Kilmer outlines agenda before North Mason Chamber

Improving infrastructure, fostering a skilled and educated workforce and supporting small businesses are among Congressman Derek Kilmer’s goals for the 6th Congressional District, as he outlined to North Mason Chamber of Commerce members last month.

Kilmer paid a visit to Belfair for the chamber’s membership luncheon, Nov. 25, at the Mary E. Theler Community Center, where he donated a new American flag to the North Mason School District to replace the Theler center’s worn and torn banner.

Kilmer also outlined his congressional objectives, which focus on spurring economic development, a passion of Kilmer’s since he worked for a decade on the Economic Development Board of Tacoma-Pierce County.

“Congress is absolutely a fixer-upper,” he said. “My focus is keeping the economy working and keeping this Congress running … I wish I could stand in front of you and say there’s a silver bullet to fix the economy.”

There might not be a silver bullet, but by supporting infrastructure, a skilled workforce and small businesses, the economy will improve, Kilmer added.

In regards to infrastructure, the House of Representatives passed a three-year transportation bill that needs to make its way through the Senate.

“This is significant because the last three to four times Congress has passed a transportation bill, they’ve been short-term, three to six months of funding,” Kilmer said. “Imagine your city or county government doing that. They need more predictability than that.”

Investing in infrastructure not only improves the economy in the short term, with the creation of jobs, but it provides economic growth in the long run, with basic needs like roads and sewers servicing businesses and encouraging growth.

“We have falling bridges across this country,” Kilmer said. “We’ve got to get this right. It’s one of the key dominoes that needs to fall.”

A skilled and educated workforce is also a key domino, and education plays a huge role in that, by providing qualified employees to businesses, Kilmer added.

Congress will soon be voting on the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, which would replace No Child Left Behind and encourage, rather than punish, schools to prepare students, incorporating Science, Technology, Engineering and Math education and vocational training.

“I am enthusiastic to replace No Child Left Behind with this effort,” Kilmer said. “It’s trying to move away from a punitive approach … I’m trying to chart a path forward that’s more wise.”

Addressing student loan debt in higher education and creating a smoother transition for veterans returning to the civilian workforce also play a role in fostering a strong workforce, Kilmer added.

As for small businesses, Kilmer wants to support them by looking at reforms to the tax code, encouraging the government to shop locally and providing reimbursements to small businesses for health care costs.

“Small businesses are our star running backs,” he said. “They’re who we should be handing the ball to.”