BRIAN PAIGE
BEACON RECEIVES HILL BEACON REPORT AWARD
BRIAN PAIGE
BEACON RECEIVES HILL BEACON REPORT AWARD
MLP partners with allied green industry organizations to ensure that the business needs of our members are heard in the Massachusetts legislative and regulatory arena .
The Massachusetts Legislature is back in formal session after taking an unofficial , yet regular August recess . There will be a rush of activity between now and November 15 when their rules call for an end to formal sessions for 2023 . During this period , we expect more public hearings , some bills being reported out of committee , and some floor action with debate and votes . After November 15 , the Legislature will not hold any formal sessions where roll call votes are required but will continue to meet twice each week to process non-controversial matters .
This session has been marked by internal squabbles between the House and Senate which started with a disagreement over the Joint Rules that dictate committee proceedings and the flow of legislation . This has led to a slower than usual pace for public hearings . For example , we are still waiting for a hearing on one of our top priorities – H . 1874 / S . 1221 , An Act Relative to Snow Removal Service Liability Limitation , which is pending before the Joint Committee on Labor and Workforce Development .
Once a date has been set , we will want to make sure we have a select group of industry representatives to present oral testimony and field any questions from committee members . While our legislation received a favorable report by the Joint Committee on Labor and Workforce Development last session , it did not get over the hump of the Senate Ways and Means Committee . This session we secured an additional sponsor in State Representative Ann-Margaret Ferrante ( D-Gloucester ) and this gives us an opportunity to work a bill on the House side . Looking ahead , we know the Legislature has become fond of passing “ economic development ” bills in recent years and we expect the same to develop in 2024 . This presents another potential opportunity to move our legislation .
Moving legislation forward has never been easy but the current dynamic has taken things to a new level . Showing we are serious about the liability bill , or any issue , requires a team effort . With a geographically broad set of members , we have the makings of a strong network . If each member could communicate with their state legislators at least once each year , they will be better informed and more likely to help , especially if you are a constituent . Getting to know them a little and more importantly , getting them to know you and your business is the goal . Talking about bills and policy is not required , consider this an exercise in
networking . When the time is right to discuss policy , we can arm you with talking points and background , but make that personal connection as a first step .
While the current dynamic poses challenges for us to move our agenda forward , the same exists for the environmental advocacy community that seeks to limit your ability to use certain products and service for your customers . Proposals to repeal the statewide preemption law for the regulation of pesticides and efforts to circumvent the same authority over the regulation of fertilizers are in play again and will always be a threat here in Massachusetts .
What is becoming more of a concern is action at the municipal level . Massachusetts has a rich history of local control , and most town meeting proceedings are open to all residents while some communities have elected town meeting members . Town meeting allows for citizens petitions to be considered if submitted in the required time and with the signatures of 10 residents . This low barrier to entry is causing numerous headaches for industry particularly when it comes to gas-powered leaf blowers , and fervent opponents of fertilizer .
On the fertilizer issue , we have the law on our side . Chapter 262 of the Acts of 2012 was a negotiated compromise among industry and environmental advocates who were at the time pushing for a ban on the use of phosphorous . The law prevents individual cities and towns from creating their own rules on fertilizer use and required the state to develop plans consistent with the UMass Extension School of Horticulture ’ s research and published materials . However , even this hasn ’ t stopped some communities from approving local bylaws instructing the towns to request special legislation be filed to exempt them from these restrictions .
It never ends … and therefore , we can never stop educating and informing our elected officials . Please connect with your association leaders to learn more about how you can be part of the team that is standing up for science .
MLP is a proud member of the Green Industry Alliance ( GIA ) 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 . Brian Paige , 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 .
Stephen A . Boksanski of BCB Government Relations , Inc . in Boston is Legislative Agent for the Green Industry Allliance .
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