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Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/534207
38 July/August 2015 Landscape and Irrigation www.landscapeirrigation.com STAYING CURRENT There's an old saying that goes, "It's too late to shut the stable door after the horse has bolted." Essentially, this means that the best time to take action is before something happens. The saying also applies to when you should contact your legislators, because the best time to do so is when you don't need them. This may seem counterintuitive, but it's true. Before an issue comes up, and you have to ask for help, is the best time to contact your elected officials. We are all busy and don't want to do anything we think is unnecessary, especially when things appear to be working just fine. It's like having insurance: it's necessary to have and we often pay year after year without ever having to use it, but it's very much welcomed when we need to file a claim. When bad legislation is proposed, a regulatory agency is out of control, or you need help maneuvering through the bureaucracy, it's easier to get your elected officials' ear if they or their staffs already know you. Do you know who your elected officials are? I would venture to say many people don't, especially following an election year, with many newly elected legislators. Just a quick check on the Internet or on the NALP website can provide you with information about who your legislators are, which committees they sit on, and what issues they champion. You also don't have to look far to find out what are our industry's tough issues. Water quantity and quality have been issues for a long time; but the drought in California, and the resulting measures being taken, has brought heightened awareness of these issues. Some think California legislators are progressive; others think they overreact on every issue. Unfortunately, other legislators may follow up on this issue by introducing similar regulations in their own states. The fallout from the bee kill in Oregon, the result of failure to follow label directions, is a great example of the ripple effect that can occur nationwide as a result of one incident. The use of neonicotinoids is now being hotly debated, and we are also looking for action from the White House and the Environmental Protection Agency on pesticide label changes and for restrictions to be added to more products. An interesting note on why the president might be so engaged on the issue: first lady Michelle Obama is responsible for establishing the first-ever honeybee hive on the south lawn adjacent to her vegetable garden. Developments are still unfolding with regard to the Waters of the U.S. (or WOTUS) rule, which will probably end up on the president's desk and is likely to be vetoed, and the H-2B guest worker program. As the economy improves, the demand for workers will only increase. Our industry will be competing with other industries for the same workers, and the cost of labor will certainly go up. Legislation connected to many issues is likely to be put on hold until the next administration because it might get vetoed or politicians want to wait until they feel the leadership at the various regulatory agencies is a bit friendlier. Meanwhile, current agencies are trying to force through poor regulations that hurt business. July 20–21 is our Legislative Day on the Hill in Washington, D.C., and we need as many people as possible to participate. It is a memorable experience that empowers you in your communications with lawmakers on future issues at either the federal or state level. If you can't come to Washington, you can still help by making appointments with local district offices in your state and by using social media. Check the NALP website for suggested actions. It is time for us all to be more active than reactive and to be relentless in our advocacy. Tom Delaney, is director of government affairs at the National Association of Landscape Professionals (formerly PLANET). When is the Best Time to Contact Your Legislator? ILLUSTRATION ABOVE ©ISTOCKPHOTO.COM/SMARTBOY10 LI ■ BY TOM DELANEY