RON MUZZALL: The Legislature has adjourned – My take on the 2021 session
Sen. Ron Muzzall sent out a legislative update to constituents from his official email account on Fri., Apr. 30, 2021.
Greetings Friends,
The Senate has adjourned after an historic 105-day session. It was notable for many reasons, not the least of which was the virtual nature of the process, but also because of some significant policy and budgetary items. Going into session, we thought we had some really challenging times for the state’s budget. The COVID-related shutdowns have been hard on working families and small businesses. However, the state’s finances are in much better shape than we could have hoped for.
New taxes or hikes on existing ones aren’t necessary. In fact, the state went from a projected shortfall to a surplus over the next four years, and with the money coming from the federal government, our coffers were already overflowing.
My Senate Republican colleagues and I offered what I think is a better path forward and attempted to amend the budget. Our proposal spent $4 billion less, maintained healthy reserves, and imposed no new taxes, while still funding critical government services. It also made significant investments in other areas, including spending $1 billion on unemployment benefits to avoid crushing small businesses with higher unemployment insurance rates.
What we have now is a budget that takes more resources out of a fragile economy to grow government. Consider that the tax burden per person is $7,723. This has grown by more than $650 amidst the pandemic! Here is a side by side comparison of the different budgets. On the left, the one that was approved and the Senate Republican Proposal on the right.
I’d characterize this session as one of missed opportunities. In somewhat of a predication, I authored a column to that effect in the La Conner Weekly News. You can read that here.
A good analogy for this year is that the Legislature had a 105-day party. Now it’s over, the Legislature has cleared out and someone has to pay for it. Unfortunately, you the constituents are going to foot the bill over my strenuous objections.
Cap and Tax
I consider myself an active environmentalist, as opposed to an environmental activist. As a fourth-generation farmer, I care deeply for the land that has provided my family an honest living for generations, and I’m working to ensure it will do so for more to come. Being a good steward of our natural resources comes, well, naturally.
That is why I take a critical eye to many of the supposed environmental policies coming through the Legislature. Unfortunately, many of the proposals are just convoluted tax schemes that would do little to benefit the climate or our environment.
Senate Bill 5126, the Cap and Trade legislation is no different. The taxes taken under this bill are assumed in the budget I discussed earlier, but the underlying policy itself is deeply concerning. The Washington Policy Center had a great write up on how the mechanics of this proposal work.
Combined with cap-and-trade, an LCFS simply becomes waste and graft
I will continue advocating for environmental policies that make sense, have measurable impacts, and won’t place a heavy burden on those who can afford it least.
Investing in our Community
Our work in Olympia isn’t all partisan bickering. A great deal of legislation that comes to the floor are small bills that make technical changes to help our citizens. On those we get strong bipartisan agreement. The biennial capital budget is an example of that cross-party cooperation that provides needed resources mainly for construction of critical community projects.
I’m proud to have worked to secure funding for many projects in our district and supported the overall $6 billion proposal that will put money towards mental health facilities, school construction and affordable housing.
The 10th District will see more than $1 million for the Coupeville Boys and Girls Club, $600,000 for renovations at the Island County Criminal Justice center, and significant funding for raising Wiley Slough Dike. Although in our neighboring district, the funding for the Didgwalic Transitional Housing in Anacortes will serve our broader community. Click here to see a complete list of funded projects.
At a high level, the budget invests $355 million in water quality programs around the state, over $400 million expanding broadband access, $175 million into the Housing Trust Fund and more. You can find more information on the total allocations around the state here.
Upcoming Virtual Town Hall
About half-way during the legislative session, my House seatmates and I held a virtual town hall. It was a huge success with lots of participation from around the district. Now that session is over, we are working on putting together another opportunity to discuss how things ended up and answer questions from our constituents. We don’t have a date yet, but are looking toward the middle to end of May. Please keep an eye out for details.
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
