Sen. Ann Rivers is one of 15 senators to receive the Guardian of Small Business Award for a perfect, 100-percent pro-small-business voting record for the 2013-14 biennium – a record she has maintained since joining the Legislature in 2011.

“I’m honored to receive this award on behalf of the 1.1 million people who work for small businesses in Washington,” said Rivers, R-La Center. “Small-business owners need our support at the state level because – let’s face it – they are up against unique and expensive challenges that large corporations don’t have to deal with.

“Small businesses are the heart and soul of rural communities, like many found in the 18th Legislative District. I’m proud to stand with the little guys because they make a big impact in communities all across the state.”

At the end of every two-year legislative cycle, the National Federation of Independent Business evaluates legislators’ commitment to support small businesses; awards are given to legislators who receive a score of 80 percent and higher. Patrick Connor, NFIB’s Washington state director, said only 69 out of 147 state legislators voted in continuous support of small-business owners.