Strengthening Social Security & Medicare and Investing in Restoring Puget Sound
Hello Folks –
I hope folks are enjoying all the falling leaves, pumpkin patches, hayrides, corn mazes, and a continuation of summer weather! October is in the full swing of things – the kiddos are back in school, the Huskies and Seahawks both had great wins over the weekend, and – as for our Mariners – I’m already ready for next year (though admittedly barely recovered from those 18 innings).
OK – on to the news.
Investing in Restoring Puget Sound
As frequent readers of this newsletter know, it’s a top priority of mine to secure more federal support for the recovery and restoration of Puget Sound - our region’s most iconic body of water. Puget Sound is a place on which generations of friends and neighbors have built their lives and made their livelihoods. It’s a critical part of our environment and economy, and home to culturally iconic species like salmon, orca, and Dungeness crab. But we know that if future generations – including my own kids – are going to have those same opportunities to build their lives here, we've got to take action now to protect and restore the Sound.
That’s why, in 2013, I worked with my friend (and now our state’s Lieutenant Governor) Denny Heck to establish the Puget Sound Recovery Caucus as a way of bringing more attention to the urgent need to restore and recover the Sound – and to have the federal government help so the burden of this effort doesn’t fall entirely on taxpayers in our neck of the woods. Over the years, we have successfully worked to secure additional federal funds to implement projects that improve water quality, protect shorelines, and enhance fish passage and salmon habitat.
Last week, Rep. Strickland and I joined the Puget Sound Partnership and Northwest Indian Fisheries Commission for the annual “Puget Sound Day on the Sound.” The event was a meeting of local stakeholders – including small business owners, local elected officials, environmental champions, and tribal leaders – to discuss the work ahead to protect the treasures we care about.
I was excited to share with folks that, thanks to the passage of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the Inflation Reduction Act, we are going to see substantial progress in the effort to restore the Sound. From critical investments in recovery and restoration programs to new programs dedicated to salmon recovery and culvert restoration - the federal government is stepping up to support the Sound in a big way.
I’ll keep working to bring federal support to Puget Sound’s recovery!
Strengthening Social Security and Medicare
Social Security is a promise - a sacred trust to ensure seniors can retire with dignity. Last week, we learned that the Social Security Administration is increasing the cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) by 8.7% in 2023. This is important because it will help seniors make ends meet. Seniors have paid into this program and deserve the benefit of it. This comes on the heels of the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act which lowers Medicare premiums and prescription drug costs.
Sadly, too many politicians have threatened to jeopardize crucial programs like Social Security and Medicare. We can’t let that happen. That’s why I’m working to pass the Social Security 2100 Act, a bill I co-sponsored that would ensure that Social Security benefits are available for years to come. By extending the life of our Social Security system past the year 2100, the bill would protect current and future seniors from rising inflation and loss of benefits. It would also increase benefits and expand accessibility for low-income retirees. Additionally, the bill would improve the COLA formula, so folks are protected in the face of rising inflation. I strongly support Medicare and Social Security and believe that we must stand up against proposals that would hurt our most vulnerable neighbors.
For me, these issues are not just about policy – they are personal. Not long ago, we lost my grandmother – just 13 days shy of her 109th birthday. I’m conscious of the fact that, if it wasn’t for Medicare and Social Security, my grandmother’s would not have been able to live with the dignity she did for the nearly four decades following the passing of my grandfather. That’s why I strongly feel that, if changes are made to Social Security and Medicare, they should be to strengthen these programs – not to weaken them.
To me, Social Security and Medicare are promises to seniors. They’ve paid into them and should get the benefits they deserve. I will continue to fight to support and strengthen Medicare and Social Security.
Working for You
Supporting Students
I appreciated the opportunity to join students from the University of Puget Sound to discuss current events. It’s encouraging and motivating to see so many young people taking an interest in our government and being active citizens. The future is bright!
Standing Up for Local Law Enforcement
If we want to ensure local law enforcement officers can do their jobs and build better relationships with the community, we need to ensure their departments are adequately funded. Recently, to celebrate Coffee with a Cop Day, I sat down with Bainbridge Island Police Chief Joe Clark to discuss his priorities. I also updated him on four bills that I recently voted for - and helped pass - that would help ensure our local law enforcement agencies have the resources they need to recruit and retain officers, improve training and accountability, and make our communities safer. I’m thankful for the law enforcement officers across our region who work to serve and protect our communities!
Supporting Nonprofits in Mason County
I had another fantastic afternoon at the annual Oyster Fest in Shelton! It’s a terrific event that supports nonprofits throughout Mason County (and includes some amazing food – and some exciting oyster-shucking competitions). Thanks to the Shelton Rotary for organizing this great event!
OK – that’s it for now, folks. As always, I’m honored to represent you.
Sincerely,
Derek