News Releases

Cities would be able to attract more private dollars to build housing around transit stations under legislation passed overwhelmingly today by the Senate. “This can increase housing availability around the state,” said Sen. Mark Mullet (D-Issaquah), the bill’s sponsor. “By enabling local governments to pay for environmental review near transit hubs, we can encourage more housing development in those areas.” Senate ...

Students would be assured of adequate access to school counselors, not only for career guidance but to address trauma and mental health needs during these stressful times, under legislation moving through the Senate. “Our schools employ counselors for a reason, and I happen to think it’s a very important reason,” said Sen. Mark Mullet (D-Issaquah), the bill’s sponsor. “I know our ...

OLYMPIA – The Washington State Senate voted today to increase the expediency of vehicles carrying organ transplants by according them the privileges and paraphernalia of emergency vehicles. Donated organs have limited time outside of the body before they become unusable. However, because of the large service area of donation organizations in Washington state and in the Pacific Northwest overall, it can ...

OLYMPIA – The Washington State Senate voted 43-3 today to approve legislation defining the duties of high school counselors. School counselors are highly educated and provide vital resources for the academic, career, personal, and social needs of all students. However, many counselors in Washington are asked to cover for other positions and perform tasks such as proctoring exams, acting as crossing ...

OLYMPIA – The Washington Senate voted 26-20 today to approve legislation that would provide Washington State employees who have previously not had access to retirement plans an easier option going forward. Senate Bill 5740, sponsored by Sen. Mark Mullet (D-Issaquah), gives employers the opportunity to auto-enroll employees in a new state sponsored account, or to continue enrolling them in pre-existing ...

OLYMPIA – Sen. Mark Mullet (D-Issaquah) encourages students in the 5th Legislative District to apply to serve as a page in the Washington State Senate during the 2020 legislative session. The Washington State Legislature has one of the finest page programs in the country. Each year, hundreds of students from communities across the state spend a week taking part in the legislative process ...

OLYMPIA – Teachers’ salaries would not be cut and their rights to collectively bargain would not be restricted by legislation ensuring that school districts put money from additional local levy dollars toward needed services like librarians and counselors, Sen. Mark Mullet (D-Issaquah) emphasized today.

Mullet spoke out to address what he said were inaccurate reports ...

OLYMPIA – The Washington Senate today voted 31-17 to approve legislation to provide employees in Washington who are not offered retirement benefits through their work easier access to retirement plans.

Senate Bill 5740, sponsored by Sen. Mark Mullet (D-Issaquah), requires certain employers to automatically enroll, at no cost, their employees in Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs) in the ...

RENTON – Sen. Mark Mullet (D-Issaquah) today pledged to continue working to create jobs, help small businesses thrive and give families and individuals the opportunity to succeed after he was chosen to chair the newly configured Senate Financial Institutions, Economic Development & Trade Committee. “As a small business owner with a background in finance, I know how important balance and an equal playing ...

OLYMPIA – Recent reports that the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is delaying construction of a new interchange at State Route 18 and Interstate 90 are incorrect, Sen. Mark Mullet, D-Issaquah, said today in an email to constituents. Mullet disputed reports that WSDOT’s current project timetable, which anticipates construction from 2021 to 2023, broke an alleged commitment to start and ...