A national small business association has recognized Washington state legislators who support small businesses, including several in the Mid-Columbia. 

NFIB has awarded its Guardian of Small Business Award to 16 state senators and 29 House members, with two legislators receiving special recognition.  

Lawmakers were scored on 10 votes in each chamber, and those who voted with the NFIB position at least 90% of the time received the award.  

“It’s easy for officials to claim they support small business. It’s another thing to actually vote with them when faced with tremendous pressure from powerful interest groups, caucus leadership, and partisan colleagues,” said Patrick Connor, state director for NFIB in Washington state, in a statement.  

Mid-Columbia legislators who received the award include:  

• 8th legislative district: Sen. Matt Boehnke (100%) and Reps. April Connors (100%) and Stephanie Barnard (90%) 
• 16th legislative district: Sen. Perry Dozier (100%) and Reps. Mark Klicker (100%) and Skyler Rude (90%) 
• 15th legislative district: Sen. Nikki Torres (100%) and Reps. Chris Corry (100%) and Jeremie Dufault (90%) 
• 14th legislative district: Reps. Gloria Mendoza (100%) and Deb Manjarrez (90%) 

Sen. John Braun and Rep. Amy Walen received special recognition. 

Other state senators who received the award:

Leonard Christian (100%), Keith Goehner (100%), Drew MacEwen (100%), Jim McCune (100%), Mark Schoesler (100%), Shelly Short (100%), Keith Wagoner (100%), Judy Warnick (100%), Jeff Wilson (100%), John Braun (90%), Phil Fortunato (90%), Chris Gildon (90%), Ron Muzzall (90%). 

Other state representatives who received the award: 

Andrew Barkis (100%), Travis Couture (100%), Mary Dye (100%), Matt Marshall (100%), Stephanie McClintock (100%), Ed Orcutt (100%), Joshua Penner (100%), Joe Schmick (100%), Drew Stokesbary (100%), Hunter Abell (90%), Brian Burnett (90%), Rob Chase (90%), Andrew Engell (90%), Dan Griffey (90%), Cyndy Jacobsen (90%), Michael Keaton (90%), John Ley (90%), David Stuebe (90%), Michelle (Caldier) Valdez (90%), Jim Walsh (90%), Alex Ybarra (90%).