Author Archives: Laudan

Sen. Muzzall recognized for protecting health care safety net in 2025 session

State Sen. Ron Muzzall, R-Oak Harbor, has been recognized by the Washington Association for Community Health and the Community Health Network of Washington for his work to protect essential health care safety net programs during the 2025 legislative session.

In a letter sent to Muzzall, the two organizations, which represent Washington’s 28 Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs), thanked him for his efforts to safeguard Medicaid and other critical services in a challenging budget year.

“Your leadership helped prevent cuts that would have left patients without coverage and forced clinics to reduce services or staff,” the letter stated.

Muzzall worked to maintain funding for several vital programs, including the Medicaid pharmacy benefit, adult dental benefit, Apple Health expansion and services for individuals who are aged, blind or disabled. These programs serve medically underserved residents, regardless of their ability to pay.

The budget also included investments that expand access to care, including:

Ongoing funding for 17 school-based health centers and $2.6 million in capital investments for five new centers.
$5.5 million in capital funding for six community health center dental projects, expected to serve 21,000 new patients and support more than 74,000 appointments annually.
A provision directing the state Health Care Authority to develop value-based payment models in Medicaid that reward quality outcomes and promote equitable, team-based care.

Joe Vessey, CEO of Community Health Center of Snohomish County, praised Muzzall’s efforts.

“Sen. Muzzall’s support of community health centers like Sea Mar Community Health Centers and Community Health Center of Snohomish County is vital to our ability to continue to serve our patients,” Vessey said. “We thank him for his hard work this legislative session to protect the health care safety net. Sen. Muzzall’s leadership on health care helps ensure that all Washingtonians can continue to access the care they need and deserve.”

Muzzall, the ranking Republican on the Senate Health and Long Term Care Committee, said ensuring continued access to care is one of his top priorities.

“Community health centers are a cornerstone of health care in Washington,” Muzzall said. “I’m proud to support the safety net that serves families, children, seniors, and individuals who might otherwise fall through the cracks.”

Hospital Cuts Show Democrats Ignored Repeated Warnings on Health Care Crisis

Following the announcement of major service and job cuts at Valley Medical Center, State Senator Ron Muzzall, R-Oak Harbor, issued the following statement criticizing legislative Democrats for ignoring repeated warnings about the mounting financial crisis in Washington’s health care system:

“This is what happens when warnings go unheeded. For years, especially during my time as ranking member of the Senate Health & Long Term Care Committee, I’ve been the canary in the coal mine, sounding the alarm that our hospitals are financially suffocating under the weight of unsustainable policies, underfunded mandates, and new taxes. This year, the majority party added insult to injury with $200 million in cuts and additional taxes that directly threaten care for our most vulnerable.”

Valley Medical Center, which serves over 600,000 residents in Southeast King County and a high proportion of low-income and minority patients, announced it will close two inpatient units and five clinics by the end of June. The cuts impact more than half of the hospital’s 4,000 employees. The closures come amid a backdrop of Medicaid reimbursement shortfalls and new legislative budget measures that exacerbate hospital financial strain.

“Let’s be clear: This is not just about numbers on a balance sheet; this is about real people losing access to essential care in their communities. Clinics are closing, inpatient care is disappearing, and thousands of patients are being left with fewer options. We’ve warned the majority that this system is cracking. Their response has been, at best, one of indifference. In one ear and out the other.”

Muzzall pointed to the sudden end of a Medicaid reimbursement program and the Legislature’s failure to renew critical funding streams as further examples of neglect. The latest biennial budget included tax hikes and cuts that the Washington State Hospital Association now says will cost hospitals an estimated $200 million annually.

“This isn’t isolated. It’s a preview. Valley is the first major system to make drastic cuts, but more will follow if we don’t change course immediately. This isn’t about partisanship, this is about access to health care. When hospitals close services, it’s the people with the fewest resources who pay the highest price.”

Muzzall said he will continue advocating for immediate action to stabilize hospital funding and roll back punitive tax measures before more communities suffer.

“We need policies that actually support our health care providers, not punish them. The Legislature must act before we see the collapse of more clinics, more departments, and eventually, entire hospitals.”

Sen. Ron Muzzall Supports Bipartisan Transportation Budget

State Sen. Ron Muzzall, R-Oak Harbor, voted in support of the 2025–27 transportation budget, citing long-overdue investments in public safety, including, for the first time ever, dedicated funding to begin addressing the growing number of suicides at Deception Pass Bridge.

