The Professional Landcare Network's H-2B users are gearing up for a last-ditch effort - Sept. 10 on Capitol Hill - to get the H-2B returning worker exemption passed this year. While no one can ensure how successful we might be, if we do not try, we diminish our chances of getting something done.
At the very least, we will be preparing the way for the next organized effort to get H-2B relief. Each time we have a fly-in, our support on the Hill grows and legislators understand that we will not give up until Congress listens to our message about lost American jobs and the negative impact it is having on the economy.
We just witnessed the Olympics and the efforts made by each participant in his or her quest for gold. Please make the effort to go to Washington, D.C., or to the district congressional offices in your state, to make your case for our goal - getting the H-2B exemption passed.
Sandy Munley, the executive director of the Ohio Landscape Association (OLA), and 22 OLA members are planning to participate in the fly-in. H-2B users from Massachusetts are organizing with surrounding states to make the trip. The Colorado landscape industry is also preparing for the fly-in by working with other industries that use H-2B workers to make their Hill visits together. The New Jersey group is working hard to increase its number of attendees and hopes to have record attendance.
We hope to see all H-2B users on Sept. 10. The event begins with an 8 a.m. briefing in the Dirksen Senate Office Building (SD), Room 124, 1st & C Streets, NE. Go online now to PLANET’s Legislative Action Center at www.landcarenetwork.org to download the form letter to request an appointment for your Sept. 10 visit.
Also, let us know if you plan to fly in to D.C. on Sept. 10 so we can better plan. If you have any questions, please call 800/395-2522 or send an e-mail to Tom Delaney.