OLYMPIA — Sen. Mike Padden, R-Spokane Valley, has been awarded the Guardian of Small Business Award by the National Federation of Independent Business.

The 7,000-member organization presents the award every two years based on lawmaker voting records.

“Of all the recognitions bestowed on lawmakers for the work they do, the NFIB Guardian of Small Business Awards is one of the most important,” Padden said. “Small business is the vibrant beating heart of our economy, and unfortunately its importance is often overlooked by Olympia. Every session we find ourselves leaping to its defense.”

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.