The final transportation budget, Senate Bill 5161, was approved by strong bipartisan majorities in both chambers. Muzzall also supported Senate Bill 5801, an additive revenue package designed to stabilize long-term transportation funding. Together, the bills reflect a negotiated compromise that adjusts earlier proposals to be more responsive to concerns raised by rural lawmakers and working families.

“This was not a perfect budget,” Muzzall said. “I have serious concerns with several of the funding mechanisms, including increases in gas taxes, vehicle fees, and taxes on certain purchases. These hit rural communities like mine the hardest. But ultimately, I supported the budget because it delivers critical investments in infrastructure and public safety, including a long-overdue step to prevent further tragedies at Deception Pass.”

Deception Pass Bridge, an iconic and heavily traveled link to Whidbey Island, has in recent years become a site of frequent suicides. First responders in the region now report responding to a suicide attempt approximately every two weeks, a rate that has taken a growing toll on emergency personnel and grieving families alike.

“For years, our community has called for action to address the heartbreaking number of lives lost at Deception Pass,” said Muzzall. “This budget finally responds to that call with real funding, and I wasn’t about to let that progress get sidelined.”

The transportation revenue package in SB 5801 is expected to generate $3.2 billion over six years. Notably, the final version was scaled back from earlier proposals. Lawmakers reduced the proposed gas tax increase from 8 cents to 6 cents per gallon and removed a controversial new tax on recreational boats. Other key revenue sources include:

A phased 6-cent gas tax increase, the first in nearly a decade;
New diesel taxes;
Higher weight-based vehicle fees beginning in 2026;
An increase in the motor vehicle sales tax;
A redirection of a portion of the existing state sales tax toward transportation projects;
New luxury taxes on high-end vehicles and aircraft.

The final package reflects extensive bipartisan negotiations and was praised by leaders on both sides for its pragmatic approach to maintaining Washington’s transportation system while addressing revenue shortfalls caused by declining gas tax collections and rising construction costs.

Muzzall acknowledged the burden some elements of the plan may place on his constituents, but said the improvements made to the original proposal, combined with the life-saving potential of the suicide prevention measures, warranted support.

“This is what compromise looks like,” he said. “We must continue to hold ourselves accountable for funding infrastructure in a way that’s fair and equitable, not just shifting the cost onto those who can least afford it. But when lives are on the line, especially at Deception Pass, we cannot delay action any longer.”

Opposing Medicaid cuts for postpartum care

As a legislator, a father of three daughters, and now a grandfather, I’ve always believed that how we support mothers and babies says a lot about who we are as a state. It’s why I’ve worked across the aisle to improve maternal health care and ensure new moms have the support they need, not just during pregnancy, but well after birth.

That’s why I’m deeply concerned about House Bill 2041. This bill would cut postpartum Medicaid coverage in half, from 12 months to just six. It’s a move that might save the state under $3 million a year, but the real cost would be measured in lives lost and families broken.

Here’s the reality: According to the Washington State Maternal Mortality Review Panel, nearly one-third of pregnancy-related deaths happen in that critical window after birth, the timeframe when this bill would eliminate coverage. These are not just numbers. These are preventable tragedies, often tied to mental health challenges like suicide and substance use, conditions that can emerge or worsen well after the six-month mark.

In 2021, we did the right thing by passing a bipartisan law I co-sponsored to extend postpartum coverage to a full year, Senate Bill 5068. The goal was simple: save lives and reduce disparities, especially for women in rural areas and communities of color. We knew then, and still know now, that 80% of maternal deaths in our state are preventable.

Rolling back that progress now, especially when 44 other states (many led by Republicans) have chosen to expand postpartum coverage, would make Washington an outlier in the worst way. And it would send a harmful message about our priorities.

This issue also shines a light on racial disparities. American Indian and Alaska Native women in Washington are over eight times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than white women. Many of these women rely on Medicaid. Cutting coverage could widen the very gaps we’ve been trying to close.

At the same time, legislation I introduced this year, Senate Bil l 5075, which would have ensured comprehensive prenatal and postnatal care with no out-of-pocket costs, was blocked from moving forward by the Democratic majority.

We can’t say we care about equity, maternal health, and families while cutting support for moms during their most vulnerable time.

I’m calling on my colleagues, especially those who have championed maternal health in the past, to stand strong now. Reject HB 2041. Let’s keep our commitment to mothers and babies in Washington.

