Author Archives: Laudan

‘Call it what it is,’ says Muzzall – ‘An income tax’

If it walks, swims and quacks like a duck, it’s a duck, not the goose that laid a golden egg

Despite strong revenues and billions in federal funds coming to Washington State, legislative Democrats pushed through a controversial state income tax bill, under the guise of calling it and “excise on capital gains.” Senate Bill 5096 would impose a 7 percent tax on proceeds above $250,000. State Sen. Ron Muzzall voted against the measure that was approved Saturday evening by a vote of 25 to 24.

“I’m a farmer and so I come at things from a sometimes-simple approach. My father taught me a lot and one of the biggest lessons was on integrity. Say what you mean and mean what you say,” Muzzall explained. “If it walks, swims and quacks like a duck, it’s not a chicken, and definitely not the goose that laid a golden egg. It’s very clear that this is an income tax.”

Advocates for the bill were careful to side-step using the term income tax, but every state with a capital gains tax classifies it as an income tax. Responding to a Congressional inquiry about the semantics, the Internal Revenue Service said, “You ask whether tax on capital gains is considered an excise tax or an income tax? It is an income tax.”

While Republican amendments to provide clarity, protect small business or provide additional tax relief to working Washingtonians were rejected, Muzzall was pleased one particularly problematic provision was amended.

“It’s such bad policy, but I’m happy that we were able to have bipartisan agreement on removing the emergency clause,” Muzzall said. “I am saddened though to see the constituents of the state of Washington saddled with an income tax. Because mark my words this is just the beginning, we will see this expanded to all the citizens of Washington. With budget surpluses looming it is unbelievable that we are seeing taxes being raised. Our state government has an addiction to spending. I can only hope the citizens see the problem and move to correct it. This is a sad day for Washington.”

When asked, Washington voters have rejected efforts to impose various types of income taxes at the ballot box a total of 10 times in the past 80 years.

Can We Reopen Washington?

Greetings Friends,

The 2021 legislative session began last week and it’s already moving at break-neck speed with significant policy proposals being heard in committee and voted on the Senate floor. I’m writing today with a bit of urgent news on how you can stay connected with the process and lend your voice. As you may know from my last e-newsletter, this session is being conducted almost entirely remotely. I have some reservations about the impact that will have on the process, but I want to be sure you have every opportunity to be heard.

To that end, there is a hearing scheduled this coming Wednesday, Jan. 20 on an important piece of legislation, Senate Bill 5114. This bipartisan measure, of which I am a co-sponsor, would safely reopen our state, moving all of Washington into Phase 2 of the most recent shutdown plan. It would allow partial reopening of indoor dining with appropriate safety protocols, all gyms and entertainment venues to open, and relax some restrictions on social gatherings.

I want to be sure to get your input on this important step. The hearing begins at 8 a.m. and you can register to testify remotely or just indicate whether you’re for or against the proposal. To sign up to testify, click here. You can register up to an hour before the hearing.

My office is here to help where we can. Email continues to be the best way to contact me. It is an honor to serve you.

Sincerely,

Ron Muzzall

Your 10th District State Senator

Working for You in 2021

It’s the first day of the 2021 legislative session and what a wild journey it’s been since we spoke last! We have probably never looked forward to a new year as much as we have in 2021. With 2020 finally behind us, we can only hope a lot of what we experienced is behind us as well. With a new year comes new challenges and opportunities, including drafting a new two-year budget and addressing the needs of people and small businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. I met with Representative Paul and Representative Gilday ahead of Session, and we wanted to share a few thoughts from all three of us as things kick off here in Olympia.

As your legislators, we’re working together to prepare for the upcoming 105-day legislative session that begins today. We had hoped to collaborate in person, but due to the recent rise in COVID cases, all legislative business will be conducted remotely this session. We’ve met, and will continue to meet, virtually. We are committed to working together to address the needs of the 10th Legislative District. We’ll be keeping an open line of communication throughout the session, and we look forward to collaborating on projects and ideas that will benefit our community and the state as a whole.

Our district is one of only 4 of the 49 legislative districts in the state that is represented by both parties. Though we may not agree all the time, each of us is committed to working across the aisle to serve the best interests of our district. We will be working together to help the State of Washington be a better place to work, play and live. We hope to serve as a model to show how leaders of both parties can come together and help our community heal from the political divisions that have been so prominent lately.

As we go into this remote session, we’re committed to remaining as accessible as possible to those we represent. While we may not be physically in our Olympia offices, we and our staff are monitoring emails, letters, and phone calls. We want to remain in touch with your needs and best represent you, so please stay in contact with us about your priorities and concerns. If you need assistance with a state agency or have a question about your state government, please reach out to one of our offices. We have access to the same resources, and are equally committed to serving you as your elected representatives.

