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...
Senate Democrats Blog
Derek Kilmer
Kilmer jobs plan will spur long-term economic growth
Wednesday, April 11 2012 - Derek Kilmer | Permalink
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...
Governor signs Kilmer bill to ease Tacoma Narrows Bridge tolls increases
Friday, March 23 2012 - Derek Kilmer | Permalink
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...
Legislature passes bill to ease Tacoma Narrows Bridge tolls increases
Thursday, March 08 2012 - Derek Kilmer | Permalink
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...
A budget is about who you stand with
Saturday, March 03 2012 - Derek Kilmer | Permalink
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: He defended higher education against further cuts to student assistance. Although...
Military spouses get an assist in bill passed by Legislature
Thursday, March 01 2012 - Derek Kilmer | Permalink
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...
Sen. Kilmer honors fallen trooper
Thursday, February 23 2012 - Derek Kilmer | Permalink
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...
State needs strategic investment in infrastructure
Saturday, February 11 2012 - Derek Kilmer | Permalink
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...