Friends- Before I get to the updates this week, I want to alert you to the fact that, due to election year restrictions that kick in Dec. 1, I will be unable to send these legislative updates to you during our upcoming 2010 legislative session unless you ask for it . Many of you have already responded...
Senate Democrats Blog
Derek Kilmer
Kilmer renews fight for veteran owned businesses
Monday, November 09 2009 - Derek Kilmer | Permalink
GIG HARBOR -- In honor of this week's Veterans Day holiday, Sen. Derek Kilmer announced Monday that he will renew his battle to help veteran-owned business in Washington by directing more state goods and services contracts their way. Kilmer, D-Gig Harbor, introduced Senate Bill 5041 a year ago at the...
Cutting the ribbon on the Burley Olalla Interchange
Wednesday, October 07 2009 - Derek Kilmer | Permalink
This morning I had the pleasure of participating in the ribbon cutting ceremony for the long-sought Burley Olalla Road Interchange with Highway 16 and couldn’t be happier about it.
It marks a great day for the people of South Kitsap. It means no more crossing four lanes of high speed traffic to get across the highway. It’ll save lives and give motorists peace of mind when travelling this once dangerous stretch of road.
What’s more, this project represents everything that’s right with our state’s highway construction program in that it was finished under budget and a full nine months ahead of schedule. Its successful opening is a testament to the contractors who did the work and it’s a testament to a community that pressed so hard for this very day.
Kilmer named to veterans, military affairs panel
Wednesday, August 26 2009 - Derek Kilmer | Permalink
GIG HARBOR — Sen. Derek Kilmer, D-Gig Harbor, has won an appointment to the state’s Joint Committee on Veterans and Military Affairs.
The panel meets to address issues of importance to military families and veterans.
According to U.S. Census data, veterans comprise more than 22 percent of the entire population in the 26th Legislative District. Only four other districts statewide are home to more veterans.
“I’m greatly honored to accept this appointment,” Kilmer said. “I believe one of the key values of our community is that if you serve your country, we’ll have your back. I look forward to using this venue to advance the causes of our servicemen and women and the many veterans to whom we owe so much.”
Kilmer previously served on the committee during his term as a member of the House of Representatives. The committee meets periodically and is made up of eight state senators and nine state representatives. It is scheduled to meet next on Sept. 30 in Olympia to discuss housing issues for veterans and military personnel, among other matters.
Talking business and education in Port Orchard
Wednesday, August 12 2009 - Derek Kilmer | Permalink
I had two really good meetings this morning. First, I met with the Port Orchard Chamber of Commerce. In addition to providing a brief update on some of the work I’ve been doing to support small businesses in our area, I spent most of the time soliciting ideas and concerns from the folks in attendance...
How you can make government work better
Wednesday, August 12 2009 - Derek Kilmer | Permalink
In an op-ed published in this morning's Tacoma News Tribune Sen. Derek Kilmer, D-Gig Harbor, explains how everyday citizens can point out waste, fraud and even best practices in government. You can read the piece here . In it he points out how Senate Bill 5513 — which he sponsored in 2007 to create...
Blog: Breakfast with Gig Harbor Kiwanis
Thursday, July 30 2009 - Derek Kilmer | Permalink
I was up early yesterday morning for a 7 a.m. appearance before the Gig Harbor Kiwanis. Since session let out in late April I’ve been scrambling to get before just about any community organization that would have me in the 26 th District before the birth of our new daughter. Well, Tess was born...
Kilmer recognized by Washington Restaurant Association
Tuesday, July 28 2009 - Derek Kilmer | Permalink
OLYMPIA — State Sen. Derek Kilmer was named Tuesday as a 2009 “Legislative Hero” by the Washington Restaurant Association. In announcing t he award the association said “In the three sessions as the state senator for Gig Harbor, Port Orchard, Bremerton and the Olympic Peninsula...
Kilmer a three time winner of economic development award
Monday, June 29 2009 - Derek Kilmer | Permalink
OLYMPIA — The Washington Economic Development Association has named Sen. Derek Kilmer a recipient of its annual LEADER Award for the third time. The award recognizes Kilmer’s efforts to promote economic development during the 2009 legislative session. Kilmer, D-Gig Harbor, also received the...
BLOG: Back home and back to work
Tuesday, June 23 2009 - Derek Kilmer | Permalink
The legislative session ended nearly two months ago but my work as state senator doesn't end when the gavel goes down. Democracy works best when folks are informed and when elected officials listen to and are accountable to their constituents. With that in mind, after each session I visit with a variety...