Author Archives: Laudan

End of Session Virtual Town Hall

Now that the dust has settled a bit, I want to reconnect with you one more time to review the 2021 legislative session. While we adjourned the 105-day slog on time, there was a flurry of activity in the final days that I think needs to be unpacked. So, I hope that you can join me and my House seatmates for a virtual town hall as we discuss the Legislature’s work and answer your questions.

Ours is one of only 4 of the 49 legislative districts in the state that is represented by both parties. I’m committed to working across the aisle to serve the best interests of our constituents and hope you can participate.

Please register in advance for this webinar by clicking here.

You can submit questions in advance by entering them in the ‘Questions & Comments’ box during registration.

Senate Republicans establish first-of-its-kind initiative

Offer principled stance on outreach and equity work

The 2021 legislative session saw an emphasis on bills aimed at addressing racial inequities. Democratic leaders early on had indicated that in the constrained virtual session, bills would be limited to a few critical areas, equity being one of them. However, proposals claiming to help disadvantaged communities were largely special interest-driven policies to grow state government.

On the final day of the legislative session, Senate Republican Caucus leaders announced the creation of the new Office of Community Engagement and Inclusion to address these same issues in a principled, authentic, and holistic way.

The office will be headed by a small group of community advocate-senators and overseen directly by the SRC leadership structure. Sens. Ron Muzzall, R-Oak Harbor, Ann Rivers, R-La Center and Chris Gildon, R-Puyallup, comprise the core group that will drive the CEI office’s work.

“This is something that we need to do,” said Muzzall. “Our state is very diverse and getting more so, and we need to make sure we are hearing from and working for all Washingtonians. While the other side does a good job talking about these issues, the actual policies coming from Olympia aren’t helping disadvantaged communities. I believe our principles will win out with groups who are not engaged in the process. We just need to make the more concerted effort to listen.”

“We welcome this effort by the Senate Republican Caucus to truly engage marginalized communities and organizations like ours,” said Linda Yang, Director of Washington Asians For Equality. “During this past session, we were shut out, and ignored. Public hearings became a staged show for special interest groups and organizations. The public and grassroots organizations were denied opportunities to meaningfully participate in the process, and our repeated requests to draw attention to anti-Asian racism were ignored. This office will be a valuable resource for marginalized groups to be heard.”

“We have had an informal outreach capacity for several years in our caucus, but this new office is a demonstration that we are serious about addressing these issues,” said Rivers, who chairs the Senate Republican Caucus. “We aren’t going to be about messaging bills or photo ops; we are getting to work on real policies that empower disadvantaged communities in our state.”

“Institutionalizing policy work for the broader communities of color in Washington state that includes real engagement and discussions of inclusion is a big step,” said Frank Lemos, President of the National Minority Business Advisory Council, (MBAC), a nonpartisan policy think-tank focused on advocacy for the minority business community in public contracting. “I’ve had the opportunity to work with Senate Republican leaders on issues of concern of our communities of color and the creation of this office demonstrates they are serious about the work that lies ahead. Since the passage of Initiative 200 in 1998, small minority businesses in our state have been devastated. I’m looking forward to meaningful dialogue on addressing proven disparate impacts in state public contracting that violate Title VI of the Civil Rights Acts of 1964.”

The Office of Community Engagement and Inclusion will work with community groups and legislators to develop a plan for the remainder of the year, including guiding principles and policy opportunities in advance of the 2022 session.

Attend our Joint Virtual Town Hall

In these physically-distant times, getting together to hold a town hall can be a challenge. So, my seatmates and I will be jointly holding a virtual one to provide an update on the 2021 legislative session and get your feedback.

As I’ve noted before, the 10th District is just 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, I’m committed to working across the aisle to serve the best interests of our constituents. I hope that you can join us.

Please register in advance for this webinar by clicking here.

You can submit questions in advance by entering them in the ‘Questions & Comments’ box during registration.

‘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.”