Hundreds of Professional Landcare Network (PLANET) members converged in Washington, D.C., July 29 for the organization’s annual Legislative Day on the Hill, hosted by PLANET, the Accredited Snow Contractors Association and the Snow & Ice Management Association.
The event is put on to offer landscape professionals an opportunity to discuss issues impacting the landscape and lawn care industry with their senators and representatives.
More than a dozen New Jersey landscape professionals attended to advocate for their state.
The team visited 13 congressional offices in all, including both senators and nine out of 12 house members. It addressed issues such as immigration reform and guest workers, Waters of the U.S. proposed rule and over-regulation and seasonal workers as they relate to the Affordable Care Act.
Some professionals, like Tom Canete, underlined New Jersey’s growing snow removal industry to representatives.
“We spoke to our senators and congressman, asking them to reintroduce and pass the Lawsuit Abuse Reduction Act, which will help our snow and ice management contractors reduce the number of slip and fall claims received during the snow season,” said the president of the New Jersey Landscape Contractors Association. “We are in the business of keeping homeowners, consumers and businesses safe during the winter and only ask that they understand the dangerous conditions as well and take precautions to prevent unnecessary slips and falls.”
It’s estimated the New Jersey landscape industry contributes as much as $4 billion to the state and it employs nearly 20,000 citizens.
“New Jersey’s Green Industry is sizable and has been around for a long time,” said Ray Cole, president of the New Jersey Nursery & Landscape Association. “We make this trip every year to remind our state’s congressional delegation of how important we are and how they can help our industry grow and thrive.”
