Sen. Claire Wilson, D-District 30, attended the Federal Way Senior Advisory Commission’s regular meeting on Oct. 9, asking the members what they would like to see and assessing their concerns.

Among the many topics covered, Wilson said that a lot of federal dollars came in during the pandemic, but Washington made sure not to fund programs that would suddenly need to be cut.

However, Wilson said that people probably shouldn’t expect new programs. Wilson said she thinks this lack of growth will flavor the conversations that happen as she and her peers go into the Senate because of the impact of issues related to childcare, transportation packages, free transportation for young people, and issues around the ferry system. Wilson added that community safety and engagement continue to be an issue and a concern for her.

“My biggest face right now is when we look at our young people and not only the harm they’re doing to themselves and each other, but the crime that we see, and especially for our 11- to 14-year-olds,” Wilson said. “It’s hard to say that, but that’s the group right now when we think of unhomed youth, and when we think of young people who don’t have an adult in their life, those are those young people that we’re seeing out on the streets.”

Regarding these youth, Wilson said they have to figure out how to provide services and support to the youth who are with their families or in safe spaces where they don’t want to run. She said there are young people who are doing more serious crimes and spending more time in institutions, which is not a good thing, so she wants to figure out how to prevent them from going there in the first place.

“I live in a house by myself. I’m a senior. I want to walk down my street and go to the grocery store, and I don’t want to be afraid. I’m not, and I do feel safe in my community, but I know not everyone does,” Wilson said. “We’ve got to think about kind of what that means and also make sure we’re being truthful in the stories that we’re hearing and understanding the root causes of what’s happening.”

Commission member Dave Reynolds asked whether the Legislature’s mind has changed regarding “defunding police.” Wilson said the House and Senate never said the phrase, “Defund police,” but the Seattle City Council did. She added that looking through the equity lens, people have to be ready to course correct, which they did regarding the pursuit laws, but that was not about defunding police.

Another commission member, Cheryl Volheim, asked if Wilson was involved in guardianship and elder abuse laws. Wilson said the Department of Human and Social Services covers vulnerable populations, and if there are issues like that happening, she can help people figure out what the process will be to address the issue.

Commission Chair Lana Bostic asked Wilson what the top priorities will be in the Legislature. Wilson said it would continue to include housing, mental health, behavioral health, and substance use disorder, and some say the environment could be important to some.

Wilson said people can email her at claire.wilson@leg.wa.gov.