eNewsletters
Supporting Our Local Heroes and Assisting Our Federal Workers
Hello Folks - As frequent readers of this newsletter know, for months now I've been pushing for the federal government to provide additional relief for families and for small business during this pandemic - and to deliver the resources needed on the frontlines to crush this virus. That's why, back in May - nearly 5 months ago - I proudly supported, and the House passed, the HEROES Act. This bill was a comprehensive coronavirus relief package to deliver more relief and new resources. But since… Continue Reading
09.28.20
An Update on Fixing Congress and Investing in Green Economy Jobs
Hello Folks - Like so many of you, the passing of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg has been weighing heavily on my mind. She was a trailblazer - a true public servant. She was a champion for equality, and for justice, and her work to make life better for so many Americans has left an indelible mark on our country (though I'm sure you've read a lot about Justice Ginsburg this week, NPR's Nina Totenberg has a powerful report about her life and her lasting impact). As many news outlets h… Continue Reading
09.15.20
Supporting Our Communities
Hello Folks - Over the last week, we've seen intense wildfires rage up and down the west coast, including in our own home state, leading to poor air quality and the destruction of hundreds of thousands of acres of forest. Tragically, we've witnessed both the loss of homes and the loss of life as a result of this crisis. I know that these past few weeks have brought on new challenges on the heels of an already unprecedented year. I hope that you and your loved ones have been staying safe during … Continue Reading
08.31.20
Connecting Our Communities
Hello, Folks! It has been another challenging week in our country. Not only are folks continuing to deal with disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, America witnessed the shooting of Jacob Blake and the shooting of three protesters in Wisconsin. I've had a lot of folks reach out and ask me how I feel about the events of the week. I feel heartbroken to watch yet another video of a Black American being shot by police. I feel pain - and am horrified - for those kids who were in that car. … Continue Reading
08.17.20
Don't Mess With USPS
Hello Folks - I hope you all are staying safe and taking care of yourselves. While you get this e-newsletter in your e-mail inbox, I couldn't help but think that we should start the newsletter today by talking about the other way most Americans get their mail - through the U.S. Postal Service (USPS). During this pandemic, USPS employees and mail carriers have stepped up and gone beyond their traditional duties to continue serving their communities. They've played a critical role on the front … Continue Reading
08.03.20
We Can't Let Up the Fight for Unemployment Assistance
Hello Folks - I can't believe we've already hit August. It's been a really busy (and muggy) summer in Washington, D.C. Since late June, the House passed: The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Enhancement Act to bring coverage to millions, lower costs, and end discrimination against people with pre-existing conditions; The George Floyd Justice in Policing Act, which represents a significant and comprehensive first step to address the systemic injustices in law enforcement and policing; … Continue Reading
07.27.20
Protecting Public Lands, Supporting Our Veterans
Hello Folks - One of the best parts of my job is getting to hear from you. Your voices matter. In fact, I work for you, so I appreciate our continued conversations about how we can make progress together for our region. Each day, I receive thousands of phone calls, emails, and letters from folks across our region - and since the beginning of 2019, I've responded to over 208,000 messages! It's a huge priority for me. I also value the opportunity to have as many face-to-face interactions with as… Continue Reading
07.20.20
Investing in Our Communities
Hello Folks - Over the weekend, our nation lost a titan of our civil rights movement - and one of my personal heroes - John Lewis. Earlier this summer, I was on a call with Mr. Lewis - a man who was beaten and tear gassed for advocating for the right to vote. He said he was sad because he had been reminded in recent months that we aren't as far on the path to justice as any of us want our country to be. But then he said, "But I'm hopeful. Because young people are standing up. They're working f… Continue Reading
07.13.20
Restoring Puget Sound
Hello Folks - Before we dive right into the news - I want to take a moment to remind everyone to continue to observe recommendations by the CDC to social distance and wear a mask! We're seeing a lot of areas around the nation experience some serious upticks in COVID-19 cases - and that's true for some parts of Washington state as well. Luckily, everyone can do their part to help slow the spread! Wearing a mask that covers your nose and mouth helps protect others in case you're infected with COV… Continue Reading
07.07.20
Investing in Jobs
Hello Folks - This year, the celebration of Independence Day felt a little bit different. This was my first time in years without parades, pancake breakfasts, and other 4th of July revelry. Instead, I was home with Jen and my kiddos (and - yes - the grill was used and I did watch Will Smith and Jeff Goldblum defeat space aliens on the AMC Network). Despite the circumstances of the year, I hope you were able to spend time with your family. For those who - like me - were bummed that they couldn'… Continue Reading
