Forefront Suicide Prevention recently honored Sen. Joe Fain, R-Auburn, for his role in suicide prevention legislation at its fifth annual suicide awareness dinner fundraiser, Restoring Hope.
Legislative Champion
Dr. Arnold C. Slater Legislator of the Year
Washington State Veterinary Medicine Association
“When you hug your dog tonight, tell it the story of Senator Joe Fain. He sponsored the measure creating humane standards for the tethering or chaining of dogs. Someone once wrote that the definition of a good person is one who scratches a dog where a dog can’t scratch itself. Dogs can’t write legislation, either. The WSVMA is proud to have backed Senator Joe Fain’s bill, now signed into law. If dogs could vote, Joe would have a home for life.”
- Dr. Kathy Hickey, WSVMA President
Legislative Hero
Washington Hospitality Association
This year Sen. Joe Fain was the biggest champion on Paid Family and Medical Leave. Fain is the prime sponsor of legislation that passed, which was a compromise between two bills addressing the issue. With his keen insight during the negotiation process Washington now has the best law in the nation for both businesses and employees.
Champion for Kids
Wet Nose Award
Scott White Regional Leadership Award
Seattle Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce
The Seattle Chamber's top recognition for elected officials is named after former a Senator and a friend and colleague of Fain's. Fain’s recognition stemmed from his work to pass the state’s 2015 transportation infrastructure investments and efforts to close the educational opportunity gap by creating a more equitable public school system.
Rodel Fellowship
Aspen Institute
Senator Fain will join a nationally-selected group of 24 elected officials to participate in a two-year fellowship designed to bring together lawmakers who have demonstrated an outstanding ability to work responsibly across partisan divisions and bring greater civility to public discourse.
Crayon Award
Early Learning Action Alliance
Sen. Joe Fain received the “Crayon Award” from the Early Learning Action Alliance during the Fall Family Child Care Conference held Saturday at Auburn’s Green River College. Fain was recognized for his work to expand access to and improve the quality of early learning in Washington state after co-sponsoring the Early Start Act in 2015 and championing opportunities for the state’s youngest learners.
Developmental Disability Advocate
Arc of King County’s Parent and Family Coalition
“Sen. Fain is a leading advocate in Olympia for individuals with developmental disabilities,” said Stacy Gillett, executive director of The Arc of King County. “We are so grateful he has made our legislative issues a priority for his caucus. Everyone should have a life of their choosing, and Sen. Fain is helping us make that a reality.”
- Stacy Gillett, Executive Director ARC of King County