The Washington Student Association has named state Sen. Barbara Bailey, R-Oak Harbor, the 2014 Legislator of the Year, according to a recent news release.

The association recognized Bailey’s efforts in higher education, according to the release.

“Skyrocketing tuition at our public institutions has acted like a tax on working families and saddled students with significant debt,” Bailey wrote. “I am exploring any way we can reverse those trends and make college affordable. I am honored to receive this award.”