Sen. Janéa Holmquist receives ‘Legislator of the Year’ award
Holmquist honored for ‘heavy lifting’ on behalf of business by the Association of General Contractors

July 2, 2009  OLYMPIA…Sen. Janéa Holmquist, R-Moses Lake, was honored recently by the Association of General Contractors for her “heavy lifting on behalf of the AGC and business cause” in her role as ranking the Republican member on the Senate Labor, Commerce and Consumer Protection Committee during the 2009 legislative session. AGC Director of Government Affairs Rick Slunaker, who praised Holmquist for her steadfast opposition to ‘job-killer’ bills on the labor committee, also said, “Her leadership was felt on issues as varied as workers’ compensation, unemployment insurance taxation, and the underground economy in construction.”

Pictured with Sen. Holmquist (holding her award) are Lee Kilcup, President of AGC of Washington, Rick Slunaker, AGC’s Director of Government Affairs, and David D’Hondt, AGC’s Executive Vice President.

Holmquist led an effort in the Senate to bring together diverse interests from business and labor to protect the stability of Washington’s unemployment-insurance program, achieve conformity with federal law, acknowledge overpayments by Washington’s employers and provide funding for worker-training programs. 

Dave Kearby, who heads up the AGC central Washington district office, also praised Holmquist’s work during the 2009 session. 

“It’s wonderful to have someone like Senator Holmquist here in central Washington.  She has certainly gone to bat for issues important to construction statewide, but she is also mindful of the unique political, social, and economic makeup of central Washington and the voters she represents.  In what seemingly is an uphill battle for contractors in Olympia, I know our AGC members in the central district appreciate Senator Holmquist’s efforts on their behalf. I congratulate her on being named Legislator of the Year.” 

Four of Washington’s 147 legislators were recognized by ACG this year. Holmquist’s counterpart on the House labor committee, Rep Cary Condotta, R-Wenatchee, was also honored for his role as the committee’s ranking Republican. 

The AGC award, presented on June 23, was Holmquist’s second of the month. On June 6, Holmquist received the 2009 “Legislative Business Star” award from the Business Institute of Washington, a group of employers, employees and other business community activists dedicated to promoting a legislative agenda that creates a vibrant economy and preserves private-sector jobs.  

“We can’t preserve and create jobs for Washington citizens if the Legislature doesn’t adopt fair policies that encourage new industries to come to our state and make it possible for the companies already here to prosper and grow,” Holmquist said. 

In addition to her success in preserving the stability of the unemployment trust fund, Holmquist led a bipartisan effort to stop a bill requiring collective bargaining for childcare centers; successfully fought a bill that would have prevented employers from communicating with their employees about business and social matters; and helped organize opposition to a ‘job-killer’ bill that would have increased the costs of home ownership by attempting to cripple the homebuilding industry – an industry needed to help Washington emerge out of the recession. 

She also led the effort to defeat a payroll tax to pay for an ill-conceived and unfunded paid family leave program; and fought a series of tax proposals including a hike in the state sales tax, increases in the state business and occupation tax, and even two proposals calling for the creation of a state income tax – all of which failed to pass the Legislature. 

“I am honored by these awards and appreciate being recognized for my efforts, but for me it’s just my job,” Holmquist said. “With unemployment still climbing and recent revenue and caseload forecasts cutting bigger holes in our state budget, my constituents are counting on me to continue my efforts protecting them, their wallets, and their rights.” 

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For additional information contact: Penny Drost, (360) 786-7522
Please visit Sen. Holmquist’s Web site at http://src.leg.wa.gov/holmquist
for more complete information about her 2009 legislative efforts.