Rep. Joshua Penner explains why he’s fighting to save Rainier School in this interview with Jason Rantz on KTTH Radio

April 3, 2025

During an interview with Jason Rantz on KTTH Radio, Rep. Joshua Penner, R-Orting, spoke out against efforts by Democrats to defund and potentially shut down Rainier School—a residential habilitation center in Buckley that serves individuals with profound intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Penner, who has two children with special needs, called the facility a lifeline for families and described it as a true community offering 24-hour care, medical and dental services, therapy, and social engagement. He warned that closing Rainier and similar facilities without viable alternatives would put lives at risk, as seen in other states where such closures led to preventable deaths.

Penner criticized what he called “cruel politics” and misleading budget tactics. He emphasized that rather than shutting these centers down, the state should be expanding access to them.

“These people exist—we just don’t see them because they’re stuck at home,” Penner said. “They deserve the care and dignity that Rainier provides.”

Listen to the full interview here.