with disabilities who are fully capable of performing job duties but cannot drive.

Budget Concerns

On February 27th, Governor Ferguson proposed an additional $4 billion in budget cuts beyond those outlined in Governor Inslee’s proposal. While this was not a formal budget, it highlighted his priorities: K-12 education and public safety. He also made it clear that more cuts could be coming. You can view our side-by-side comparison of the budgets here.  The House and Senate budgets should be coming shortly.

Although the Governor’s proposed cuts do not currently impact eligibility or service hours, the final House and Senate budgets remain uncertain. House Democrats recently released a document providing insight into what an all cuts budget  might look like—and it’s sobering. This also gives us a glimpse into what the potential federal cuts might bring.

Federal Budget Implications

Two weeks ago, the U.S. House of Representatives voted on a budget resolution, the first step toward a “Budget Reconciliation.” While this does not mean immediate cuts, it does set the overall size of the federal budget and funding allocations for the next decade.

The next step is for it to move to the Energy and Commerce Committee, which oversees Medicaid and Medicare, where it has been tasked with cutting $880 billion from its budget. To put this into perspective, once Medicare and Medicaid are excluded, the remaining budget is only $581 billion. This makes it clear that deep cuts to Medicaid and Medicare are on the table.

If these budget targets pass through the committee, they will proceed to a full House vote. From there, the Senate will negotiate differences between its version and the House’s proposal, where changes could still be made.

What Can You Do?

Massive budget cuts are not inevitable, and there are still many opportunities to advocate for critical community services. Reach out to your state legislators and congressional delegation and tell them why Medicaid matters to you. Your voice can make a difference in shaping the final outcome.

Together, we can protect the essential services that so many people with disabilities rely on. Stay engaged, stay informed, and keep advocating!

Watch the Medicaid Matter Stories Here. 

Navigating the Budget Crisis: Looking to the Past or Investing in the Future?

/in , /by Sarah

Navigating the Budget Crisis: Looking to the Past or Investing in the Future?

This has been a relatively quiet time at the Legislature.  The quiet is likely because legislators are contemplating the reality of the 10- to 12-billion-dollar budget hole and how they are going to manage it.  Devastating cuts could be looming, and it is sobering. The bill cutoff is this Friday, February 21st; many bills will die, especially those that have any fiscal impact. Tough decisions are ahead and the potentially catastrophic cuts at the Federal level make it all the more difficult.  Next week we expect to see Governor Ferguson’s budget released and we anticipate even deeper cuts than were in Governor Inslee’s budget.

Sometimes difficult decisions can present opportunity.  In Governor Inslee’s budget he made the bold recommendation to close Yakima Valley School and Rainier School.  These are both very old institutional facilities for individuals with IDD, also known as Residential Habilitation Centers (RHCs). Rainier opened in 1939 and Yakima Valley in 1958.  At the peak of state-run institutions in the late sixties and early seventies, there were more than 4,000 people with IDD residing at them. Our state still has four RHCs that house about 450 residents with IDD. This represents less than 1% of the Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) caseload but consumes 10% of the DDA budget. The cost for the care of the individuals and the upkeep of the facilities averages almost $1700 a day per person.  In stark contrast, the average daily cost for personal care and all waiver services for individuals living in the family home is only about $170 a day – more cost-effective by a factor of ten.

These facilities opened at a time when families had few supports and options.  Children with disabilities could not go to school and there wasn’t Supplemental Security Income or Medicaid to provide income and services. Families were left to fend for themselves.  These facilities were opened as a way to relieve these families.  Families were told that their child would be cared for throughout their entire life and that keeping them at home would ruin their families.

It is now recognized that with intervention, people with developmental disabilities grow and develop and are capable of achieving major developmental milestones. We have community resources that were not available when these facilities were established. All these factors help parents keep families together and have improved and extended the lives of individuals with IDD.  All the research shows that community-based care is “best practice” for individuals with IDD.

 

The 1999 Olmstead Supreme Court decision made clear that unnecessary institutionalization is discriminatory. Individuals have the civil right to live in their community.  18 states have now closed all their institutions.  Except for Washington, all the West Coast states have closed all of their institutions or have plans to close them in the near future.

