AGC Names Sen. Holmquist Legislator of the Year
Sen. Janéa Holmquist (R-13 Ephrata) was named Legislator of the Year by AGC of Washington. Sen. Holmquist was presented the award on June 23 during the AGC Board of Trustees annual retreat.
“Sen. Holmquist in her role as Ranking Republican Member of the Senate Labor Commerce & Consumer Protection Committee has done some heavy lifting in taking up the AGC and business cause” said AGC Director of Government Affairs Rick Slunaker. “Her leadership was felt on issues as varied workers’ compensation unemployment insurance taxation and the underground economy in construction. Sen. Holmquist has shown an ability to grasp and willingness to advocate for issues important to contractors.”
Slunaker noted that the title Legislator of the Year connotes the image of much more than work on one issue regardless of its importance. “The measures of success are a willingness and capacity to lead on a variety of matters consistent votes with our interests and an attitude of helpfulness and genuine desire to understand our issues and help advance our agenda” he said. “Sen. Holmquist has earned this recognition.”
Picking legislators to recognize is a difficult task because there are often many individuals who help lead on different issues important to AGC members. “Considering the trepidation with which we entered this year’s legislative session AGC’s agenda fared reasonably well when the dust finally settled” Slunaker said. “We have many legislators to thank for our success.”
Among the other legislators who helped promote AGC’s legislative priorities AGC acknowledges the work of:
• Sen. Mary Margaret Haugen (D-10 Camano Island) – Sen. Haugen provided leadership on enactment of the largest transportation construction investment in State history and was a stalwart supporter of other issues such as workers’ compensation retrospective rating programs and offsite fabrication restriction proposals.
• Rep. Cary Condotta (R-12 Wenatchee) – Rep. Condotta was recognized for his longtime solid support of most AGC issues. As the Ranking Republican on the House Commerce and Labor Committee Rep. Condotta battled against over-regulation and impractical proposals.
• Sen. Tim Sheldon (D-35 Potlatch) – Sen. Sheldon posted a 100% voting record on AGC issues in 2009 and has been a long-time and consistent supporter of key AGC issues even in the face of criticism from his political party.
“These legislators among many others stand out this year and we thank them” said Slunaker. “We also thank those others not specifically mentioned who are willing to listen to understand and advocate for AGC’s concerns.”