Honeyford receives 'Legislative Business Star' award

June 3, 2009

OLYMPIA…Sen. Jim Honeyford, R-Sunnyside, has received a 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.  

“Our employers faced a number of serious challenges this legislative session – everything from a national recession to the threat of tax increases and proposals to institute cap-and-trade,” said Honeyford, who serves as the lead Republican on the Senate Environment, Water and Energy Committee. “I am extremely honored to have been able to stand up for these employers who are critical to the recovery of our state’s economy and the pocketbooks of our citizens.”  

Following each legislative session the Business Institute recognizes a legislator from each legislative caucus for his or her leadership on issues concerning the private sector.  

Honeyford was introduced by Keith Mathews, executive director of the Yakima Valley Growers-Shippers Association.  

“Jim Honeyford is a statesman and his track record as a public servant has been stellar. He is not a man who likes recognition; rather he is a man who enjoys working quietly behind the scenes to get effective public policy established,” said Mathews. “That type of leadership allows him to think critically on public policy in a socially responsible and fiscally accountable way – traits for which employers and employees in Washington’s private sector have great respect.”

Honeyford is particularly proud of his effort to stop several harmful, anti-employer bills this legislatives session, particularly the governor’s cap-and-trade plan.  

“Washington produces three-tenths of one percent of the global gas emissions – which is about 1.4 percent of total U.S. emissions. That’s infinitesimal,” said Honeyford. “The last thing our employers need is to be subjected to this draconian, economy-killing ‘cap-and-tax’ scheme. Instead, as I proposed this session, we should give them incentives to voluntarily reduce greenhouse gases while still working to improve the health of our economy.”   

Formed in 2006, the Business Institute is designed to encourage participation by employees and business in the government process through the delivery of good, non-partisan information from a business perspective.

The 2009 Business Stars were selected for their work in support of a strong private sector during this year’s legislative session, with their keen recognition that a healthy business community creates jobs and fuels Washington’s economy. Legislators were evaluated on their ability to support and champion good, pro-business legislation that will ultimately benefit the economy, particularly in these difficult economic times.