NPMA Legislative Day Attendees Make Their Voices Heard Virtually

---updated on March 22, at 10 a.m.

WASHINGTON – Despite a change in format from in-person to virtual, the pest control industry still got its messages to Congress during NPMA Legislative Day in March.

Using the Soapbox platform, attendees met with their Senators and Congressmen to share why the pest control industry provides essential services and to advocate for the industry on the following issues:

EDUCATION. An important goal for this year’s Legislative Day attendees was to raise awareness of the importance of the pest control industry. In a Zoom presentation, Rollins’ Bonnie Rabe addressed Legislative Day attendees on this topic, noting, “We were designated as essential during the pandemic, which proved correct given the increases we saw in calls from our customers. Insects and rodents do not heed the call to socially distance.”

Among messages NPMA asked attendees to share with their congressional reps was that pest control is essential every day. “We protect children who may be allergic from stinging insects on the playgrounds where they play,” Rabe said. “We control cockroaches in homes and schools, which bring allergies or asthma attacks. In yards and in recreational areas, where we all like to spend our free time these days, we don’t have to worry about things like Rocky Mountain spotted fever.”

Rabe added that while there are several important issues for attendees to discuss with their reps, she encouraged them to share a bit about their professionalism and their businesses because “it will make a difference and bring it home to them and can open many doors for discussions down the road, because pests affect everyone, and we are the protectors of public health, property and families.”

COVID-RELATED ISSUES. Pest control operators, like other business owners, have felt the stress of COVID-19 on numerous fronts. Legislative Day attendees asked their congressional representatives to support a pair of issues in future bills aimed at providing relief to businesses impacted by COVID-19:  The Healthy Workplaces Tax Credit Act (S. 537); and the AG CHAIN Act (Assistance and Gratitude for Coronavirus Heroes in Agribusiness who are Invaluable to the Nation). NPMA Director of Public Policy Jake Plevelich reviewed these two issues with attendees.

The Healthy Workplaces Tax Credit Act (S. 537). This bipartisan bill creates a refundable tax credit for 50% of the costs incurred by a business for disinfecting, extra cleaning, and other measures to keep Americans safe and healthy. Plevelich said this is a great tax credit because it cuts two ways. “It’s a tax credit that we can use for PPE and various equipment if we’re doing pest control or to reopen our own offices. Or, for our customers to hire us since we are performing disinfectant services,” he said.

AG CHAIN Act. Introduced in May 2020 by Rep. Glenn Thompson (R-Pa.) and Rep. Dwight Evans (D-Pa.), the AG CHAIN Act is an extension of the previously introduced GROCER Act. It would provide a federal tax holiday and a payroll tax exemption for all essential employees in the food and agriculture industry defined by recent Department of Homeland Security guidance. These provisions would take place during the first quarter of the year for individuals making less than $75,000 annually. For those eligible “It’s a big thank you and recognition for their service and their dedication to operating and making sure that we can have an operative food supply chain during the COVID-19 pandemic,” Plevelich said.

PESTICIDE ISSUES. NPMA Vice President of Public Policy Ashley Amidon reviewed with attendees an issue related to pesticide regulation, H.R.7940/S.4406, “The Protect America’s Children from Toxic Pesticides Act (PACTPA). Introduced by Rep. Joe Neguse (D-Co.) and Sen. Tom Udall (D-N.M.) in 2020, this bill has several problematic parts, including the repeal of pesticide preemption from the 44 states where it currently exists, which would allow local governments to regulate pesticides instead.  This would allow every local community to enact legislation and other policies without being vetoed or preempted by state law.

“So, for example, you could have a county board of supervisors, the city council, or if you live in a borough or a parish, whatever governs those entities…these are groups that don’t have scientific expertise,” said Amidon. 

Amidon added that since many local governments are facing budget restraints, they don’t have the resources to bring in “an economist or an epidemiologist, anyone to really look at the science or the economic impact, which means that those decisions become political.”

The call to action for Legislative Day attendees was to explain to their congressional representatives their opposition to the reintroduction of H.R.7940/S.4406 or any similar legislation that reduces the role that science and state lead agencies play. 

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Other highlights from 2021 Legislative Day included:

• Former U.S. Hud Secretary Julián Castro and former U.S. Senator Jeff Flake spoke on the current political climate in a General Session sponsored by FMC. Flake reflected on his time in Congress, noting that the divisiveness among Republicans and Democrats in Congress is not as bad as it looks, but "unfortunately there are just too few political incentives these days to want to legislate and reach across the aisle." Relating his talk to Legislative Day attendees, Castro said that small business support has been one of the strong bipartisan areas of agreement.
• Prior to Castro and Flake’s session, FMC National Sales Manager for North America Professional Solutions presented the sixth PestVets ‘Veteran of the Year’ award to Stan Cope (AP&G). Dan Carrothers commercial director for North American Professional Solutions, then presented the FMC Legislative Day Award to Rollins’ Bonnie Rabe.
• Legislative Day speaker and political pundit Nathan Gonzales said he’s not seeing the Republican party “go off into the political wilderness and start to search for their soul” as is usually the case after losing a Presidential election and control of the Senate. His session was sponsored by Corteva AgriScience.
• PCT and BASF presented the 2020 Technician of the Year Awards via a video presentation (click here to watch). Following the presentation, PCT’s Dan Moreland reviewed BASF-sponsored research done in partnership with PCT and NPMA that examined the generational shift in the pest management industry. Moreland will be giving a complimentary in-depth presentation on March 25, at 11 a.m, (EST) on this topic. Click here to register.
• Prior to Capitol Hill visits, MGK hosted the “Capitol Hill Virtual Appointments Kick Off.” Attendees heard from U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) who complimented attendees for staying involved in the political process despite the pandemic. Legislative Day participants then proceeded to their virtual Hill meetings. NPMA said a total of 166 meetings, 102 House appointments and 64 Senate appointments took place.