Sen. Claire Wilson, D-Auburn, has tried multiple times now to get a pilot program to provide rental assistance to young adults who agree to continue receiving foster services after they turn 18. Last year’s version of the legislation would’ve helped 200 people. This year, it was scaled down to 50. Wilson was willing to trim it to 25 to cut costs, but that still wasn’t enough, she said.
Maintaining current services is the priority for budget writers. Wilson called her bill’s failure a “huge disappointment.”
“Protection is the word of the session,” Wilson said.
Wilson is happy to see another bill focused on Extended Foster Care moving forward. Senate Bill 5911 would stop the state from garnishing benefits these young adults receive, like Supplemental Security Income, to pay for their care. This legislation awaits a vote from the full Senate.
