Legislative News
Click Here To Visit The CNGA Legislative Webpage
Guest Commentary by Craig Regelbrugge on H-2B Program
posted 2-20-12
Temporary and seasonal worker programs – H-2A for agriculture, H-2B for non-agricultural industries like landscaping – are the only safety nets available to such employers when they cannot fill seasonal manual labor jobs with willing and committed American workers. Read more about what Craig Regelbrugge, ANLA Vice President for Government Relations, has to say about federal rules on H-2B in his Guest Commentary.
2012 Colorado Legislative Directory from GreenCO
posted 2-14-12
GreenCO distributes a directory of Colorado's lawmakers annually to help members find and reach out to their state representatives and senators. View and download the 2012 Directory here.
2012 GreenCO Legislative Policy Positions
posted 12-30-11
The Green lndustries of Colorado is an alliance of eight trade associations representing all facets of the horticulture and landscape industries. GreenCO members are committed to water conservation and industry-wide best management practices as a way of doing business. We provide expert advice on how to select and properly care for plants and landscapes. Download the 2012 Legistlative Agenda here.
Legislative News Archive
Read older posts in the Legislative News Archive, including a November 2011 Lighthouse Program Special Report: "E-Verify Legislation Slows, But For Long?" By Craig Regelbrugge of the American Nursery & Landscape Association, updates on E-Verify legislative activity in 2011, the 2011 Colorado Legislative Session Report, 2011 law changes to taxation on pesticides, soil, peat moss and mulch used for agricultural production, and the GreenCO Political Action Committee's Candidates to Support in 2010.
Member feedback requested for CNGA Legislative positions.
Members have said State legislative representation by CNGA is the number one benefit you receive from GreenCO. For those of you who realized some tax relief with the reversal of taxation on soil, fertilizer, and peat this last year, you know first hand the benefit this involvement has for you.
Currently two members, Bill Kluth and Gene Pielin, attend the meetings and four other members, John Pinder, Dale DeJacamo, Gail Vanik, and Greg Plot, review legislation electronically and provide their feedback industry impact of bills. Their comments are taken to the full committee as part of the educational process.
This is an easy way for you to ensure your thoughts are being considered by the committee when they are taking a position of support or oppose. It also ensures we hear from members across Colorado.
The Legislative Committee has identified the four areas that are of the highest priority to the industry as a whole: Tax and Budget Policy, Immigration, Water, and Workers' Compensation.
If you would be interested in either serving on the committee or reviewing legislation in one or all four areas of priority, please contact Sharon at the CNGA office at sharris@coloradonga.org, 303-758-6672, or 1-888-758-6672. Broader the perspectives provide better the positions on issues.
Legislative Services & Updates
Representing the best interests of CNGA members at the State Capitol is the work of the GreenCO Legislative Committee. Industry member volunteers’ meets during the session, January to the first week of May, to review legislation. In partnership with contract lobbyists R.J. Hicks and Jay Hicks the committee reviews which of the nearly 600 bills introduced each year to identify those that could impact member businesses. After review, research, and discussion they determine the position GreenCO will take and offer testimony at the Capitol when needed.
Find contact information for your state senators and representatives, as well as senate and house committee member assignments, in the 2011 Colorado Legislative Directory, provided by Hicks & Associates.
CNGA works closely with the ANLA through its Lighthouse fund to advocate at a National Level and bring these issues to you.
- If you have not responded to our inquiry asking if you want to continue receiving the ANLA Lighthouse information, please do so now. We will discontinue sending this information to members who have not responded by the end of January. Only the primary contact of each member company receives this information. To make changes, click the link and fill out the form... MORE.
The legislative section will also provide you with resources that can help you find your legislators, voting information, and more.
Regulatory Updates
Go to the Regulatory Updates page to find information about various government regulatory actions affecting the industry.