Concentrated Call-to-Action-2 for Residential Habilitation Centers

As we near the Senate’s unveiling of their version of the 2011 supplemental budget, we have our second concentrated call to action.

Because the issue of residential habilitation center closures comes up for a Senate hearing today, we urge you to concentrate your calls today to save Frances Haddon Morgan Center in Bremerton and Yakima Valley School in Selah.

The Morgan Center is set for fast-track closure June 30. Yakima Valley School is targeted for closure by the end of next year. Legislation up for hearing today could potentially wipe out these and all residential habilitation centers, juvenile rehabilitation centers and mental health institutions.

CALL TO ACTION ON RESIDENTIAL HABILITATION CENTERS 

Call the Legislature’s toll-free message center at 1-800-562-6000. Tell your legislators:

• Stop the fast-track closure of Frances Haddon Morgan Center in the 2011 supplemental budget (ESHB 1086/SB 5095) and the 2011-2013 biennial budget.
• Stop the closure of Yakima Valley School in the 2011-2013 biennial budget.
• It is more cost-effective to care for these high-need developmentally disabled clients in established residential habilitation centers than in often-unknown community settings.
• And oppose SB 5132, the bill that allows a governor to close any state institution without legislative approval.

And don’t forget our first call to action: Call 1-800-562-6000 and tell legislators to restore funding for DSHS Interpreter services in the supplemental budget (ESHB 1086/SB 5095) and the 2011-2013 biennial budget. 

Stand by for more concentrated calls to action this week as we get closer to the rollout of the Senate supplemental budget.