Muzzall garners valuable committee assignments

Changes in committee assignments have been announced in advance of the 2021 legislative session. State Sen. Ron Muzzall, R-Oak Harbor, has been appointed to a new, influential committee and joins the ranks of leadership on another.

Muzzall will continue to serve on the Senate Ways and Means Committee, which focuses on the state budget and tax issues. He has been appointed the ranking member on the Senate Health and Long-Term Care Committee and joins the Senate Rules Committee, which serves as a final gateway for bills that have cleared the committee stage but have not reached the Senate floor.

“Since joining the Senate, I’ve focused on ensuring our district has a strong voice in the decisions being made in Olympia and delved into policy issues impacting our residents,” Muzzall said. “I’m honored to continue my work on health care issues and the budget and welcome the challenge of working with my colleagues to determine broader decisions about what the whole Senate will vote on in the Rules Committee.”

Muzzall is leaving the State Government, Elections and Tribal Relations Committee, whose responsibilities have been split up across two committees.

“As a freshman senator, my thought was just to be happy to sit and listen and learn,” said Muzzall. “Now that I will be serving the people of the 10th District for a full, four-year term, it’s time to change my approach and bring my wealth of experience to bear for all of the communities I represent. I think these committee assignments will serve us well.”

The 2021 legislative session is scheduled to convene remotely for 105 days on Jan. 11, 2021.

Final Update from Olympia for the Year

Greetings Friends and Neighbors,

Because I’ll be on the ballot later this year, election-year restrictions make this the last e-newsletter you’ll receive from my legislative office until the November election is certified. Although the Legislature’s regular session ended almost two months ago, the COVID-19 situation is keeping me busy with numerous video meetings and phone calls with updates on how the state continues to respond.

The governor’s action this week to extend his stay-at-home order through May gives me some cause for concern. It will undoubtedly have serious consequences for families, small businesses and students, and put a huge hole in the state’s $54 billion budget (an early estimate is $7 billion). I’ve been fighting to ensure there is accountability in the decisions the governor is making. Recall that the point of this social (or what I prefer to call physical) distancing was to “flatten the curve” and reduce the rates of infection and death. We’ve seen that happen. I’m proud that Washingtonians have come together and done the responsible thing.

Now it’s time to move toward a measured reopening of our economy and society. We can do so safely and maintain the progress we’ve made. I wish the governor’s four-phase approach to reopening had the right balance to it, but the timeline is too fuzzy and it continues the inconsistent pattern of picking winners and losers within the economy. That doesn’t take into account the very real impacts that both social isolation and disappearing incomes are having on our citizens’ mental and emotional health. My Senate Republican colleagues and I recently put forth what we believe is a reasonable approach to recovery for our state. You can read that here.

In case you missed it, I also mailed a report on the 2020 legislative session. Click here to read that.

COVID-19 Resources

I’m here to serve you and be a resource as much as possible during this difficult time. Follow this link for a comprehensive list of information we developed, which I hope you’ll find useful. I’m heartened that so many are lending a hand to support their communities. Many of our neighbors are hard-hit by a lack of work and struggling with food insecurity. Washington farmers have stepped up and are donating 1 million pounds of potatoes. Over the span of a couple of weeks, sites are being set up around the state for a giveaway, and on May 19, we are expecting 25 tons of potatoes to be handed out in Mount Vernon.

It’s not too late to be counted!

We have a responsibility to make sure our communities get the resources they need. You can make sure that happens by filing out the 2020 census. It’s not too late. You should have received some notifications or reminders in the mail with instructions.

I’m urging you to do your civic duty and fill out the census today! The information gathered is vital to our community and state. It determines funding for over a hundred federal programs, informs our congressional representation and redistricting and more. If we miss out, we will live with the consequences for the next 10 years. So, if you care about the future of libraries, roads, public safety, school funding, and our community, please take 10 minutes and fill out the census.

Visit www.2020census.gov/ to fill it out and for more information or you can call 1-844-330-2020.

Muzzall pushes back on premature release of nearly 1000 inmates

State Sen. Ron Muzzall, R-Oak Harbor, is pushing back on a proposal to prematurely release nearly 1,000 inmates from state prisons due to the COVID-19 virus.

Gov. Jay Inslee and state Department of Corrections officials devised the plan after the state Supreme Court ordered action to prevent outbreaks of the virus among those in state custody. However, Muzzall points out that the high court did not specify or mandate such an extreme action, which he believes would endanger communities and inmates alike.

“I’ve had some reservations about decisions the governor has made responding to various aspects of the COVID-19 outbreak, but this move is just foolish,” Muzzall said. “I believe the state has options for limiting the exposure for those incarcerated that stops far short of releasing them before they’ve served their debt to society.”

While plans for the release are still being developed, Muzzall said there are considerations that need to be addressed by the administration.

