LEGISLATURE 2025-26 / RON MUZZALL: Washington Deserves Better Than This Budget

Sen. Ron Muzzall (R-Oak Harbor) sent this from his official email account on Wed., May 28, 2025.

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

Now that the dust has settled and the final state budget has been signed into law, I want to level with you about what really happened and why it matters for everyday Washingtonians like you and me.

You may have heard about a $16 billion budget shortfall. That number has been repeated often, but it simply isn’t true. The real shortfall, calculated by the nonpartisan experts who serve both Republicans and Democrats in the Legislature, never exceeded $7.5 billion. The rest came from adding in new spending wish lists and costly policy promises that weren’t required by law.

Despite what you may have heard, there was no need to raise taxes to balance the budget and fund core services. Senate Republicans offered a fully balanced, responsible alternative. Our plan met the same six budget standards laid out by the governor himself. It didn’t raise taxes, didn’t cut essential services, and it protected vulnerable Washingtonians. The majority rejected it, twice.

Instead, the final budget that passed, and was signed into law, relies on the largest package of tax increases in state history, $12.2 billion over the next four years. That includes sales taxes on more services and property tax increases that will hit working families the hardest. It’s a budget built on myths and gimmicks, and Washington families will be left paying the price.

And what do we get for all this?

• Less access to care: Behavioral health and public health services were cut, despite the state spending $4 billion on government employee raises.
• Less support for children and families: Services for children and youth were trimmed, even as new taxes drive up the cost of basic goods.
• A smaller share for education: Despite the rhetoric, the percentage of the budget going to public K-12 education continues to decline.
• Higher costs for everyone: From housing to groceries to prescription drugs, even your streaming services, this budget makes life in Washington less affordable.

Let’s not forget: the governor once said the state was unaffordable, and warned against budget gimmicks. Unfortunately, he signed off on all of it, tax hikes and all. He had a chance to stand up for Washington’s working families. He didn’t take it.

I understand the frustrations many of you have shared with me. I share them too. We had a better way, a balanced budget, no tax hikes, and no cuts to essential services. But the majority was never interested in that path. Their agenda was clear from the start: tax more, spend more, and ask working people to foot the bill.

You deserve a state government that listens, tells the truth, and budgets with restraint and compassion. That’s the kind of leadership I’ll keep fighting for.

Thanks for staying engaged, and as always, I’m here to listen.

Sincerely,

Senator Ron Muzzall

10th Legislative District