News
Jobs package addresses state debt 5/2/2012
Sen. Kilmer teamed with his Republican counterpart, Sen. Linda Evans Parlette, in a recent column in The News Tribune on their work on the capital budget and state debt this year:
Last week the governor signed a state capital budget that has been described as a jobs package, one that will put 18,000 folks to work.
It is also important to note that the bipartisan group of legislators that crafted this capital budget focused on two important goals: state investments that drive long-term economic development, and a strategy to address our state's debt.
The Legislature’s approach to the 2012 supplemental capital budget will ensure that our state’s investments fuel job creation long after the hammers stop swinging and the concrete stops flowing.
Kilmer jobs plan will spur long-term economic growth 4/11/2012
A capital budget plan agreed to in the Legislature Wednesday will put more than $1 billion into economic development projects, creating more than 18,000 jobs across Washington.
"With this package, we are making smart investments now, helping our state put folks to work in the hard-hit construction industry and driving private sector job creation in the long-term," said Sen. Derek Kilmer, D-Gig Harbor, the lead capital budget writer in the Senate.
Governor signs Kilmer bill to ease Tacoma Narrows Bridge tolls increases 3/23/2012
The state will defer nearly $6 million in annual sales taxes that are helping drive increases in Tacoma Narrows Bridge tolls, thanks to a bill signed by the governor today.
"With an economy still healing, families still struggling and a recent spike in gas prices, this is the least the state can do for the people and businesses that depend on the Narrows Bridge every day," said Sen. Derek Kilmer, D-Gig Harbor, who sponsored the legislation.
Legislature passes bill to ease Tacoma Narrows Bridge tolls increases 3/8/2012
The state would defer sales taxes that are helping drive increases in Tacoma Narrows Bridge tolls under legislation passed by the Legislature this evening.
Senate Bill 6073 would defer sales tax due on the construction of the Narrows Bridge, saving roughly $5.8 million in costs to toll payers each year for six years.
A budget is about who you stand with 3/3/2012
Faced with a surprise maneuver to pass a never-before-seen budget lat Friday, Sen. Kilmer made a series of speeches decrying the action. He challenged a move to cut $3 million in education funding to transfer to county fairs:
Military spouses get an assist in bill passed by Legislature 3/1/2012
When service men and women are deployed or stationed out of state, they sometimes have the option to bring their spouses with them. While the families stay together, it can create headaches when they return if the military spouse is in a profession that requires a professional license.
Under a bill passed by the Legislature Thursday, military spouses won't have to reapply for a license -- whether they are dental assistants, land surveyors or professionals in some other field -- when they return to Washington. They may have the license suspended during their absences, then reactivated when their family comes home.
Video: Remembering Trooper Tony 3/1/2012
Spending school construction dollars wisely 2/25/2012
Sen. Kilmer honors fallen trooper 2/23/2012
Sen. Derek Kilmer, D-Gig Harbor issued the following statement on the death of Washington State Patrol Trooper Tony Radulescu, who was fatally shot during a traffic stop Thursday near Gorst:
"We must always keep in mind the tremendous risks law enforcement officers take at every call. My condolences go out to Trooper Radulescu and his family. His sacrifice reinforces our commitment to ensure that both our troopers and their loved ones have the support they need, on and off duty," said Kilmer.
State needs strategic investment in infrastructure 2/11/2012
Sen. Kilmer wrote the following editorial, which appeared in The Columbian:
A few years ago in Gig Harbor, where I live, there was a building moratorium due to inadequate sewer capacity. Our options were limited: stop new development, stop flushing (which is gross), or expand capacity. During a tenuous time in our economy, our community couldn't see any private-sector economic development move forward until the city expanded its wastewater treatment facility.
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Fun with infrastructure
Many people think infrastructure is boring. Sen. Derek Kilmer makes a spirited case to the contrary.