Fighting for You

Business owners in the green industry recognize that better laws, equitable policies, and a more responsive government do not just happen. So does PLNA. We know that the actions of the legislature, Governor, and state agencies can help your business to grow, as quickly as they can create barriers to your success.

That’s why PLNA identifies and finds solutions for the issues that matter most: issues like labor, conflicts with local governments, taxation, insurance, deer overpopulation and many others. The government relations program at PLNA gives you a voice in the nation’s capitol, in the halls of the Pennsylvania legislature, throughout the offices of state agencies, and beyond.

PLNA provides its members with representation, active engagement on the issues, and identification with the small business owner and his or her needs. At PLNA, government relations efforts take place at all levels of government through the following means: lobbying, and grassroots efforts. Go to the sidebar to learn more about these methods, and the many aspects of PLNA's government relations program.

At PLNA, lobbying is a top priority. Relationships are built with the individuals who hold power, and these relationships are advantageous to the green industry. Lobbying efforts in PLNA's history have reaped great victories for the industry. Recent successes range from ensuring the availability of guest worker labor to the passage of a much-needed accounting of the Commonwealth's water resources in 2002. PLNA successfully lobbied for the Growing Greener II program, which will bring $625 million in new investments for enviornmental protection and community conservation efforts such as TreeVitalize, a partnership program which brings new trees to the urban landscape of Philadelphia. Other victories include:

MOBILIZING the green industry to stop passage of HB 400, a bill that would outlaw subcontracting.

SECURING green industry representation on the statewide and regional planning committees under Water Resources legislation.

SPEARHEADING introduction and passage of legislation guaranteeing agribusiness loans.

PROTECTING the green industry by securring changes in the state ACRE law that protect green industry beinsesses form local government intrusion.

You, as a business owner, can't be in Harrisburg week after week when deals are brokered and legislation is drafted, but PLNA is. We will represent you with resolve and expertise on the issues that matter most.

An Exclusive Member Benefit
Have a question or problem with local, state or federal government? If you are a PLNA member, we may be able to help. Call us toll-free at 800.898.3411.

Get Involved!
Get involved! Learn more about the issues that matter most, and what you can do at the grassroots level! Click here to enter the PLNA legislative action center.

PLNA members and staff work as a team to drive home key points about legislation that affects the green industry. Only this kind of member effort can make a difference in the halls of the legislature. When PLNA members join the lobbying effort by directly contacting their legislators and government officials, the opportunity for success increases enormously. This type of citizen activity is called grassroots campaigning. PLNA members understand that it takes citizen involvement to truly get things done. When business owners speak for themselves, legislators will listen. Combined with the efforts of PLNA professionals, grassroots campaigning is a powerful force for change.

Volunteering at the grassroots provides you with an opportunity to get involved and bring home the win! Like a relief pitcher in the ninth inning, a grassroots campaign may be called to action when a final stand is required to seal the victory. Or, it may coincide with traditional lobbying efforts throughout a legislative battle. Either way, the work of grassroots volunteers is a crucial component of PLNA’s government relations program.

PLNA's biweekly e-News keeps members up-to-date on what's happening in Harrisburg and Washington and let's you know when your help is needed.