RON MUZZALL: The beginning of the 2022 legislative session
Sen. Ron Muzzall sent out a legislative update to constituents from his official email account on Mon., Jan. 10, 2022.
Dear Friends and Neighbors,
The 2022 legislative session begins this week for what we call a “short session,” convening for just 60 days. In years past, these short sessions would be opportunities to make minor adjustments to policies and budgetary decisions. If you’ve followed the news at all, you’ll rightly know that the work ahead of us is anything but minor. From failed criminal justice “reforms” to less-than-well-thought-out taxes for long-term care, there are significant changes needed in state government.
When we left Olympia with the largest budget in state history last spring, I was keen on maintaining a focus on structure, accountability and discipline that is sorely lacking in the implementation of our work in the Legislature. State agencies continue to fail where we need them to be most effective.
When people were out of work due to the pandemic, they couldn’t get the help they needed from the Employment Security Department. When businesses were struggling, federal resources were squandered and state agencies became a crude, blunt instrument of enforcement rather than help.
You deserve better. That is why I’ve been working all interim (the time between legislative sessions), meeting with constituents and stakeholders to make our state government better, more efficient and caring.
It’s no secret that health-care costs are rising at an unsustainable rate, and policy choices in Olympia have exacerbated that problem. That means the most vulnerable are being left with fewer options for quality care. I’m working to fix that. This session, I’ll be sponsoring legislation to fix our broken health-care system and hold agencies accountable for the considerable resources we are already spending.
These aren’t partisan issues and they have been my focus since becoming your state senator. We need better discourse in our politics and better outcomes in our process. I’m focusing on issues that unite us and bring transparency and fairness.
Committee Assignments & Leadership
This past November, I was elected by my colleagues to serve as the Senate Republican Caucus Vice-Chair. In this role, I will help preside at internal meetings of the caucus and coordinate committee activities as liaison between leadership and committee chairs. I will continue to serve as the ranking member on the Senate Health and Long Term Care Committee, and serve on the Ways and Means (budget) Committee, as well as on the Rules Committee.
Getting Involved in the Process
Until recently, this session was going to be in-person, with the public allowed into the Senate galleries to watch floor proceedings. Unfortunately, the Facilities and Operations committee decided the Senate will continue to be entirely virtual for now, and the Capitol Campus buildings remain closed to the public. While virtual options have created some opportunities, it hasn’t been without its drawbacks. For instance, registering to testify does not guarantee you a chance to speak before a committee.
To echo the Senate minority leader, with all the safety protocols that are in place, lawmakers should be able to safely meet in person, and the public should have more access. If it’s working for our kids in schools, why won’t it work in the Legislature?
Now more than ever, we need your voice in the process. Here are some useful links to participate and observe what your state government is doing.
Senate Remote Testimony Sign-In
Legislative Committee Schedules
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
