Rep. Paul Harris has received the YMCA Legislative Champion Award for 2017 in recognition of his leadership for children, families and healthy communities.

The Washington State Alliance of YMCA’s presented Harris the award last week on Washington YMCA Advocacy Day in Olympia.

“I am humbled and truly honored to be recognized by such a great organization,” Harris, R-Vancouver. “I want to make sure we are doing everything we can to provide our youth a sound body as well as a sound mind.”

Harris was recognized for his efforts on the “Tobacco 21” legislation he prime-sponsored. The bill would prohibit the sale of cigarettes, tobacco products and vapor products to persons under the age of 21.

He is also the co-sponsor of a bill that would assess physical education in public schools.

“My goal is to get tobacco products out of our schools. The younger a person starts smoking or using tobacco, the more likely they are to become addicted and have serious health problems later in life,” said Harris. “The physical education bill I am supporting will ensure we are finding a balance between exercising our kids’ minds and bodies. We become so focused on the mind that we forget the importance of physical exertion.”

Harris is serving his fourth term in the state House of Representatives. He also served 10 years on the Evergreen School Board and is active in the community with Boy Scouts of America and serves as an Explorer Scout Leader.

The Legislature is scheduled to adjourn on April 23.

PHOTO CAPTION: Rep. Paul Harris receives the YMCA Legislative Champion Award from the Washington State Alliance of YMCA’s.