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The Ohio Pest Management Association (OPMA) has traditionally had tremendous representation at National Legislative Days in Washington D.C. The Ohio contingency has been able to make a difference by sharing our concerns and increasing awareness.
While much of Congress’ attention has been focused on high profile issues like economic recovery, health care reform and the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan, issues that NPMA has been closely monitoring for the last year are still pending, and will be highlighted at Legislative Day 2010.
Employee Free Choice Act: The top priority of union officials, the so-called Employee Free Choice Act (EFCA) would relax current federal law and deny employees their right to a private ballot – all because union leaders view EFCA as their best chance to make inroads into the private service industry, a sector with which they have failed miserably the last fifty years. As if the bill’s “Card Check” provision isn’t bad enough, EFCA also includes language under which a government arbitrator would set the terms of the contract between your business and the union, meaning the federal government could dictate issues ranging from employee compensation to your company’s leave and lunch break policies.
School Environment Protection Act (SEPA): This version of SEPA is the most overreaching, radical federal school pest management bill put forward since such legislation first started appearing in Congress in the early 1990s. Despite the many unrealistic aspects of the bill, activist groups have high hopes for this SEPA and are pushing it more aggressively than they have in several years.
Chemical Security: Despite the fact the U.S. Department of Homeland Security enacted Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards in January of 2008 and these requirements are just now being enforcement for the first time, some in Congress are seeking to overhaul the entire regulatory scheme by pushing through far-reaching and unnecessary chemical security legislation. The bill passed the House last November and will be taken up by the Senate in 2010. Fumigators and chemical distributors need to be aware of this development because this measure will almost certainly impact their operations.
Kids Legislative Day Program
Legislative Day 2010 is being held in the heart of our nation’s capital and what a better time then now to bring your children to participate in the Kids Legislative Day Program. Tour the highlights of our nation’s capital, including the White House,* Washington Monument on the National Mall and Capitol Hill. During Legislative Day, kids learn a lot about how the legislative process works as well as see the beauty of Washington, D.C.
*Tentatively scheduled and subject to change due to national security restrictions. |
What is Legislative Day?
Throughout the year, NPMA aggressively promotes the pest management industry’s legislative agenda to federal lawmakers. NPMA’s Legislative Day is a once a year exciting opportunity when individual industry members come collectively to Capitol Hill to speak directly with their Senators and Representatives. As always, Legislative Day will combine visits with lawmakers and their staff with an educational program and keynote presentations from renowned speakers and Washington insiders.
Why Attend Legislative Day?
NPMA represents your interests on Capitol Hill, but no one’s voice carries more weight with your elected officials than your own. By sharing information and articulating concerns, you will increase awareness, knowledge and boost support for our expanding industry. Join fellow CEOs, managers, suppliers, technicians, and others in visiting federal lawmakers and their staffs on Capitol Hill as part of Legislative Day and help make a difference in advancing the future of the pest management industry.
Meet Your Members of Congress
When we receive your registration, we will contact your U.S. Senators to request an appointment during Legislative Day. We ask that you set up an appointment directly with your House member. Remember, the sooner you register each year, the more likely you are to see your elected officials.
Registration and Getting There
Registration fees and information for the 2010 event can be found by downloading the 2010 Legislative Brochure.
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