Closures would be costly

The operating budget proposal approved by the Ways and Means Committee of our state’s House of Representatives enables Olympia’s Department of Social and Health Services to conduct a dreadful social experiment.

We have five state facilities, known as residential habilitation centers (RHCs), serving the most vulnerable of our developmentally disabled citizens. DSHS wants to close RHCs in Bremerton and Selah.

It has been proven beyond any doubt closing a RHC costs more than keeping it open. RHCs are cost-effective. Folks living in our RHCs are pleased with RHC services. They do not want to move. Why are these people being treated as second-class citizens? Why are their rights, choices and legitimate needs being trampled upon?

Since closing a RHC costs more than keeping it open, other services will have to be further reduced to pay for RHC closure. Does this make sense when our state faces a serious budget crisis? Think about the cuts state legislators are enacting for education. Think about county programs for the mentally ill being reduced.

These are just two examples of why it does not make economic sense to force those wanting RHC services to move. Our taxes must be spent more wisely.

Duwane Huffaker

Spokane