Sincerely,

Senator Ron Muzzall
10th Legislative District

Joint Virtual Town Hall

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

Our work in Olympia is nearing an end, with the 2025 session expected to adjourn this Sunday, April 27. If you’ve been receiving my updates, you know that our state has been vigorously debating critical policies and spending decisions, and there is a lot to unpack. I hope you can join this bipartisan, bicameral virtual town hall to discuss what’s been happening in your state legislature. Mark your calendars.

Tuesday, May 13 at 5:30 PM

Sen. Muzzall’s bill supporting Puget Sound shrimp fisheries, phasing out trawling, signed into law

Legislation sponsored by Sen. Ron Muzzall to support Washington’s commercial shrimp industry while addressing environmental concerns associated with trawling was signed into law today. Senate Bill 5076 creates a new limited-entry license for the nonspot shrimp pot fishery in Puget Sound, marking a significant shift toward more sustainable fishing practices.

SB 5076 establishes a dedicated license for harvesting nonspot shrimp species such as dock shrimp, coonstripe shrimp, pink shrimp and others, using pot gear instead of trawl nets. The new license is intended to support small-scale fishers, ensure sustainable harvests, and improve coordination with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW).

“This legislation is about supporting our local fishing communities while also being honest about the impact of our practices on the marine environment,” said Muzzall, R-Oak Harbor. “Trawling can have real, detrimental effects on the seabed and other marine life. By encouraging a transition to pot gear, we’re taking a deliberate step toward more responsible, sustainable fisheries management.”

Under the bill, WDFW may issue up to five total licenses for both shrimp trawl and nonspot shrimp pot fisheries. Importantly, existing trawl license holders will have the opportunity to convert their licenses to pot gear, facilitating a gradual but clear move away from trawling.

“The phaseout of trawling isn’t just about limiting one type of gear, it’s about protecting the long-term health of Puget Sound,” Muzzall said. “This bill encourages innovation and collaboration while preserving access for local fishers who rely on this industry to make a living.”

SB 5076 received strong bipartisan support, passing the Senate 48-0 and the House 97-0.

“This was a sensible bipartisan effort with input from across the fishing industry and both sides of the aisle,” Muzzall added. “It’s a great example of how we can come together to find smart, sustainable solutions for our natural resources.”

The new law will take effect 90 days after the adjournment of the 2025 legislative session.

Muzzall pushes back on Democrat property tax proposals, warns of harm to renters and first-time buyers

After a news conference by stakeholders and lawmakers earlier today, Sen. Ron Muzzall is echoing concerns about proposals moving through the Legislature that would eliminate or expand caps on property tax growth. He warns it could increase housing costs and affect vulnerable populations across the state

Senate Bill 5798 received a hearing in the Senate budget committee on March 31, where more than 43,680 individuals signed in to oppose the bill—a record-setting level of public feedback in the history of the Washington State Legislature.

“At a time when families across Washington are already managing higher costs of living, we need to be especially cautious about any policy that could further burden those who are struggling,” said Muzzall. “This proposal could have real consequences for renters, people on fixed incomes and those working toward homeownership.”

Muzzall noted that if the proposed policy had been in place over the past decade, it would have added more than $9,000 to the property tax bill of a $500,000 home. For this year alone, average homeowners could see an increase of approximately $2,000.

Under current law—established by voter-approved Initiative 747—annual property tax growth is limited to 1% unless voters approve a larger increase. SB 5798 would remove that restriction, instead tying it to inflation and population growth. Estimates suggest the change could cost taxpayers $6 billion over 12 years.

“This isn’t just about homeowners,” Muzzall said. “When property taxes rise, landlords may pass those costs on to tenants, which could increase rents at a time when affordable housing is already difficult to find.”

He added that seniors on fixed incomes may face difficult decisions if their housing costs increase, and younger families trying to enter the housing market could be priced out.

“We all share the goal of improving housing access and affordability, but I worry that this approach could make those challenges more difficult for the very people we’re trying to help,” he concluded.

Math is Hard?

Friends,

In Olympia, it seems that basic math has become an elusive skill. If you’ve been following recent budget discussions, you’ve likely heard dire warnings of a looming $15 billion deficit. The media dutifully echoes this figure, and my colleagues across the aisle insist the sky is falling. But here’s the reality: Washington State is actually facing a $7 billion shortfall over the next four years, not $15 billion. So where does that extra $8 billion in so-called ‘shortfall’ come from? You guessed it—new spending that Democrats have tacked on, as if that money already exists.

