State Rep. Andrew Barkis, whose legislative district includes south Pierce County, has been appointed to the Washington State Council on Aging.

The Council on Aging (SCOA), comprised of representatives from local governments, the Legislature and other long-term services, makes recommendations to the governor about the special needs of Washington seniors. Last month, the council helped host the annual meeting of the Washington Association of Area Agencies on Aging. During the gathering Oct. 17 in Tacoma, officials discussed how Washington became a nationwide leader in long-term care services, the implications of recent proposals to change the Medicaid system, and legislative priorities for 2018.

Barkis noted that the state’s commitment to senior citizens was recognized in July by AARP, which named Washington one of the most successful states in the U.S. in supporting seniors, adults with disabilities, and their family caregivers.

 â€œOur senior population is one of our most vulnerable” groups of residents, said Barkis, a Republican from the Second Legislative District. ”One of the key issues they face is finding and keeping affordable housing. I hope to bring my experience to the table and make a difference.”

Barkis is in his first elected term as a legislator. He was appointed last year to a vacancy in the House of Representatives.