Landscapers share issues with Congress

WANTAGE - Farmside Landscape & Design, Inc, a member of the Professional Landcare Network, participated in PLANET’s Legislative Day on capitol hill on July 25. Hundreds of landscape, lawn care, and tree care specialists converged on the hill to meet with their officials and discuss a wide array of issues impacting the landscape, lawn care, and tree care industries, including association-sponsored health care plans, pest management, fire suppression, turf grass research and development, and the H-2B guest worker program. “We had great meetings with New Jersey representative legislative staff members and had the opportunity for a personal meeting with Congressman Garrett,” said Mike Kuperus, a board member. “There are so many issues that our Congress is faced with, having personal time with them provided an opportunity for us to express our association concerns.” The day began with a briefing on capitol hill and then members began a day of appointments. “This is an extremely important event for our association and our industries,” said Tom Delaney, director of government affairs. “This is how legislators become aware of the issues facing small businesses, as well as larger corporations in the green industry.”