POULSBO — Rep. Derek Kilmer (D-Gig Harbor) said Congress has not prioritized the budget process, and called across-the-board cuts “dumb.”

Kilmer spoke at the Aug. 14 monthly Greater Poulsbo Chamber of Commerce luncheon, where he told the “good, bad and ugly” about the nation’s issues, and answered questions.

He detailed his thoughts on what Congress should be working on — less politics, more work, and no pay until Congress passes a longterm budget. Kilmer is co-sponsoring a bill that states members of Congress will not be paid if a budget is not passed.

Kilmer also discussed tax reform, answered questions on the Affordable Care Act (yes, Congressional members lose their insurance and will get coverage through ACA exchanges), and economic growth.

He said Washington, and Kitsap in particular, should be growing the jobs and industries it has now, such as composite manufacturing (boat and aerospace parts). He also wants to see more investment in education by keeping student loans affordable, and supporting small businesses with tax incentives.

Kilmer will be available to answer more questions next Friday, Aug. 23, when he stops by North Kitsap on his Conversations with Kilmer Tour.

Conversations with Kilmer Tour schedule:
— “Derek at the Dock,” Bainbridge Island ferry terminal from 6:30-8 a.m.
— Poulsbo City Hall from 1-3 p.m. in Poulsbo, 200 NE Moe St.
— “Derek at the Dock,” Kingston ferry terminal, from 4-6 p.m.

For questions about any of the events, call Kilmer’s office in Tacoma at (253) 272-3515, or in Bremerton at (360) 373-9725.