A Huge Win for Jobs
Hello Folks –
Well, it’s official: for better or for worse, rainy season is back. These past few weeks have been a reminder of the old saying that here in Washington we don’t tan – we rust. I hope folks have been able to stay dry but most importantly, safe, during the recent wave of storms across the region.
Back in DC, there have been some big developments when it comes to creating jobs and addressing significant infrastructure needs in our region, so let’s get into the details!
Rebuilding Our Infrastructure and Investing in Our Communities
Since my last newsletter, I was proud to vote for the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (aka the bipartisan infrastructure bill)—the largest long-term investment in America’s infrastructure and competitiveness in nearly a century. The bill, which passed both the House and the Senate with bipartisan support, will deliver substantial new federal funding for infrastructure in communities right here in Washington and across the country.
Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, we knew that America’s transportation and infrastructure were already struggling. From failing roads and bridges, to aging sewer and water infrastructure — it’s no wonder the American Society of Civil Engineers has graded America’s infrastructure as a C-.
This bipartisan infrastructure bill is about putting people to work now – and laying the foundation for economic growth over the long haul by investing in roads, bridges, transit, water systems, ports, and broadband.
The bill recognizes that we can’t compete in a 21st Century economy with 19th and 20th Century infrastructure. There are folks in our region who are tired of sitting in traffic. There are people who don’t have the internet access they need to have a telehealth appointment or take an online class. There are families that don’t have access to clean water. This bill is about fixing those problems.
So how does it impact Washington? Well, if I covered all of the benefits, this newsletter would be lengthier than the final Harry Potter book. But for now, let’s stick to some of the big picture highlights:
The bipartisan infrastructure bill will repair and rebuild roads and bridges
In Washington, there are 416 bridges and over 5,469 miles of highway in poor condition. That comes at a cost. In fact, each Washington driver pays – on average – $659 per year in costs due to driving on roads in need of repair. What’s more, too many folks in our region spend too much time sitting in traffic. Indeed, there are areas where I’m pretty sure the speed limit signs are only there for nostalgic purposes. In fact, since 2011, commute times have increased by 12.7% in Washington.
That’s why the bipartisan infrastructure bill will devote more than $312 billion to transform our nation’s transportation infrastructure and make it more resilient, equitable, and safe for all users. The bipartisan infrastructure bill is the single largest dedicated bridge investment since the construction of the interstate highway system.
The bipartisan infrastructure bill will help connect every American to reliable high-speed internet
Every day, our world becomes more dependent on digital technologies. What’s more, we know that connecting rural communities to high-speed internet helps create more economic opportunities for more people in more places. But 8.5% of Washingtonians live in areas where, according to the Federal Communication Commission, there is no broadband infrastructure. And even where infrastructure is available, broadband may be too expensive to be within reach.
That's why I'm proud that the bipartisan infrastructure bill includes a historic $65 billion investment in expanding broadband to close the digital divide and help ensure every American has access to reliable high-speed internet, including the 241,000 Washingtonians who currently lack it. Under the legislation, 19% of people in Washington will be eligible for the Affordable Connectivity Benefit, which will help more low-income families afford internet access.
The bipartisan infrastructure bill will invest in Puget Sound and salmon recovery.
This summer, folks in the Pacific Northwest faced horrific news regarding the potential catastrophic die-off of salmon populations resulting from rising water temperatures from heat waves. Sadly, in our region, deteriorating infrastructure and failing culverts have long had a negative impact on water quality and have threatened the salmon that are so important to our economy and identity.
That’s why Senator Cantwell and I led a successful effort, included in the new infrastructure law, to create the first federal program devoted entirely to culvert restoration – providing critical funding to remove, replace, and restore culverts, which will improve fish passage and enable habitat recovery. I’m grateful Senator Cantwell’s partnership and the support of bipartisan members from across the Pacific Northwest who know how important this effort is to protecting clean water and recovering salmon populations in our region.
Importantly, the legislation also includes investments for recovering and restoring Puget Sound – which is critical to the environmental and economic future of our region. Having the federal government step up and help in this effort is absolutely vital if we’re going to recover our salmon populations, ensure future generations can dig for clams, and respect tribal treaty rights. As Chair of the Puget Sound Recovery Caucus, I’m proud this bill will help advance a number of initiatives I’ve fought for to restore the Sound – which is important to our environment, to local jobs, and to our local economy.
The bipartisan infrastructure bill will improve healthy, sustainable transportation options for millions of Americans
Despite the good work of our local public transit agencies, public transportation solutions are not currently meeting the needs of folks in our region who use it daily to get to work, to school, and around our communities. Washingtonians who take public transportation spend an extra 72.9% of their time commuting. In addition, 17% of trains and other transit vehicles in the state are past their useful lives. That’s why the bipartisan infrastructure bill includes a nearly $1.8 billion investment for Washington to improve public transportation options across the state – and make our options greener and more energy efficient.
The bipartisan infrastructure bill will prepare infrastructure for the impacts of climate change, cyber-attacks, and extreme weather events
From 2010 to 2020, Washington has experienced 10 extreme weather events, costing the state up to $5 billion in damages. That’s why the bipartisan infrastructure bill includes investments to protect against wildfires in Washington and a historic $3.5 billion national investment in weatherization to reduce energy costs for families particularly as we deal with more extreme weather.
In addition, the legislation includes an $18 million invest to help state and local governments protect against cyberattacks – which could threaten our election systems, municipally-owned water treatment facilities, local emergency responder networks, and other vital systems that impact our communities.
In Conclusion:
When there’s legislation like this that benefits the folks I represent – and that I support – I vote ‘yes’ on it. These are priorities worth moving forward.
I also want to reiterate my commitment to passing the other elements of the President’s Build Back Better Agenda as well. Middle class families deserve a break. The Build Back Better Act will help families that are grappling with the costs of child care or caring for an elder parent, that are struggling to pay for health care and prescription drugs, or that can’t afford to pay for college. It will also create jobs by providing new help to small businesses and by taking action to combat the climate crisis. Congress can, and should, get this done in the coming days. I’ll keep working toward that end.
Supporting Our Veterans
Veterans Day is a time to say “thank you” to the brave people who selflessly served in our armed forces. Saying thanks is important – but it isn’t enough. We need to show it. That means if you fought for our country, you shouldn’t have to fight for a job. It means in the land of the free and the home of the brave, every brave veteran should have a home. And it shouldn’t be under a freeway overpass. It means that veterans should get the care and benefits that they have earned.
Those are the principles and goals I work for – that’s my focus as your representative. I believe that if you’ve served our country, the federal government should have your back. In my last newsletter, I outlined a number of new bills I’m supporting to have the backs of our veterans, and today I also wanted to share my Veterans Day message, in case you missed it on social media:
Answering Your Questions
It’s important for me to hear from as many constituents as possible across our region. That’s why, on Wednesday, Nov. 17 at 6:30pm PT, I’ll be hosting a telephone town hall to provide an update on the federal government’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic and to answer questions from constituents. I’ll be providing an update on the bipartisan infrastructure bill recently passed by Congress, and the ongoing effort to pass the Build Back Better Act, legislation to lower costs and cut taxes for middle class families, create jobs, and combat the climate crisis.
You can sign up to receive an automatic call at that time or listen live at kilmer.house.gov/LIVE
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OK – that’s it for now folks. As always, I’m honored to represent you.
Sincerely,
Derek