| October 31, 2005
OLYMPIA…The Washington State Farm
Bureau has given Sen. Jim Honeyford, R-Sunnyside, a perfect 100 score for
his 2005 voting record on bills important to farmers. Honeyford, a farmer
himself, is intimately familiar with how issues that come before the
Legislature affect Washington’s farming industry.
“Many people talk about the importance of farmers and the
farming industry to our state,” Honeyford noted. “But farmers know that it’s
not what legislators say, but what they do that really matters in their
everyday operations. I am grateful to be recognized for taking votes that
support farmers, their families, and the success of this critical industry
in our state.”
The Farm Bureau rated members on their votes on bills key
to the farming industry, including:
Unemployment insurance (HB 2255) – This bill repealed
some of the 2003 unemployment insurance reforms enacted just two years
earlier. Workers’ benefits will now be based on an average of their
reported income for the two highest quarters, rather than the previous
four-quarter averaging. The Farm Bureau opposed the bill, and Sen.
Honeyford helped lead the fight against it.
Paid leave (SB 5069) – This measure would have
created a new tax to fund a $250 weekly stipend for workers to take up
to five weeks to care for as sick spouse, parent, or child. It would
have forced farmers to grant paid leave to seasonal workers who may have
only been hired one or two days before. The Farm Bureau and Sen.
Honeyford opposed the bill.
Gas tax increase (SB 6103) – This bill raised the gas
tax 9.5 cents per gallon over four years and instituted other
automotive-related fee increases. The Farm Bureau opposed the bill and
Sen. Honeyford voted against it.
“I am honored that the Farm Bureau would recognize my
voting record,” said Honeyford. “I am also proud to be part of the farming
industry in our state and represent so many farmers and ranchers in the 15th
District. They aren’t just my constituents, they’re also my neighbors and
friends. If I can help them as their senator, then I’ve done my job.”
Honeyford was elected to the House of Representatives in
1994 and transitioned to the Senate in 1998. He spent 28 years in education
before joining the Legislature, and currently owns and operates a farm near
Sunnyside.
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For more information contact Rebecca Japhet
(360) 786-7516 or
Japhet.Rebecca@leg.wa.gov
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