OLYMPIA – As Democrats take majority control of the Washington State Senate, Sen. Mark Mullet, D-Issaquah, will shift leadership roles as chair of the Senate Financial Institutions & Insurance Committee.

Since 2014, Mullet has served as the lead Democrat on Financial Institutions & Insurance. As chair, he will direct the agenda and guide policy on the committee.

“As chair of the committee, my priority remains to shape policies that create jobs, help small businesses thrive, and give families and individuals the opportunity to succeed,” Mullet said. “As a small business owner, I understand the balance necessary to create an equal playing field for small businesses and their employees.”

Mullet will also continue to serve on the Senate Early Learning & K-12 Education and Health Care committees, and will gain a position on the powerful, budget-writing Ways & Means Committee.

“I look forward to applying my experience in finance to the important decisions we make on Ways & Means,” Mullet said. “In the past I’ve sometimes seen policies whose financial wisdom I’ve questioned; now it’s my job to help make sure what passes out is fiscally responsible and prudent, and I look forward to that.”

Democrats gained a one-seat majority in the Senate after winning a special election earlier this month in the 45th Legislative District. With Democrats back in the majority, they now have the power to set the agendas of Senate committees and floor action, determining which bills will be heard and brought up for votes.