We are at an important moment.  The threat of cuts looms large. We may be facing a time of scarcity of services.  Some people think that we need to preserve these institutions as a “last resort” placement. However, if we do this, the cost of these placements will continue to rise, and the availability of community resources will shrink.  The question we need to ask ourselves is “Do we want to continue to look to the past and perpetuate old models or do we want to look to the future and have appropriate community placements as the “last resort”? We need to invest in and strengthen the community so that everyone can live, work, learn, and play in the community.  If not now, when?

Together!

Cathy Murahashi

 

Advocacy Days Blog: Medicaid Matters

/in , /by Sarah

Medicaid Matters

Medicaid is often seen just as healthcare, but it plays a much larger role, especially for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). For these individuals, Medicaid provides critical funding for vital services, including residential, personal care, respite, and job support. In fact, nearly all services from the Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) are funded by Medicaid.

Watch Corinna’s story about why Medicaid Matters to her.

Medicaid is a partnership between the state and federal government. In Washington State, the federal government covers 50% of Medicaid Waiver services, while the state pays the other half. Some services, like personal care, have a slightly different funding ratio of 56% from federal and 46% from state sources.

Why should you care?

Washington State is facing a fiscal crisis that is projected to be between $10 and $12 billion over the next four years. Since most of our DDA services rely on Medicaid funding, state legislators have limited options for budget cuts without risking service reductions, eligibility changes, or decreased rates. Currently, many bills that require additional funding are being “held” until they determine the financial situation.

We know that DDA has been chronically underfunded. Cuts to our system would only cause harm.

Recently, parents Lee Springate and Bob Wheeler published an editorial in the Seattle Times expressing their concerns about cuts to state services.

“All adults with IDD are already facing service cuts because of the acute shortage of qualified caregivers. This is at a time when approximately 2,000 adults with IDD are living at home with parents over the age of 60 and in need of immediate placement outside the family home. The remaining 11,000 adults living at home will need to transition to community placement within the next 10 to 20 years, resulting in an unfunded state liability above $1 billion annually (by year 20).”

While we face these potential cuts at the state level, there are significant threats to funding happening at the federal level that could seriously impact our Medicaid services. These changes could happen quickly, so we need to be proactive with our advocacy.

What Can You Do?

For individuals with I/DD and their advocates, this situation underscores the need to advocate for our Medicaid services. It’s vital to reach out to our state legislators and Congressional representatives to protect these crucial services.

Your voice is crucial in advocating for the future of Medicaid services!

Welcome to the 2025 Legislative Session!

/in , , /by Sarah

Welcome to the 2025 Legislative Session!

Our first live Advocacy Day since the pandemic took place on Wednesday, the 15th. We were thrilled to see 90 advocates in person and 30 more joining us online! It was wonderful to see your enthusiasm and commitment to advocacy.

The day was filled with excitement, including the inauguration of our new Governor, Bob Ferguson. In his inaugural speech, Governor Ferguson outlined his key priorities: providing free school breakfasts and lunches for all public school students, increasing law enforcement presence, protecting reproductive freedom, and expanding housing opportunities. He also emphasized the importance of bipartisanship and collaboration, earning a standing ovation. We hope this is a positive sign for the days ahead.

The inaugural gala was a night of celebration that shined, sparkled, and rock & rolled.  Now that all new legislators have been sworn in, it’s time to get down to the business of lawmaking and budget planning.

Advocacy and Budget Challenges

With a new governor, staff, and legislators, there will be a learning curve on developmental disabilities (DD) issues. If you have a new legislator representing your district, take the opportunity to introduce yourself and share your story—early impressions tend to stick with them.

The state faces a projected $12-14 billion deficit over the next four years. The causes of this deficit vary depending on perspective, but key factors include increased caseloads, new programming that was started with pandemic-era federal funding and inflation. This leaves the legislature with two primary options: cutting services or raising revenue—both of which are unpopular. Agencies have already been instructed to freeze hiring, limit travel, and restrict equipment purchases. Unfortunately, the annual DD Community Summit has been canceled due to budget constraints. Advocacy will be essential to protect our vital services.

