Hawkins receives award from small-business group

Olympia-Sen. Brad Hawkins is being recognized for his efforts to help Washington small businesses.

 The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) announced that the 12th District senator has earned the organization’s Guardian of Small Business award.NFIB Washington State Director Patrick Connor, in a letter informing Hawkins that he is receiving the award, shared his support to the senator for his consistent support of Washington’s small businesses. Connor wrote in his letter to Hawkins, “We are tremendously grateful that you stood with our state’s small business owners’ 100 percent of the time on these important issues. Thank you!”

Hawkins also stated in a current interview, “I was very honored to receive this award for my strong support of Washington’s small business community. People probably think of me for my education, agriculture, hydropower, and outdoor recreation interests, but I’m also a big supporter of our business community. Washington’s small businesses have survived some extremely challenging times – through the COVID pandemic – and they need our support now more than ever. With record inflation, supply chain challenges, and other economic uncertainty, lawmakers should keep our business community at the front of their minds. Small business owners are our job creators and job sustainers. They are the ones who will keep our economy advancing, which keeps sales tax revenue flowing to state government for important services. Successful small businesses keep people employed, maintain community stability, and improve state finances. Receiving this award is very humbling and sends a message back to me that Washington’s small business community appreciates my efforts. That’s always gratifying as a legislator. My job exists to serve the people who elect me, and I’m proud to receive this award, which is supported by many businesses locally.” Hawkins has served the 12th Legislative District since 2012 when he was elected to the House of Representatives. Hawkins was elected to the Senate in 2016 and reelected in 2020.