Legislative Day

When the National Pest Control Association (NPCA) started its Legislative Day program eight years ago, a mere handful of pest control professionals participated. Times have certainly changed.

At this year's 8th Annual Legislative Day, a record crowd of more than 425 pest control professionals gathered in Washington to support the future of their profession.

From Washington state to south Florida, PCOs came to our nation's capital to lend their voices to the industry's message as protectors of the environment and providers of vital public health services. Industry professionals also came to lend support to the industry's legislative initiative for 1995 — regulatory reform.

"This is a 365-day commitment and a standard part of operating a pest control business today," said Harvey Gold, executive vice president of the NPCA. "Your strong support of the industry, evidenced by your attendance at Legislative Day, significantly strengthens the industry's position with Congress."

NPCA President Larry Treleven echoed Gold's remarks, emphasizing the importance of being in Washington and PCOs expressing the industry's views and concerns with their elected representatives.

"The structural pest control industry needs this type of commitment in order to remain competitive in the years ahead," said Treleven.

With regulatory reform at the heart of the industry's legislative agenda, Rep. David McIntosh (R-Ind.), a freshman member of the House of Representatives, spoke to attendees about the current battle being waged in the halls of Congress over the regulatory reform issue.

"It is important for your industry to demonstrate to members of Congress, especially the Senate, that passage of the regulatory reform legislation (S. 219) currently before them is vital to your businesses," said McIntosh.

The Indiana Congressman outlined the Republican party's three-point plan for reform, which includes: • Changing the criteria for making regulations — i.e. requiring cost/benefit analysis.

• Reviewing the practicality of current statutes.

Also addressing the gathering of PCOs-turned-lobbyists was Larry Brady, president of FMC Corporation, which co-sponsored Legislative Day. In his remarks, Brady told PCOs they are "blessed to be at a crossroads between opportunity and the status quo" as it relates to Congress' position towards reform.

"PCOs are carrying a huge load when it comes to protecting the public from the threats posed by pests," Brady said. "It is important that PCOs understand the need to be involved."

Jeff Fenner is Senior Editor of PCT.