“We need to ensure that victims of crimes are notified that their perpetrators are being released in a timely manner. We owe that to them,” Muzzall said. “I honestly don’t think this move is fair or compassionate to anyone. We are setting these folks up for failure. They won’t have the support network. They aren’t getting housing, or jobs, or medical care. In reality, there is a higher likelihood of them contracting COVID-19 outside than in state custody.”

Muzzall is demanding that the state ensure a responsible plan is adopted prior to any premature release of inmates, but is also urging the governor to reconsider the release altogether.

“The Supreme Court did not order him to do this. It’s an extreme response that just doesn’t make sense,” said Muzzall. “We have resources and ways to do what the court is asking without putting our communities at further risk.”

Muzzall bill to save farm internship program signed by governor

In a televised, private ceremony due to the COVID-19 outbreak, Gov. Inslee signed legislation sponsored by state Sen. Ron Muzzall, R-Oak Harbor this past Friday. The new law revives a popular and effective farm internship program administered by the state Dept. of Labor and Industries that recently expired.

“Restarting this successful and innovative program is needed given the current state of farming, it’s one that will hopefully provide options in our current economic situation,” Muzzall said. “We know that the program can be a significant help to support smaller farming operations around the state. Keeping the program gives an opportunity for people to explore more career options and a chance for younger generations to be exposed to farming.”

Muzzall’s bill removes regulatory barriers to employ interns generally on small farms. Participants will receive training and other benefits, such as housing, while they may be starting their own farming operations under the pilot program. Begun in 2010, it’s been active in 20 of Washington’s 39 counties before it expired at the end of 2019.

“The future of family farming is at stake nationally and here in Washington. That is a big problem for us since agriculture is such a significant driver of our economy,” Muzzall said. “As a fourth-generation family farmer, I know firsthand that we have to get creative. This program will be extremely helpful to develop a sustainable workforce needed in agriculture.”

The law goes into effect immediately with a sunset date at the end of 2025. It requires a comprehensive report to the Legislature due the year prior to its expiration.

COVID-19 – Resources for our Community

Dear Friends,

I’m back home in district now that the legislative session has concluded. I’ll be sure to send an update on our work in Olympia later, but I’d like to focus this newsletter on resources and assurances on what’s happening with the Coronavirus (COVID-19) response in our state. This new virus is posing a serious threat to the daily routines, physical and economic health of communities around our state. Please be patient and do your part to prevent the spread to vulnerable members of our community.

In the final days of session, the Legislature approved House Bill 2965, which provides $175 million in emergency funding from the rainy-day fund (like our savings account) for the COVID-19 response at the state level. Any unused funds will go back to that account. Those funds will be used to support our fellow Washingtonians affected by the virus, including expanded unemployment benefits for workers and nursing home payments.

While government is stepping in to provide the resources from what it’s taken, it’s up to us to be good neighbors and take care of one another. We have an obligation to come together during this time. In so doing, we’ll weather the storm and be stronger on the other side. One of the recent executive orders from the governor has prohibited dining in, but restaurants are still able to provide take-out orders. In an industry with low-margins, closures for a couple weeks could be devastating, so there’s an opportunity to support our neighbors. It’s also a good chance to check in on those that might need help with getting groceries, planning for childcare, or are dealing with anxiety from the turmoil we face. We’re stronger together, and we’ll beat this together

Below are links to resources that you may find useful.

You can find additional resources and updates by visiting the governor’s COVID-19 website. Click here for details.

Please, take care and don’t hesitate to reach out to my office with any questions you may have. Our Senate offices will be closed for a while as the facilities department does a deep clean, so it may take us some time to get back to you. Email will be the best way to get in contact. It is an honor to serve you.

Sincerely,

Ron Muzzall,

Your 10th District State Senator

Legislature approves Muzzall bill to save farm internship program

The House of Representatives gave its unanimous approval Wednesday to legislation sponsored by state Sen. Ron Muzzall, R-Oak Harbor, to extend a valuable farm internship program. Clearing its final hurdle, Senate Bill 6421 now heads to the governor’s desk for his signature.

“I’m pleased that we’ve been able to revive this successful and innovative program. Given the current state of farming, it’s one that is desperately needed,” Muzzall said. “Keeping this program alive provides more career options and opportunities to get a younger generation engaged in farming. It will also be a significant help to support smaller farming operations around the state.”

The pilot project, which is primarily geared toward supporting small farms, would remove regulatory barriers to employ interns who will receive training and other benefits such as housing while they may be starting their own farming operations. The state Department of Labor and Industries, which oversees the program that began in 2010 and has involved 20 of Washington’s 39 counties, can now re-establish the program that expired in 2019.

“Farms across the country are facing challenges recruiting the next generation of farmers. That is a big problem for our state since agriculture is such a driver of Washington’s economy,” Muzzall said. “We have to get creative to ensure that agriculture has the workforce needed to be sustainable. This legislation is a positive step in that direction.”

The program, which would go into effect immediately, is set to expire at the end of 2025 with a report to the Legislature due the year prior.