State considers closure of residential facilities for people with disabilities

Ever since he started working at Rainier School in Buckley, Washington, Willis McNabb has been hearing that the state was going to close it. This time, he said it feels more real.

“I’ve never been so worried as I am today,” McNabb said. 

Since 1991, McNabb has worked at Rainier, which gives people with intellectual and developmental disabilities a place to find community, learn, work and receive comprehensive health treatment. 

Today, Rainier is one of four of these centers left in Washington. But, it could close in as little as two years. Lawmakers are dealing with a budget deficit of over $12 billion over the next four years, according to the governor’s office, and the closure could be one way the state tries to curb spending. 

Before he left office, former Gov. Jay Inslee drafted a budget proposal that included closing both Rainier and Yakima Valley School as a way to address the deficit. Now, Gov. Bob Ferguson has signaled that there need to be additional cuts from state agencies, and that cuts should come before the state considers increasing taxes. 

In a January press release from the governor’s office, Ferguson was quoted as saying, “I will not start contemplating additional revenue options until we have exhausted efforts to improve efficiency.”

While his office said he hasn’t made a recommendation on the closures of the two centers, Ferguson has said, broadly, that his proposed cuts would be in addition to what Inslee drafted. In February, he directed state departments to draft proposals of at least 6% in cuts.

Bills to close the centers in both the House and Senate were created by request of the Office of Financial Management. A substitute version of the Senate bill has been drafted that proposes only closing Rainier School, according to the bill’s primary sponsor, Sen. June Robinson. A public hearing on that bill is scheduled for Thursday afternoon.

“This is not a decision that has been made lightly, and we recognize the concerns it raises for residents, their families, and staff,” Robinson wrote over email. “In a difficult budget year, we have had to weigh tough choices while aiming to prioritize care and stability for those affected.”

The House and Senate are both scheduled to share budget proposals the week of March 24.

While lawmakers and state agencies work on the budget, parents like Mark Von Walter are worrying about what will happen to their loved ones. 

Von Walter’s son has lived at Rainier School in Buckley for over 10 years. Before his son moved in, Von Walter said he had three failed community placements. In those settings, Von Walter said his son was isolated, and caregivers lacked the experience and qualifications to meet his needs. 

At Rainier, every time he visits his son, Von Walter says he notices improvements.

“He’s improved cognitive abilities, improved memories,” Von Walter said. “His behavior is better. Just all around, it’s been a great experience.” 

The proposal Inslee drafted to close Rainier and Yakima Valley schools would result in a savings of almost $40 million for the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services. But, because of proposed additions to community care of over $24 million, the Washington Federation of State Employees, which represents workers at the centers, said the actual savings would be closer to $15 million.

“ I think the cost savings are a bogus issue,” Von Walter said. “The disability care that Rainier provides is going to have to be transferred somewhere else.”

Residents have a range of  cognitive abilities, mental health issues and physical abilities. Services at the centers include social, recreational and medical services. Additionally, the centers provide something called respite care, which allows for short-term stays for people whose caregivers might need a break. 

From Von Walter’s experience, that level of care isn’t available in community placements. He said he and his wife are praying that Rainier won’t close, but if it does, the couple will look to one of the remaining state-run residential habilitation centers for their son. 

“I’m in my late 70s,” Von Walter said. “We want to provide a visible, down the road path for good care for our son and we have no idea what they’re going to do. This really leaves us in a lurch without knowing, as our capabilities are diminishing, what’s going to happen to him.”

There are 428 union-represented employees working at Rainier School, according to the Washington Federation of State Employees. 

The state legislature has studied the need for these facilities before, concluding they provided important care. 

Robinson said the substitute bill’s budget proposal included funding for moving 60 residents to new places. She said if the Senate Bill passes, residents would likely move to remaining facilities like there or other community-based settings, and that there would be financial support for these options.

“If the proposed substitute moves forward, the goal will be to ensure every resident has the support they need throughout the transition and access to a safe, well-supported living environment.” Robinson wrote. 

McNabb has witnessed clients do worse when they’ve gone to community placements. The residents he works with may have behaviors that impact their ability to go to doctor’s appointments in the community, McNabb said, which can lead to medical or psychiatric crises that can lead to hospitalization or arrest. 

“That is not kind. It is not good for people. It is not good for the taxpayer. It’s not good for anybody,” McNabb said.