(Holiday lights at Fircrest School Healing Garden - December 2004)


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Rep. Maralyn Chase (360) 786-7880



Rep. Maralyn Chase Lauds the Saving of Fircrest

Gov. Gregoire's proposed budget would keep Fircrest School open

OLYMPIA - Rep. Maralyn Chase (D-Edmonds) today applauded Gov. Christine Gregoire's proposed operating budget, specifically the funding included to save Fircrest School, the Residential Habilitation Center for the developmentally disabled.

"This is a real victory for grassroots, community activism," said Chase, a longtime advocate for the special role Fircrest plays in the community. "Not to mention a victory for the residents of Fircrest and their families who depend on the help they get at the school."

The Fircrest School provides care to developmentally disabled individuals in an environment that is highly personalized and tailored to the unique needs of its residents.

Previously, the Department of Social and Health Services under the Locke administration proposed a plan to permanently close Fircrest, leaving many of the residents there with no where to go to get the specialized care they need. Gov. Gregoire's current budget proposal fully funds Fircrest and does not move forward on the plans to close it.

The Governor's budget also includes funding for a study to evaluate and improve the entire state's approach to assisting the developmentally disabled.

"This is a profound statement of support from our Governor," said Chase. "I commend Governor Gregoire for her commitment to serving our most vulnerable citizens and it is clearly demonstrated by the priorities she has set in her budget."

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Staff Contact:

Viet Shelton, (360) 786-7255, shelton.viet@leg.wa.gov (Rep. Maralyn Chase)