Given these financial limitations, new programs requiring significant funding are unlikely to be approved. Instead, policy bills with minimal or no fiscal impact have a better chance of progressing.

Proposed Institutional Closures

In response to the budget deficit, Governor Inslee has put forward a bold proposal to close Yakima Village School and Rainier School. Rainier is a Residential Habilitation Center (RHC), while Yakima Village provides nursing care for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). 18 other states have closed all their institutions entirely, while Washington still retains 4.  Currently, 10% of the Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) budget serves those in RHCs, despite them making up less than 1% of DD clients.

Legislation has been introduced in both chambers to support these closures:

It is critical that with the closure of RHCs, adequate investment in Community Services must be made to ensure a smooth transition to the community. In particular Supported Living needs rate increases so they are prepared to receive new residents.

Key Legislative Bills to Watch

  • HB 1130– Prioritizes individuals for DDA waivers when availability is limited, particularly those aged 45 and older, addressing the need for aging parents to secure long-term supports for their children.
  • HB 1200 & SB 5211– Allows parents of minor children with high support needs (E and High B categories) to be paid care providers.
  • HB 1344– Expands access to respite care by adding it as a service under the Basic Plus Aggregate services.

Several important education funding bills aim to increase special education funding by raising the cap, adjusting multipliers, and enhancing inclusive education. You can track all the bills we are following here: Bill and Budget Tracker

Get Involved!

There are many ways you can participate in advocacy efforts:

If you missed our “Medicaid Matters” town hall, you can view the recording here.

Thank you for your commitment to advocacy. Your voice matters, and together, we can make a difference!

Cathy Murahashi

2025 Advocacy Days Are Here!

/in , , /by Sarah

The 2025 Legislative Session begins on January 13th, presenting us with challenges as the legislature anticipates a $10-12 billion shortfall over the next four years. This means significant cuts, increased revenues, or a combination of both may be necessary. What does this mean for developmental disability services?

We need to advocate for the protection of our essential services!

What Can You Do? 

Join us for Advocacy Days!

Register here to learn more about the issues at hand and how you can help. Advocacy Days will take place weekly on Wednesdays from 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM.

Kick-off Event: January 15th
Join us at United Churches in Olympia for our LIVE kick-off event. The morning program will be live-streamed, and the afternoon will allow you to schedule appointments with your legislators.

Following the kick-off, the rest of the Advocacy Days will be virtual, making it easier for individuals across the state to participate. We are also coordinating with several organizations that will host live rallies in conjunction with our virtual events. Stay tuned for more details!

To view the 2025 Advocacy Days Schedule Visit and Register: https://arcwa.org/advocacy/advocacy-days/

 

Connect with your Legislator!
Many new legislators may be unfamiliar with developmental disability (DD) issues, so now is the time to educate them. Your long-standing legislators also need to hear that DD services must be a priority. Share how important these services are and urge them to protect DD services.

Find your legislator’s contact information here: Legislator Finder. For information on new legislators, visit our candidate site: 2024 Elections.

 

DD Legislative Notebook:

For issue papers and information, check out our DD Legislative Notebook: 2025 Legislative Notebook – The Arc Washington.

Sign up for our Action Network here: Action Network Sign-Up. The Arc of Washington Action Network keeps you informed about important legislative budgets and policy issues that require immediate attention, connecting you directly to your legislators.

You can also subscribe to “News to Know” to receive updates on critical issues affecting individuals with I/DD and their families. Subscribe here: https://arcwa.org/news-to-know-sign-up/

Town Hall: “Medicaid Matters”

Medicaid is more than healthcare, it funds all Home & Community Based Services for people with I/DD. The Arc of Washington State hosted a virtual town hall to discuss more about why it matters, potential service threats, and how you can be involved. Watch the recording here.

Thank you for your continued support. Together, we can make a difference!

Cathy Murahashi, Public Policy Specialist, The Arc of Washington

cathy@arcwa.org

Advocacy Days, part of The Arc’s Advocacy Partnership Project, provide individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities (IDD), their families, and service providers the opportunity to engage in the legislative process, make their voices heard, and influence policy and budget decisions that impact the services and support they receive.