VIDEO | Rep. Joshua Penner fights to restore funding for Washington’s most vulnerable (Support for Amendment 2111 to Senate Bill 5998)

March 3, 2026

In a powerful and emotional floor speech, State Rep. Joshua Penner, R-Orting, stood up for Washington’s most vulnerable residents by advocating for Amendment 2111 to the supplemental operating budget, Senate Bill 5998.

Penner’s remarks highlighted the critical need to restore funding for essential services that support disabled children and adults, as well as the programs they rely on to thrive in their communities.

Penner spoke passionately about the “entitlement shift” occurring in the majority party’s budget, which expands healthcare benefits for undocumented immigrants while simultaneously reducing support for individuals with disabilities. He shared a poignant story about a blind and deaf constituent from his district who found joy and purpose through supported employment programs, emphasizing that these are the very services at risk under the current budget proposal.

The amendment sought to reverse harmful rate reductions and restore funding for programs like assisted living rebasing, enhanced respite care, and community-behavioral health services.

Despite Penner’s compelling arguments and the clear need for these restorations, the amendment was not adopted. Penner remains committed to fighting for a budget that prioritizes the needs of all Washingtonians, especially those who cannot advocate for themselves.