Editor’s note: The following is a press release from the Washington State House Republicans.
Rainier School in Buckley will remain open under legislation negotiated by 31st District Representatives Drew Stokesbary and Joshua Penner, preserving critical services for some of Washington’s most vulnerable citizens.
Earlier this session, Democratic lawmakers introduced legislation that would have closed Rainier School by June 2027, forcing residents with profound developmental disabilities from their homes and eliminating hundreds of local jobs. Republicans warned the proposal lacked a clear and responsible transition plan, failed to offer guaranteed placements for displaced residents, and left caregivers with only vague assurances of continued employment at other facilities. They also cautioned that closure would have devastating consequences, including deaths among the vulnerable population Rainier serves.
Stokesbary, who serves as House Republican Leader, and Penner, an assistant ranking member on the House Appropriations Committee, worked closely with Friends of Rainier, Action DD, and the Washington Federation of State Employees — which represent families and caregivers of Rainier School residents — while negotiating with House Democratic leadership to secure critical changes to the legislation. Penner offered the striking amendment ultimately adopted by the House on day 104 of the legislative session, which will preserve the facility’s future.
Under the negotiated agreement, Rainier School will now remain open indefinitely. All current residents will have the ability to stay at Rainier for as long as they choose, and individuals who voluntarily transition to community settings will retain the right to return to Rainier or another residential habilitation center if their new placement is unsuccessful. Caregivers’ jobs will also be protected.
“I have always been committed to protecting Washington’s most vulnerable populations, and few Washingtonians are more vulnerable than the residents of Rainier School,” said Stokesbary, R-Auburn. “It was unconscionable to consider closing Rainier as a way to balance our state budget. I’m relieved that, instead of forcibly uprooting vulnerable residents from their homes, this bill now ensures they can stay there for as long as they and their families believe it’s the best place for their care. And I’m grateful that the dedicated staff at Rainier can continue their vital work — providing compassionate care to those who need it most.”
“This is what happens when courageous people take a stand and require that we give careful thought to any idea that might reduce the system’s care for our most needy,” said Penner, R-Orting. “I’m thankful that we’ve preserved the dignity of a supportive home for the residents of Rainier School, and with new relationships formed on both sides of the aisle, we laid the foundation for more support in this space.”
Mike Yestramski, president of the Washington Federation of State Employees, added, “I want to thank all the stakeholders that worked tirelessly on this issue. We formed a coalition of residents, families, workers, and legislators from both sides of the aisle to get this over the finish line. While not perfect, this bill means that no one from Rainier will be forced out of their home and no employee will be forced out of their job. I look forward to working with Rep. Penner and other stakeholders in the future as we continue our work on caring for our state’s most vulnerable individuals.”
“I want to convey my deepest gratitude to Representatives Penner and Stokesbary and all legislators who support the vital safety net that Rainier School represents for our most vulnerable citizens,” said Jeff Carter, president of Action DD, a nonprofit representing families of Rainier School residents. “Their efforts have literally saved lives and given family members and guardians relief from having to deal with catastrophic consequences that could have occurred trying to find services in the community. We look forward with hope to the future knowing that residential habilitation centers like Rainier will continue to be a vital part of the continuum of care for DD/ID citizens of Washington state.”
Established in 1939, Rainier School provides 24-hour care for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Services include medical and psychological care, vocational training, recreational opportunities, and individualized support to promote independence and quality of life.
Instead of forced closures, broken promises, and mass layoffs, Rainier families and caregivers now have certainty, safety, and choices for their loved ones.
“This was never just about saving a facility,” Stokesbary and Penner added. “It was about preserving a lifeline for individuals who deserve dignity, stability, and compassionate care.”
