OLYMPIA – The state’s leading small-business organization is honoring Sen. Jeff Wilson, R-Longview, with its top award for small-business support.

The National Federation of Independent Business, with 7,000 members in the state of Washington, presents its biannual Guardian of Small Business Award based on lawmaker voting records.

“It’s great to get a recognition like this,” Wilson said. “But the real importance of this award is that it demonstrates there are many of us who understand the importance of small business in our economy. While most attention goes to large employers, the real dynamism of our economy comes from the men and women who dream someday of launching a business of their own. Our role as lawmakers is to ensure that remains possible.”

In all, 20 state senators and 40 state representatives earned the NFIB award for 2021-22. “These are the people who back up their rhetoric with reality,” said NFIB Washington state director Patrick Connor.

Members were scored on votes on priority issues for small business, including tax relief and business regulation.