Sen. Murray, chair of the budget-writing Senate Ways & Means Committee, issued the following statement Friday, May 18, regarding the decision by the committee's ranking Republican, Sen. Joe Zarelli, R-Ridgefield, not to run for re-election this year:

“Sen. Zarelli's departure from the Senate means the loss of one of the chamber’s most knowledgeable members, especially on fiscal issues. He advocated for his positions and his caucus strongly, but he was also a leader who knew how to compromise for the good of the state. I am glad that, despite our differences over the years, we have maintained a good relationship. I wish Joe the very best in the future.”