4 . Visit them during office hours in your community . Introduce yourself , make a connection , and let them know you are available . Legislators want to meet their constituents , and this is an underutilized opportunity to meet face-to-face and establish a relationship .
Beacon Hill Report
Green Industry Alliance Meets Member representatives to the Green Industry Alliance ( GIA ) met at the MAA Office on November 16 , 2023 . The meeting focused on pending legislation of concern to our green industry constituents as well as the legislative calendar in 2024 . GIA Legislative Agent , Steve Boksanski , lead the discussion and directed the group as they developed strategies and specific tactics for success in the coming year . Together , the group crafted a series of steps that members can take right now to engage their representatives in advance of any legislative pending action . Typically , legislative action required an immediate response , so establishing a relationship with local legislators can go a long way when swift action is needed .
Six Simple Steps for Legislative Engagement Legislative action is an all-hands-on-deck effort . It ’ s about communication , connections , and building relationships with the decision-makers on Beacon Hill . During the slower winter months , MALP is encouraging members to take these six steps to help strengthen our grassroots network and move important legislation forward .
1 . Identify your local Senator & Representative https :// malegislature . gov / Search / FindMyLegislator .
2 . Find them on social media : Facebook , Instagram , LinkedIn , X ( formerly Twitter ). Follow and / or join their online group . Comment when appropriate – let them know you are the green industry expert within your local community .
3 . Send a quick email letting them know about your company and that you are available for any questions or insight they might need about the green industry , sustainable practices , workforce issues , etc .
5 . Contribute to their campaign . Financial support goes a long way in building relationships .
6 . Encourage your colleagues and crew members to do the same . Every person is a vote !
We are in this together and there is strength in numbers . When you become a trusted resource for your legislators , you can help affect positive change for our entire industry .
Beacon Hill Testimony Industry members Brian Paige , MCLP , Paige Landscape Co . in Wellesley , and Doug McDuff , MCA , MCLP , Landscape America , Wrentham , along with Kevin Gilbride , Executive Director of the Accredited Snow Contractors Association ( ASCA ) appeared before the Joint Committee for Labor and Workforce on November 14 , 2023 . They testified in favor of the proposed Snow Removal Liability Limitation bills ( H . 1874 , S . 1221 ). If the bills are reported out favorably ( which our experts predict they will be ), they then move to the Ways & Means Committee and , hopefully , to a vote of approval by February 2024 . Stay tuned for details about how you can help get this important legislation passed . A place to begin is the Six Simple Steps for Legislative Engagement found in this newsletter .
MAA is a proud member of the Green Industry Alliance ( GIA ), along with the Massachusetts Association of Landscape Professionals , Massachusetts Association of Lawn Care Professionals , and the Golf Course Superintendents of New England . Russell Holman , MCA , BCMA serves as the MAA representative to the GIA . If you are interested in becoming involved with the GIA ’ s legislative and advocacy activities , please contact the MAA .
MAA NEWS WINTER 2023 13