Day on the Hill: Divide and Conquer

Nearly 200 lawn care professionals gathered at the nation’s capitol this week to discuss industry issues with legislators.

The assorted group, representing 30 states, was on a divide-and-conquer mission to voice opinions and concerns to those making the laws that impact their everyday work. And the group’s efforts, part of the Professional Lawn Care Association of America’s Day on Capitol Hill event, appear to have been a success.

“This was the biggest and best so far,” noted Tom Delaney, PLCAA vice president. “It was the best in terms of people, in what we were able to accomplish, in organization, in coverage.”

After breakfast in the Capitol Building on Tuesday, the green industry group got down to business – business that’s a little different from the typical mowing and maintenance work they handle during a regular day. This work was about more than just caring for properties and keeping clients happy; it was about protecting the interests of an industry whose future is connected to proposed legislation.

Industry folks came to Washington to meet with lawmakers face to face. And they prepared themselves well, Delaney observed.

“We went in as a solid industry of lawn and landscape,” he described. “We encouraged the smaller groups to meet together in briefing sessions before paying their visits. We also mailed a handout to all who would be attending so they could prepare and feel comfortable with the material.”

Participants gathered with other professionals from their home states to prep for visits to their government representatives. The groups then took to knocking doors, addressing key issues that impact the industry. Those discussed include: pesticide regulation, H-2B guest worker reform, association health plans and turfgrass research.

Because of consistent turnover among lawmakers, association members are constantly repeating their concerns about key issues on Capitol Hill.

And, although the group split into state-specific fragments when approaching lawmakers, the group presented a unified image of the industry, Delaney noted.

While measurable results of the day’s efforts may not be seen for some time, seeds were planted among legislators. And, perhaps more important, green industry members came away with a better understanding of the legislative process and the importance of being involved in the political system.

“We always say that we’re slowly forming a large green army of people who understand what we are doing,” Delaney commented. “We just hope the day never comes when we have to come to Washington as a full army.”

The author is Assistant Editor-Internet of Lawn & Landscape magazine and can be reached at aanderson@lawnandlandscape.com.