Author Archives: Laudan

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.”

Fantastic Fiscal Folly

Friends,

The Senate majority has unveiled a nearly $20 billion tax plan that is nothing short of fantastic, as Merriam-Webster defines it – so extreme as to challenge belief.

Their proposal relies on unstable revenue sources, imposes new business taxes, and hikes property taxes—all while offering a distant and uncertain sales tax cut.

Breaking Down the Numbers

Wealth Tax – $12.2 Billion
A 1% annual tax on intangible assets over $50 million—so unreliable even Governor Ferguson is skeptical.

Payroll Tax – $6.6 Billion
A 5.2% tax on wages above the Social Security cap, making Washington less competitive and potentially driving jobs out of state.

Eliminating Tax Preferences – $1 Billion
Vague details, but history tells us small businesses and essential industries will pay the price.

Property Tax Hikes – No Cap
A radical change that could lead to ever-increasing tax bills, ignoring past public opposition.

Sales Tax Cut? Not So Fast.
A proposed cut from 6.5% to 6%—but not until 2027. And even then, local tax hikes could cancel it out.

What This Means for You

This plan bets Washington’s future on untested taxes and massive hikes, all while families and businesses struggle with rising costs. We need fiscal responsibility, not reckless taxation.

Remember, my caucus colleagues unveiled a budget proposal nearly two weeks ago that demonstrated we could fund critical services for our state’s most vulnerable, increase education funding and teacher pay, invest in law enforcement, preserve our Rainy-Day Fund, and more WITHOUT raising taxes.

Half-way through the session

Dear Friends,

Last week, the Washington State Senate passed Senate Bill 5041,

legislation that would allow striking workers to collect unemployment benefits. I strongly opposed this measure because it fundamentally alters the purpose of our state’s unemployment trust fund and represents a misuse of taxpayer dollars.

The unemployment trust fund was created to support workers who lose their jobs through no fault of their own and are actively seeking employment. It was never intended to subsidize workers who voluntarily choose to go on strike. The balance of labor negotiations has always been maintained through mutual tension—employers risk financial loss, and workers weigh the costs of withholding their labor. This tension is what ultimately leads to resolutions, not government intervention.

As I stated on the Senate floor, our state constitution clearly forbids the gifting of public funds. Diverting resources meant to assist the unemployed to striking workers is an inappropriate use of taxpayer money. This bill is less about supporting working families and more about rewarding political alliances.

I urge my colleagues in the House to reject this bill and uphold the integrity of our unemployment system. Washington workers and employers deserve better than politically motivated giveaways.

The Senate Republican Budget: A Better Path Forward

While the majority party continues to push for tax hikes or drastic cuts, Senate Republicans have proposed a responsible alternative: the $ave Washington Budget. This approach prioritizes essential services like education, public safety, and care for vulnerable residents—without raising taxes or making reckless cuts.

The $ave Washington Budget:

Keeps spending growth at a responsible 5%, below the 7.6% expected revenue growth.
Increases funding for K-12 education, special education, and student support services.
Makes smart investments in public safety, including grants for hiring law enforcement officers.
Preserves services for Washington’s most vulnerable residents while demanding accountability for government spending.
Offers a fair and responsible approach to state employee compensation by providing a $5,000 bonus rather than unaffordable, back-to-back pay raises.
Freezes tuition at state-run colleges and expands slots for in-state students.
Rejects unnecessary increases in recreational fees for state parks and hunting/fishing licenses.

This budget demonstrates that we can meet our state’s priorities without burdening families with higher taxes. It’s time for real fiscal responsibility in Olympia.

Town Hall This Weekend!

As a reminder, this Saturday, March 15, Rep. Dave Paul and I will be holding a joint, bipartisan in-person town hall meeting from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. at the Oak Harbor Library, located at 1000 SE Regatta Dr., Oak Harbor, WA 98277.

This town hall provides an opportunity for constituents to engage directly with their state legislators, ask questions, and share their thoughts on key issues facing the community and state.

I’m looking forward to connecting with our community, hearing concerns, and discussing ways we can work together to find practical solutions.

Sincerely,

Senator Ron Muzzall
10th Legislative District

Muzzall optimistic about the future of the ferries

Today, state Sen. Ron Muzzall joined calls for the in-state construction of more ferries to meet the needs of Washingtonians and tourists visiting the region. Muzzall was responding to Gov. Bob Ferguson’s announcement that the electric-power conversion of two state ferries will be delayed until after Seattle hosts the World Cup in 2026.

WSF operates the largest public-ferry system in the country, serving more than 19,148,000 total annual riders (10 million passengers and 9 million vehicles) in 2024. It is a division of the state Department of Transportation and operates 10 routes serving 20 terminals within Puget Sound and in the San Juan Islands. To service these routes, WSF maintains a fleet of 21 vessels.

Muzzall says a larger, more reliable fleet is vital to the communities he represents in the 10th Legislative District, which includes Island and parts of Skagit County.

“The governor’s confidence is appreciated, but the communities that rely on our ferries every day need more than just promises—they need reliable service now,” said Muzzall. “While I support efforts to restore staffing levels, we must ensure that our shipbuilding process is efficient and cost-effective, not bogged down by delays and political considerations. Bid flexibility is a step in the right direction, but we need real accountability to get ferries built and in service.”

Muzzall pointed out that one way to help ensure new ship construction is by Washington taking advantage of federal emphasis on new domestic shipbuilding capacity.