Hargrove honored by Coalition of Sexual Assault Programs

Published 12:01 am Friday, March 23, 2012

OLYMPIA — Sen. Jim Hargrove has been named Legislator of the Year for the third time by the Washington Coalition of Sexual Assault Programs.

The Hoquiam Democrat will share the award, which recognizes the top lawmaker in the Senate and House, with Rep. Jeanne Darneille, a Tacoma Democrat.

“He is a true champion who understands the issues and cares deeply about what will help these victims of sexual violence,” said coalition representative Lonnie Johns-Brown in a statement.

“He has stepped up and listened to our concerns and made sure necessary changes happen.”

Hargrove — who represents the 24th District, which covers Clallam and Jefferson counties and part of Grays Harbor County — and Darneille will be presented the awards at the coalition’s annual conference in Vancouver, Wash., on May 14.

Hargrove chairs the Senate Corrections & Human Services Committee and, over a legislative career that began in 1985, has fought for public safety programs that assist victims of sexual assault and ensure treatment for convicted offenders as they serve their sentences, Johns-Brown said.

She highlighted Hargrove’s work this year to reorganize sexual assault statutes and secure and maintain funding for sexual assault services.

“He is the champion for our budget,” Johns-Brown said.

“When the House had a 5 percent cut to sexual assault services, he went to the Senate and said, ‘There can’t be cuts to that program.’

“In the end, not only did he get the Senate to maintain funding, but also helped to bring the House budget into line with the Senate’s.”

The Washington Coalition of Sexual Assault Programs is a nonprofit organization dedicated to uniting agencies engaged in the elimination of sexual violence through education, advocacy, victim services and social change.