Update from Olympia
Dear Friends and Neighbors,
As we dive deeper into the 2025 legislative session, the challenges of crafting a responsible state budget are front and center. Balancing the needs of our growing population with fiscal responsibility requires tough decisions and a focus on long-term sustainability.
Right now, we’re in the midst of committee hearings and discussions, laying the groundwork for key budget proposals. From funding education and public safety to addressing infrastructure and healthcare, the choices we make this session will have lasting impacts on our communities.
I’m committed to ensuring your voices are heard throughout this process. Together, we can work toward a budget that reflects our shared values and priorities.
Stay tuned for updates as we move through the session. Thank you for staying engaged!
Ferry Update
As the 2025 legislative session gets underway, I wanted to take a moment to talk about an issue that touches so many of our lives here in the 10th District: our ferry system. Whether you rely on ferries for your daily commute, weekend adventures, or visiting loved ones, you know how critical they are to our way of life.
Unfortunately, our ferry system has hit some rough waters in recent years. Decades of mismanagement and underfunding, aging vessels, and staffing challenges have led to delays and disruptions that are frustrating for everyone. But I’m cautiously optimistic about where we’re headed.
Governor Ferguson, in his inaugural address, made it clear that ferries are a priority. He’s called for speeding up the construction of new vessels to address reliability issues—a move I fully support. While the previous administration and some lawmakers have pushed for an aggressive transition to electric ferries, the reality is that it just isn’t feasible, and the timelines are too long. We must strike a balance that keeps us moving forward on both reliability and sustainability.
As we dive into this legislative session, I’ll be working hard to ensure the ferry system gets the attention and funding it needs. These boats aren’t just transportation—they’re lifelines for our communities, connecting us to jobs, families, and opportunities.
Together, we can keep Washington moving.
Sincerely,
Senator Ron Muzzall
