Kilmer hears constituents at town hall meeting

U.S. Congressman Derek Kilmer, D-Gig Harbor, lauded the achievements of President Joe Biden's administration, called Medicare and Social Security "the most successful public policy programs of all time," and called for increased high-speed internet connection at a town hall meeting Tuesday evening at the Mason PUD 3 building.

About 100 people attended the presentation by Kilmer, whose district includes Mason, Clallam, Kitsap, Jefferson and part of Pierce counties. They applauded when he said he opposes privatizing Medicare and called for less money in politics. Many of their questions and comments focused on concerns with Medicare and Social Security.

The Port Angeles native who now lives in Gig Harbor, focused his speech on two topics: how to make the economy and government work better for people. He reflected on the changes in the country since 2020, when COVID was "running and somewhat ruining our lives." He praised the passage of the American Rescue Plan under President Biden and pointed to record growth and the lowest unemployment rate in 50 years.

Kilmer said Congress should pass legislation to reduce gas prices by cracking down on corporate price gouging; cutting the costs of child care to ensure Washington families don't pay more than 7% of their income on child care; and help spur the construction of more affordable housing.

Kilmer is a member of a Select Committee on the Modernization of Congress, which he said has passed 202 bipartisan recommendations. In Congress, "There's not enough focus on progress, and too much focus on bickering," he said.

Kilmer touted the bipartisan RECOMPETE Act that helps communities that have faced economic challenges. He was part of the Congress that passed the Inflation Reduction Act because he said families deserve a break.

Kilmer said the district is in the bottom one-third when it comes to being connected to high-speed internet. The COVID pandemic proved internet access isn't just about watching TV shows but includes such personal business as appointments with doctors, he said.

During the question-and-answer session, Kilmer said a balance must be struck in preserving delicate ecosystems while also meeting tree harvest targets, and praised the country for providing weapons to Ukraine to help their people and preserve democracy.

Five hours before the town hall meeting, Kilmer met with the Port of Shelton Commission and staff members in an informal conversation about the port's concerns and needs.

"What's keeping you up at night?" he asked them.

In unison, Commissioners Kristy Buck and Sue Patterson replied, "We need a hotel."