LACEY — The Washington Farm Bureau has recognized state Sen. Kevin Van De Wege, D-Lake Sutherland, as a 2024 Legislator of the Year.
The farm bureau recognizes a state senator and a state representative each year based on their leadership efforts during the previous legislative session on at least one issue of importance to agriculture.
The bureau also recognized Representative Mary Dye, from Legislative District 9 in the southeast part of the state, as Legislator of the Year.
“Honoring the legislators who went above and beyond to work with us on important agriculture issues during this short but jam-packed session is something we are proud to do,” said Bridget Coon, the bureau’s first vice president. “Rep. Dye and Sen. Van de Wege went out of their way to collaborate with our team. From sticking with us through negotiations, to finding unique avenues to advance our priorities through the process, their work supported our mission to strengthen the future of agriculture in Washington.”
Van De Wege, who represents the 24th Legislative District, which covers Clallam, Jefferson and Grays Harbor counties, is leaving the senate to run for state commissioner of public lands.
As the chair of the Senate Agriculture, Water, Natural Resources and Parks Committee, Van De Wege provided the farm bureau a platform or discuss such issues as agriculture overtime and exempt fuels.
He championed an amendment to remove the dredge and fill proviso from the supplemental operating budget and sponsored amendments to enhance data collection standards, ensuring accuracy and reliability for the agriculture industry.
Van De Wege also addressed unemployment insurance benefits and deer and elk damage programs.
Washington Farm Bureau is an advocacy organization representing the interests of farm and ranch families locally, statewide, nationally and internationally.
For more information, visit www.wsfb.com.
