Hawkins Honored for 2017 Legislator Award, Looking Ahead to 2018

12^th District Senator Brad Hawkins was awarded the 2017 Legislative Champion by the Washington State Tree Fruit Association.

Hawkins called it a great honor.

“We certainly have a diversified economy in our area with tourism, with the service industry, health care and others but agriculture will always be the heart and soul of our economy here.”

Hawkins was honored in part for work he did on getting legislative clarity regarding labor rules and regulations around rest breaks, piece rate and pay.

When looking ahead to 2018, Hawkins says even in a short session, there are major issues such as the Hirst Decision, potential new carbon regulations and even on a federal level, immigration.

“With the Democrats now regaining control in the State Senate and them having control in the State House and of course with the Governorship they kind of have the trifecta in terms of policy. It’s not yet clear as to how ambitious and aggressive they will be at trying to advance some of their priorities.”

Hawkins does believe that a vote on the Capital Budget could happen in February or March, but it’s not clear if that will include a legislative fix to the Hirst Decision.

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