SNOW & ICE LEGISLATION ( continued from p . 1 )
management services . Similar laws have been passed in Connecticut , Illinois and Colorado . Our goal is to add Massachusetts to that list this session and hopefully this year . With the help of the Chairs of the Joint Committee on Labor and Workforce Development , we had an early public hearing and got out of committee in an expedited manner . We had a very encouraging discussion with the Chairman of the Senate Ways and Means Committee , Michael Rodrigues ( D-Westport ) in February 2020 and were feeling confident this would move forward . Then the pandemic set in and despite a good deal of support and no opposition , our bill never moved .
As we prepare for the new session , we have a commitment from Sen . Bruce Tarr ( R-Gloucester ) to re-introduce the legislation and we are back at square one . The bill must be admitted and referred by both branches and will then be sent to committee for a public hearing . Over the next few weeks , we will be connecting with legislators and asking them to sign onto this legislation as a co-sponsor . This will indicate their support and helps build a foundation for us to leverage when trying to move it along in the process . We will need help at the grassroots level , so please help by reaching out to your legislators when the call comes from MLP .
While the legislative process was ground to a halt , other state agencies were also forced to delay many activities until they adapted to working remotely . The Pesticide Subcommittee had earlier been directed to conduct a review of literature collected by the state relative to the impact of neonicotinoids on pollinators , and to hold a public hearing . This is highly unusual as the Subcommittee typically does its job reviewing risk profiles and
determining how pesticides ought to be regulated for use in the Commonwealth quietly and without fanfare . But supporters in the Legislature pushed for this event as a way to attempt to apply pressure on the scientific board .
We will find out soon if it worked but do know the Subcommittee is getting pressure from within the Administration to impose some type of restriction on the use of these products . Again , what has always been an apolitical process , with judgements based on science and not opinion , is seeing a very different environment surrounding this matter . Unfortunately , legislators and environmental advocates appear unwilling to accept an outcome that does not favor their political opinion and have thus resorted to trying to publicly shame the Subcommittee members into submission , and a vote for restrictions .
So , while many things have changed during these challenging times , some have stayed the same , and politics are here to stay regardless of any pandemic or other human catastrophe . ❖
Stephen A . Boksanski of BCB Government Relations , Inc . in Boston is Legislative Agent for the Green Industry Allliance .
MLP is a proud member of the Green Industry Alliance along with the Massachusetts Arborists Association , Massachusetts Association of Lawn Care Professionals , Irrigation Association of New England , and the Golf Course Superintendents Association of New England . Steve Davis , MCLP serves as MLP ’ s representative . If you are interested in becoming involved with the GIA ’ s legislative and advocacy activities , please contact the MLP Office .
Congratulations Joe !
Many MLP members came together via Zoom to congratulate Joe Szczechowicz , mclp on receiving the 2020 Beacon Award .
Joe ( circled here with his son Kevin ) is President / Owner of SLS Landscape Design & Development and Greener Solutions in Rowley , MA .
Learn more about Joe ’ s successful career , as well as his significant volunteer service by visiting :
MLP-MCLP . org / Beacon _ Award
MLP Newsline | March 2021 3