It’s a classic case of bad math. If you decide to buy a brand-new sports car and then realize you can’t afford it, that’s not a budget shortfall, it’s a spending problem. Yet, this is exactly the logic being used by those pushing for massive tax increases. Instead of crafting a budget that aligns with real revenue projections, they’ve chosen to inflate spending and then claim there’s a crisis when the numbers don’t add up.

The Republican Alternative: Responsible Growth

Senate Republicans have put forward a budget that not only preserves essential services but also invests in education and public safety all without resorting to economically harmful tax hikes. Our proposal grows the budget responsibly, within actual revenue projections, ensuring Washington families and businesses aren’t burdened with unnecessary new taxes.

We’ve proven that it’s possible to fund education, healthcare, and public safety without resorting to a wealth tax or increasing property and payroll taxes on hardworking Washingtonians. Families and businesses are already feeling the pinch of inflation, and the last thing they need is a government that refuses to live within its means.

The Consequences of the Majority’s Approach

After doubling the budget in the last ten years and continually kicking the can of funding down the road, the bill has come due. Instead of addressing this responsibly, the majority party has chosen to make cuts to vital services pediatric dentistry, college grants, and state employee pay while simultaneously imposing the largest property tax increase in state history. They justify this by labeling these taxes as “progressive,” but raising fees on snowmobiles, hunting and fishing licenses, and the Discover Pass disproportionately impacts the middle class and working families. In total, the sum of these new taxes and fees quickly approaches $20 billion. So, apparently, Olympia uses multiplication instead of addition and justification instead of common sense.

Even Governor Ferguson Agrees: Too Much Tax, Too Much Risk

Even Governor Bob Ferguson, who is certainly no fiscal conservative, has rejected the budgets proposed by House and Senate Democrats, citing excessive taxation and the legal uncertainty of their centerpiece, the wealth tax. In his words, neither proposal “is close to one that I can sign.” He specifically called out the reliance on a wealth tax as “novel, untested, difficult to implement,” and likely to be struck down in court.
Ferguson has also warned of potential federal funding cuts under the Trump administration, urging lawmakers to prepare for leaner budgets in the years ahead. A responsible state government should not hinge its financial future on untested tax schemes or wishful thinking about revenues that may never materialize.

The Path Forward

The choice is clear: we can continue down the path of reckless spending, creating a fiscal crisis of our own making, or we can pass a budget that is based on real numbers, real priorities, and real sustainability. The Republican budget proves that math isn’t hard—it just requires honesty, discipline, and a commitment to serving the people of Washington responsibly.

Unless we, as a constituency, speak up, like the 43,000 Washingtonians who testified against the property tax hike, we will quickly find our state unaffordable. Math isn’t hard, but Olympia sure makes it seem that way when trying to justify more taxes.
Sincerely,

Senator Ron Muzzall
10th Legislative District

Senate Budget Passage is a Missed Opportunity for Washingtonians says Muzzall

Sen. Ron Muzzall, R-10th Legislative District, issued the following statement today following the Senate’s passage of the Democratic budget proposal:

“Today’s passage of the Senate Democratic budget is a profoundly disappointing moment for Washington. This budget represents a missed opportunity to restructure state spending and make our government more efficient and responsive to the needs of its citizens. Instead of addressing the root causes of our fiscal challenges, the majority chose to double down on unsustainable spending and tax increases that will hurt working families, small businesses, and our most vulnerable communities.

The inclusion of a significant property tax increase in this budget is especially troubling. By allowing property tax growth to be tied to both inflation and population, without any cap, the majority is driving homeownership further out of reach for countless Washingtonians. This policy doesn’t just impact homeowners; it also drives up rents for families already struggling to make ends meet. In a state that prides itself on opportunity and innovation, we should be creating pathways to homeownership and affordability, not erecting barriers.

Instead of exploring meaningful reforms to control costs and improve efficiency, this budget leans on higher taxes to cover growing expenditures. Washingtonians deserve better. They deserve a government that prioritizes accountability, transparency, and effective use of resources. It is possible to meet the needs of our state without burdening families and small businesses with additional taxes.

While I am saddened by this missed opportunity, I remain committed to advocating for a more responsible approach to budgeting. We must focus on solutions that strengthen our economy, provide stability for families, and ensure that Washington remains a place where everyone has the chance to thrive.”