Massachusetts Association Fights Proposed State Bill

Landscape designers in Massachusetts are facing a crisis that threatens the very practice of landscape design.  In response to this, Association of Professional Landscape Designers New England Chapter (APLDNE) has taken time and great care to develop what it believes is a well-crafted opposition to the pending legislation. The association worked to become as knowledgeable as possible about the legislative process, legal jargon, and as many opinions as possible from within our industry, both locally and across the country.

The hearing for House Bill 3182 is May 22. At the State House in Boston, Laura Kuhn testfy in opposition to this Bill, as current APLDNE Legislative Chair. Before that date, there are several things that you can do to present your opposition to this harmful Bill. APLDNE strongly encourages you to do so.

1. Read the letter to our colleagues in the Green Industry, so that you understand APLDNE's position on this issue.

2. Read the Bill so you understand it. We have attached a copy of the Bill. Think about the consequences for your businesses if the practice of landscape design begins to erode, as it will if this Bill passes. How many plants do landscape designers specify from your nursery?  What is the annual value of the job referrals that your company receives from landscape designers?

3. If you live in Massachusetts, write to or meet with your local legislators to express your opposition.  Check out the sample letter that you can copy or adapt for this purpose.  You can find the names of your legislators at www.mass.gov.  From there, click on "For Residents".  Look for "Citizen Involvement" about half-way down the page, and click on "Elected Officials."

Please support your Massachusetts landscape designers. We all work hard and long hours --  and often towards the same goals: satisfied clients, increased sales, steady growth, a more beautiful world. Together we contribute towards a healthy and self-regulating industry. Please do not stand by while part of our industry is regulated out of existence.

APLD exists in part to provide a forum for information and center for action for issues like this one. If we do not defend our right to practice as landscape designers, we may lose that right.

-APLDNE

www.apldne.org