Local lawmakers awarded for business efforts

OLYMPIA — Four Columbia Basin lawmakers were honored for their work supporting the business community in Olympia.

The Association of Washington Business awarded Sen. Janea Holmquist, R-Moses Lake, Rep. Judy Warnick, R-Moses Lake, Rep. Bill Hinkle, R-Cle Elum, and Rep. Steve Hailey, R-Mesa, with the 2007 Cornerstone Award.

The association awards lawmakers who vote in favor of legislation supporting business and against legislation considered damaging to Washington state businesses.

"With the Cornerstone Award we show our respect and appreciation to those lawmakers who stand with business to improve our state's competitiveness, economic growth and job creation," Association President Don Brunell said. "In order to receive the award, legislators must vote in support of the business community more than 80 percent of the time."

— Staff report