06.29.20
Lowering Health Costs and Prescription Drug Prices
Hello Folks - I hope you all are staying safe and taking care of yourselves. As I write this, I'm in D.C. - and I'll tell you, I was happy to wear a mask on the five-hour flight across the country. Wearing a mask when you're out in public can help slow the spread of COVID-19 (one of my favorite reads this week: Top 10 Reasons to Wear a Mask)! While my wife, Jen, has been sewing masks, I haven't yet convinced her to participate in the Washington Mask Challenge run by the Lt. Governor, the Unit… Continue Reading
06.23.20
Keeping Connected
Hello Folks - I hope all the dads out there had a great Father's Day yesterday. I felt lucky to have gotten a great gift - a little time with Sophie and Tess! We made some pizzas together (they were … mostly edible!) and had a family movie night. We watched one of my all-time favorites - The Princess Bride. I couldn't help but get a chuckle when Wesley said this line: I hope you're all staying safe, keeping well, and - if you're going out in public and being in close proximity to p… Continue Reading
06.15.20
Working for You
Hello Folks - I hope this note finds you well. I've been asked a fair amount over the last few months whether I'm still meeting with constituents (even in the midst of social distancing). Well, through the wonders of technology, I'm actually spending about 10-14 hours each day meeting with folks from all over our region. A lot of the time has been focused on ensuring folks have information about resources that can help them through this challenging time. Sometimes it's focused on listening to… Continue Reading
06.09.20
Building a Better Future
Hello Folks - I hope this finds you well and that you are keeping safe. Last week was a call to action - as thousands across our region, our nation, and our world marched to demand justice in response to the murders of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, and countless other Black Americans. I share this pain-and the desire for change in our country and justice for their families. Right here at home, we've felt the pain and anguish of the death of Manuel Ellis, a Tacoma resident and … Continue Reading
06.01.20
Pursuing Justice & Accountability
Good Evening - There is a lot of pain and anger in communities across our region, our state, and our nation. On top of a public health crisis that has led to the death of over 100,000 Americans, which has disproportionately affected minority communities, last week we saw a Black American murdered in Minneapolis, Minnesota, by a uniformed police officer. It was a horrific act - it was heartbreaking - and it was not acceptable. George Floyd's murder was a violation of the social contract that w… Continue Reading
05.26.20
Honoring Our Heroes
Hello Friends - Yesterday, on Memorial Day, our nation paused to honor and remember the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to our nation. To me, Memorial Day is a chance to commemorate and honor those who have given so much to make our nation stronger. Because of the sacrifice and commitment of so many, my late grandmother was able to survive World War II, emigrate to the United States, and become a proud American citizen. Because of that sacrifice and commitment, my daughters… Continue Reading
05.18.20
Supporting Frontline Workers & Families Impacted by Coronavirus
Hello Folks - I hope this finds you well. Over the last few months, the COVID-19 pandemic has become the biggest public health crisis of our lifetimes, and it is now proving to be the largest economic challenge since the Great Depression. Responding to a challenge of this magnitude requires swift and bold action. That's why on Friday, I voted in favor of the Heroes Act - the fifth coronavirus relief package passed by the House - to deliver support to our frontline workers, provide additional … Continue Reading
05.11.20
Telephone Town Hall Tonight
Hello Folks - I hope everyone was able to take a few moments yesterday to celebrate Mother's Day. While the Kilmer family usually goes out for brunch to celebrate Jen - this year, we stuck closer to home. (We had a great Mexican dinner and watched the Tom Hanks "Mr. Rogers" movie! Not a bad night!) I hope all the moms out there had a terrific day. And to my mom - thanks for being a great mom! OK - on to the news! Welcoming You to Tonight's Telephone Town Hall I work for you - and even tho… Continue Reading
05.05.20
Calling for a National Testing Plan and Supporting Local Employers
Hello Folks - I hope this finds you well. Together, by staying home and staying safe, we've all been making progress in the fight to contain the spread of the coronavirus. Given that that today is my favorite holiday (Star Wars Day), let me start by saying May the 4th be with you! I can't help but start by sharing this public health suggestion. In our state and region, we are starting to strategize about how we will continue to keep folks safe while moving toward economic recovery. Let me s… Continue Reading
04.27.20
Providing Support for Our Small Businesses and Frontline Workers
Hello Folks - I hope you are all hanging in there. It's been a challenging week for our region, but Washington is making real progress in containing the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19). While there is certainly more work ahead, the work folks are doing to stay home and stay healthy is making a difference. Now - the news! Fighting for Our Local Employers As I recently wrote in The Kitsap Sun, small businesses are the backbone of our economy - creating over 60 percent of new jobs in the … Continue Reading