The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) in Washington has given Rep. Graham Huntis Guardian of Small Business Award for his support of small businesses during the 2014 legislative session. Hunt, R-Orting, was one of 31 state representatives who had perfect, 100 percent, pro-small business voting records, according to NFIB’s Washington State Director Patrick Connor.
“Representative Hunt drew some of the most challenging committee assignments — and those most important to small businesses — when he was appointed in January to the state House,” said Connor. “His business acumen and experience served him and the residents of our state very well this year. Watching him in action on the House Labor and Workforce Development Committee, Health Care and Wellness Committee and the budget-writing Appropriations Committee, one would never know he is a freshman lawmaker. Representative Hunt is an NFIB member, so we are particularly proud of his hard work on behalf of Washington’s job creators, and are very pleased he voted with small business 100 percent of the time.”
In addition to Hunt’s NFIB perfect voting record, he was also the prime sponsor of House Bill 2744, a measure that creates a certified list of veteran-owned businesses in Washington which consumers can patronize and support. The bill passed the Legislature and was signed into law.
“NFIB’s award is a tremendous honor. I am humbled by this recognition. As a small business owner myself, I understand the challenges other business owners face, especially when they are up against a difficult regulatory climate and the continual threats of tax increases,” said Hunt, an insurance agent. “I want our small business owners to be able to sign more payroll checks – not to the government, but to employees. We need to find ways to foster job development in the private sector instead of growing government. I am proud to stand in support of Washington’s small businesses and I will continue to fight for them in Olympia.”
NFIB has 8,000 members in Washington and 350,000 members across the United States. The 60-day, 2014 legislative session ended March 13.
