Every year most trade associations in Sacramento have a "legislative day" where members converge on the Capitol and visit legislators' offices. This rite of spring (they actually do occur at this time of year because of the legislative calendar) is often taken for granted. This year it is even more important than usual: a new administration and 40 new legislators. This function of YOUR trade association is vitally important for the ongoing protection of our industry. In fact you could argue that affecting the legislative process is THE most important thing we do! The power of the pest control industry is in the VOICE of individuals working together. This activity rises up from the local level and from the district level that state senators and assemblypersons represent.
That is why the act of making appointments with your local legislators, and inviting them to our legislative reception, is so essential. The more members we have coming to Leg Day, the more effective PCOC can be. It is of great concern to me that, over the last couple of years, the number of attendees has slowly been dropping. This, at a time when the number of legislative threats against the pest control industry is starting to increase.
It is true that our grassroots lobbying on our elected officials should not be confined to just one day. In fact, we are in the process of developing an "adopt-a-legislator" program where legislators can spend a day with a pest control professional in their district and learn why the public needs to hire a professional. Legislators will, in this way, learn about our responsible, professional and regulated industry.
That being said, I have observed over the years, the importance that legislators place on seeing the commitment of their constituents when they take the time to come to Sacramento. Please consider making the extra effort this year and attend our PCOC Leg Day on April 27. Your participation will help educate all the new legislators that have arrived in Sacramento! You can register by clicking HERE and filling out the registration form, then faxing it to our office.