Author Archives: Laudan

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,

Muzzall Floor

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

Gov Grotwh

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!

Town Hall

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,

Signature

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.

Sen. Muzzall’s bills to improve health care access, quality pass state Senate

Two bills sponsored by Sen. Ron Muzzall, R-Oak Harbor, to improve health care access and quality in Washington have passed the state Senate with unanimous bipartisan support. Senate Bill 5124 and Senate Bill 5672 aim to address critical gaps in the state’s health care system, ensuring residents receive timely, high-quality care while supporting the professionals who provide it.

Senate Bill 5124 seeks to improve access to post-acute care services for Medicaid enrollees by requiring the Health Care Authority to establish and enforce network adequacy standards for skilled nursing facilities and inpatient rehabilitation facilities. These standards aim to ensure that Medicaid managed care organizations provide timely and sufficient access to post-acute care services for patients recovering from acute illness, injury, or surgery.

“Patients who need post-acute care should not face unnecessary delays or barriers,” Muzzall said. “This bill ensures that Medicaid enrollees can access rehabilitation and skilled nursing care without excessive wait times, helping them recover faster and more effectively.”

Senate Bill 5672 aims to address workforce challenges in Washington’s long-term care sector by modifying certification requirements for home care aides. The bill grants additional time for long-term care workers to complete their certification while the State Auditor’s Office conducts a performance audit of training requirements and competency assessments. By preventing unnecessary turnover caused by certification delays, SB 5672 seeks to improve workforce stability and ensure continued care for Washington’s aging and disabled populations.

“If we don’t take care of our health care workforce, we won’t be able to take care of our patients,” Muzzall explained. “This proposal cuts red tape and ensures Washington remains an attractive place for medical professionals to work and serve.”

Both bills reflect Muzzall’s commitment to strengthening Washington’s health care system by addressing affordability and quality. By ensuring timely access to post-acute care and reducing workforce barriers, these measures work in tandem to create a more sustainable and effective health care system for all residents.

With Senate approval, SB 5124 and SB 5672 now move to the House of Representatives for further consideration.

Sen. Ron Muzzall’s bill to ease financial burdens on vulnerable adults passes Senate unanimously

The Washington State Senate on Tuesday unanimously passed Senate Bill 5079, introduced by Sen. Ron Muzzall, to alleviate the financial strain on older adults and individuals with disabilities caused by unintentional overpayments from the Department of Social and Health Services.

“This legislation is about fairness and compassion,” Muzzall, R-Oak Harbor said. “Many of our most vulnerable citizens face undue hardship when asked to repay funds they received through no fault of their own. By allowing DSHS to waive these repayments, we’re ensuring they can maintain their dignity and financial stability.”

Senate Bill 5079 allows DSHS to waive the collection of overpayments for recipients of the Aged, Blind or Disabled Cash Assistance Program, as well as clients receiving services through Medicaid Long-Term Services and Supports and the Developmental Disability Administration waiver programs. The bill also directs DSHS to establish clear rules outlining the circumstances under which collection efforts will be waived.

According to testimony on the bill in the Senate Ways and Means Committee, there were 73 such overpayments in the last fiscal year, with the agency collecting 25 percent of them. Costs of recovery have outpaced what is actually collected.

“The unanimous passage of the bill reflects a bipartisan commitment to supporting those who need it most. By reducing unnecessary financial burdens, the legislation aims to improve the quality of life for older adults and individuals with disabilities across Washington state,” Muzzall added.

The measure now heads to the House of Representatives for consideration.

Sen. Ron Muzzall and Rep. Dave Paul Announce Joint Bipartisan Town Hall in Oak Harbor

Sen. Ron Muzzall, R-Oak Harbor and Rep. Dave Paul, D-Oak Harbor invite residents of the 10th Legislative District to attend a joint, bipartisan in-person town hall meeting on Saturday, March 15, 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. Sen. Muzzall and Rep. Paul will provide legislative updates, discuss ongoing work in Olympia, and address topics important to the district.

“I’m looking forward to connecting with our community, hearing concerns, and discussing ways we can work together to find practical solutions,” said Sen. Muzzall. “This is a great opportunity for open and honest dialogue.”

Residents of the 10th Legislative District are encouraged to attend. No registration is required.

Muzzall Bill to Strengthen Reckless Driving Penalties Passes Senate with Overwhelming Support

The state Senate has given its near-unanimous approval to legislation sponsored by Sen. Ron Muzzall, R-Oak Harbor. Senate Bill 5238 enhances penalties for reckless driving involving excessive speed. The bipartisan legislation seeks to improve road safety by imposing stricter consequences on drivers who significantly exceed posted speed limits.

Under the proposal, a person is guilty of reckless driving if they intentionally drive more than 30 miles per hour over the posted speed limit. This offense is classified as a gross misdemeanor, punishable by up to 364 days in jail and a fine of up to $5,000. Additionally, the driver’s license will be suspended for no less than 30 days.

“Excessive speeding poses a significant threat to the safety of all road users,” said Muzzall. “By enacting stricter penalties for those who egregiously violate speed limits, we aim to deter dangerous driving behaviors and enhance public safety on our highways.”

If passed into law, SSB 5238 is scheduled to take effect on September 1, 2025. The bill will now move to the Washington State House of Representatives for consideration.

Update from Olympia

 

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

As we dive deeper into the 2025 legislative session, the challenges of crafting a responsible state budget are front and center. Balancing the needs of our growing population with fiscal responsibility requires tough decisions and a focus on long-term sustainability.

Right now, we’re in the midst of committee hearings and discussions, laying the groundwork for key budget proposals. From funding education and public safety to addressing infrastructure and healthcare, the choices we make this session will have lasting impacts on our communities.

I’m committed to ensuring your voices are heard throughout this process. Together, we can work toward a budget that reflects our shared values and priorities.

Stay tuned for updates as we move through the session. Thank you for staying engaged!

Ferry Update

As the 2025 legislative session gets underway, I wanted to take a moment to talk about an issue that touches so many of our lives here in the 10th District: our ferry system. Whether you rely on ferries for your daily commute, weekend adventures, or visiting loved ones, you know how critical they are to our way of life.

Unfortunately, our ferry system has hit some rough waters in recent years. Decades of mismanagement and underfunding, aging vessels, and staffing challenges have led to delays and disruptions that are frustrating for everyone. But I’m cautiously optimistic about where we’re headed.

Governor Ferguson, in his inaugural address, made it clear that ferries are a priority. He’s called for speeding up the construction of new vessels to address reliability issues—a move I fully support. While the previous administration and some lawmakers have pushed for an aggressive transition to electric ferries, the reality is that it just isn’t feasible, and the timelines are too long. We must strike a balance that keeps us moving forward on both reliability and sustainability.

As we dive into this legislative session, I’ll be working hard to ensure the ferry system gets the attention and funding it needs. These boats aren’t just transportation—they’re lifelines for our communities, connecting us to jobs, families, and opportunities.

Together, we can keep Washington moving.

Sincerely,

Senator Ron Muzzall