The Association of Washington Business recently honored Sen. Judy Warnick, R-Moses Lake, at its 2017 Evening of Excellence as the Legislator of the Year.

Warnick, who served as the Chair of the Senate’s Agriculture, Water, Trade and Economic Development Committee, received the award for her work to support small businesses across the state.

“I am honored to receive this recognition,” said Warnick. “I have worked to expand opportunity and limit unnecessary regulations that hurt small businesses, which are a key driver of our state’s economy, especially in small and rural communities.”

In addition to her support of small business, Warnick’s advocacy for a permanent fix to the Hirst water rights court decision for rural Washington families earned her the top honor by the business association.

“When the 2017 legislative session started, I knew that the Hirst ruling was going to be a significant issue,” Warnick said. “While we had work to do to address education, rural families and local governments needed a permanent fix to Hirst – something I am still fighting for. Ensuring families have access to water in my community is critical for continued economic development in parts of our state that haven’t seen the same kind of economic recovery enjoyed by those in the greater Puget Sound.”

“Senator Warnick has been instrumental in advocating on behalf of residents in rural regions across the state – from water issues to economic growth – not just this year, but for many years as a board member and a legislator,” said Gary Chandler, AWB vice president, government affairs. “We are pleased to give her this year’s Legislator of the Year award as a way to recognize all the great work she has done to improve communities, large and small, and create economic opportunity.”