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

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 7^th 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 21^st 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

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! Find your state and federal legislators Call the Hands off Medicaid Hotline: (866-426-2631) Check out the Medicaid Matters information page Share Your Story On Why Medicaid Matters: Tell your Medicaid Story Watch the Medicaid Matter Stories Here.

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.

• Join our Action Network and respond to our alerts.
• Share your Medicaid story by sending a video, picture, and/or statement for our “Medicaid Matters” campaign. (Coming Soon!)
• Watch our Medicaid Matters Townhall video for more information.
• View our bill tracker here.

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