OLYMPIA, Wash. – The Washington Hospitality Association is proud to announce the 2019 Legislative Heroes for Hospitality: Sen. Mark Mullet, D-Issaquah, Sen. Curtis King, R-Yakima, Rep. Cindy Ryu, D-Shoreline, Rep. Gina Mosbrucker, R-Goldendale. This year, House Minority Leader Rep. J.T. Wilcox, R-Yelm and Rep. Drew Stokesbary, R-Auburn, also each received an honorable mention.

The legislative heroes and honorable mentions were selected for their demonstrated commitment to the hospitality industry in Washington state during the legislative session.

The 2019 Legislative Heroes for Hospitality are:

Sen. Mark Mullet, D-Issaquah

As the Democratic state Senator from Issaquah, owner of Ben and Jerry’s Ice Cream locations and a Zeeks Pizza, Sen. Mark Mullet knows hospitality. This session, Mullet went above and beyond to speak with members at Hill Climb and helped prepare them for a busy day of meetings with legislators. This session, Mullet was a champion for the association’s top priority short-term rental bill as the chair of the Senate Financial Institutions, Economic Development & Trade Committee. He also led the Senate Democrats during session on other priority hospitality-related industry topics. In the Senate, Mullet is also a member of the Ways & Means Committee and the Early Learning & K-12 Committee. Thank you, Sen. Mullet, for being a 2019 Legislative Hero for Hospitality.

Sen. Curtis King, R-Yakima

Sen. Curtis King, R-Yakima, is just about as hospitable as they come. He has earned our industry’s appreciation this year for his support and willingness to assist our industry as the ranking Minority Member on the Senate Labor & Commerce Committee. King was a champion of the industry on many bills and topics including safety devices for isolated workers, Liquor Control Board accountability, restrictive scheduling, employment and business regulations, diaper changing stations and more. Specifically, King was consistent in his thoughtful and pragmatic approach to finding solutions to complex policy issues. In addition to his duties on the Labor & Commerce Committee, King also serves as the ranking Minority Member of the Senate Transportation Committee and as a member of the Rules Committee. Thank you, Sen. King, for being a 2019 Legislative Hero for Hospitality.

Rep. Cindy Ryu, D-Shoreline

When it came time to nominate and select the 2019 Legislative Heroes, Rep. Cindy Ryu, D- Shoreline, immediately came to mind. As the sponsor and champion of the association’s top priority short-term rental bill, Ryu went above and beyond to ensure the bill’s passage this year. Now with a law on the books that holds short-term rental operators and platforms to the same tax regulations and consumer safety provisions as lodging establishments, the industry is more equal. In the House of Representatives, Ryu is the chair of the Housing, Community Development & Veterans Committee, is a member of the Appropriations Committee and the Consumer Protection & Business Committee. She is also a board member of the Washington Tourism Marketing Authority. Thank you, Rep. Ryu, for being a 2019 Legislative Hero for Hospitality.

Rep. Gina Mosbrucker, R-Goldendale

Rep. Gina Mosbrucker, R-Goldendale, is no stranger to hospitality. In addition to serving in a leadership position in the House as the minority vice-caucus chair, Mosbrucker is also the CEO and general manager of Quality Inn & Suites Hotel in Goldendale. As the ranking Republican on the House Labor and Workplace Standards Committee, her deep understanding of the hospitality industry and the perspective of a small business owner proved invaluable this session. When issues like restrictive scheduling and other labor, business and employment regulations were before the committee, Mosbrucker proved herself to be a champion for the industry and as someone with a solutions-oriented approach. Mosbrucker also serves on the Appropriations Committee and the State Government and Tribal Relations Committee. Thank you, Rep. Mosbrucker, for being a 2019 Legislative Hero for Hospitality.

Honorable Mention:

House Republican Minority Leader Rep. J.T. Wilcox

House Republican Minority Leader Rep. J.T. Wilcox of Yelm receives an honorable mention this session as he exhibited tremendous leadership skills as leader of his caucus this session. With gratitude and appreciation, thank you for your support, Rep. Wilcox.

Rep. Drew Stokesbary

Rep. Drew Stokesbary, R – Auburn, receives an honorable mention this session for his instrumental role in listening to the concerns of the hospitality industry on the consumer data privacy bill and his work to prevent additional taxes on the industry. Thank you for your support, Rep. Stokesbary.

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