Greetings Friends,

The Senate convened briefly just a few days ago to begin looking at issues for the 2020 legislative session. I formally have been assigned to these Senate committees: Ways and Means (which deals with the operating budget); Health Care; and State Government, Tribal Relations and Elections.

We covered a lot of material and I’m looking forward to sharing with you what I’ve learned and some thoughts on where I think we should be going. One thing I found incredible during hearings on the state’s budget (which has problems, even with massive tax increases) is how people view your tax dollars. A couple billion here, a hundred million there and soon you’re talking about real money.

I recall a family friend who was struggling in retirement and told me upon a visit that she wasn’t having any tea because she didn’t have money left in her budget. When I approach state spending, I have to consider if the project or program we’re discussing is worth someone’s tea budget. It is the Legislature’s responsibility to be good stewards of the taxes we’ve taken, and not to throw money around without understanding where it comes from.

I will be holding town halls this December around the district (see schedule in the image above). In addition, I’ve sent out a mailing to the district. If you don’t happen to receive one, please take a moment and share your thoughts via my online survey. Please click here.

Due to election-year restrictions, I am limited in my communications until the beginning of the legislative session, but you can always call my office or visit my website for information. Have a happy and safe Thanksgiving, and I look forward to seeing you soon.

It is an honor to serve you. Please reach out to my office with any questions or concerns you may have about your state government.

Sincerely,

Ron Muzzall,

Your 10th District State Senator